Chapter 2 - The Collision
Navigating through the opulent crowd, Eleanor kept her eyes on the structural details of the floral arrangements near the grand staircase. She wasn't looking for trouble, just taking mental notes. As she stepped around a marble pillar, a sudden, sharp collision jolted her.
"Watch it!" a shrill voice cut through the hum of polite conversation.
Eleanor stumbled back, regaining her balance. Standing before her was a woman in her late twenties, wearing a breathtaking, sparkling silver V-neck gown. Her blonde hair was swept up in an intricate, flawless updo. This was Chloe, a woman who wore her entitlement as visibly as the massive diamonds resting on her collarbone.
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Before Eleanor could offer a polite apology, Chloe’s eyes narrowed with disdain. Looking Eleanor up and down—taking in the simple trench coat and lack of formal wear—Chloe made a split-second judgment. In a flash of unwarranted fury, Chloe flicked her wrist. The icy contents of her champagne flute hit Eleanor squarely in the chest, the pale liquid splashing against her neck and soaking into the collar of her cream top.
A collective gasp echoed from the bystanders. The music seemed to dim as heads turned toward the commotion.
