The final note of the waltz faded into thunderous applause, but Lena barely heard it. Her hand was still trembling in Adrian's as they bowed politely, whispers buzzing louder than the music.
"See?" Adrian's lips brushed her ear. "They can clap for us as well as whisper about us."
She forced a smile, but dread gnawed at her. It's not over. It's only beginning.
Moments later, a commotion rippled near the ballroom entrance. A reporter, red-faced and breathless, had slipped past the staff, waving his phone. Murmurs swelled, growing sharper.
Then came the words that made Lena's blood turn to ice.
"Breaking news!" he shouted. "Daniel Hart, father of Lena Hart, accused of embezzlement, fraud, and theft—millions missing! Investors ruined!"
The room fell into a stunned hush.
Crystal glasses slipped from hands, shattering against marble. Gasps broke through the silence, followed by a surge of voices—horrified, gleeful, vicious.
"Fraud?"
"Her father?"
"She's ruined—Adrian Knight brought a criminal's daughter here?"
Lena's vision blurred. Her knees weakened, and for a heartbeat she thought she might collapse right there among the glittering gowns and tailored suits.
Adrian's arm tightened around her instantly, pulling her close. His voice was a blade cutting through the chaos.
"Enough."
The crowd quieted, not out of courtesy, but out of fear. Adrian Knight's fury was a rare sight, and no one dared meet his eyes.
He looked down at Lena, her face pale, her lips trembling. "Breathe," he commanded softly. "Stay with me."
But she shook her head, tears threatening to spill. "Adrian, I—"
"Don't," he interrupted firmly, his hand cupping her cheek, forcing her to meet his gaze. "This is their noise. Not your truth."
The ballroom erupted again, flashes of cameras, eager voices calling questions. And across the room, Clara Hayes stood with her champagne glass raised, her smile sharp and victorious.
The whispers had become roars. And no matter how tightly Adrian held her, Lena felt it—the world she'd been so desperate to build was collapsing piece by piece.