The gala was more dazzling than anything Lila had imagined. Crystal chandeliers hung like frozen waterfalls, casting fractured light across a sea of impeccably dressed guests. Cameras clicked constantly, capturing every move. For a moment, Lila froze, feeling the weight of every eye on her. Liora Cade wasn't just admired—she was worshiped.
And now, Lila had to live up to that image. She adjusted her posture, mimicking the poise she'd studied countless times on-screen, and forced a confident smile. Security briefings ran through her mind like rapid-fire reminders: stay alert, observe behavior, be ready to react. This was no movie set. This was real, with real consequences.
Then the alarms rang. Sharp. Piercing. Panic spread like wildfire. Guests screamed and ducked under tables, the polished atmosphere shattered. Lila's heart leapt. This was exactly the kind of moment she had idolized in films—but this was not acting. This was life. And she had to survive it.