Chapter 3 - Illusions of Grandeur
Eleanor stood perfectly still, the cold champagne dripping down her coat. She didn't flinch, nor did she raise her voice. She simply looked at Chloe with a calm, penetrating gaze.
Chloe, emboldened by the silence of the room, sneered. "You really should watch where you stand," she snapped, her voice carrying across the marble floors.
"An accident," Eleanor said evenly, pulling a napkin from a passing tray to dab her coat. "There was no need for that."
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"There is every need," Chloe retorted, stepping closer. She raised her left hand, ostentatiously displaying a massive, glittering diamond engagement ring that caught the light of the chandeliers. "This area is for private guests only. You clearly don't belong here. In fact, I can have you thrown out in a heartbeat. My fiancé runs this hotel."
In the background, pushing his way through the crowd with a look of mounting horror, was Brandon. He was dressed immaculately in a tailored blue suit and a crisp white shirt. Eleanor’s eyes flicked from the arrogant woman to her General Manager. The pieces fell into place instantly. Brandon had been selling a lie to feed his fiancé's ego.
