Chapter 2: The Setup
The ballroom was a sea of tuxedos and designer gowns, illuminated by three massive crystal chandeliers that hung like suspended constellations. The elite of the city mingled, their laughter mingling with the soft jazz playing from the orchestra in the corner.
Lily stood near a towering floral arrangement by the grand staircase, trying her best to blend into the wallpaper. She watched as Victoria held court, charming mayors, investors, and socialites with her practiced, dazzling smile. Every time Victoria glanced in Lily's direction, her smile didn't reach her eyes; it was a silent, venomous warning.
As the evening progressed toward the main toast, the crowd naturally gravitated toward the center of the ballroom. Victoria, seizing the moment, subtly maneuvered her way through the guests, her eyes locked on Lily.
Lily felt a sudden chill as Victoria approached. The older woman bumped into a waiter, causing a minor distraction of clinking champagne flutes, before stumbling slightly toward Lily. In a flash of practiced sleight of hand, Victoria unclasped the heavy diamond necklace. She knelt down, pretending to adjust the hem of her stunning red gown, and quietly slipped the necklace beneath the edge of Lily’s white dress.
Standing back up, Victoria waited exactly three seconds before letting out a piercing, theatrical gasp that cut through the jazz and the chatter.
"My necklace!" Victoria cried out, her hands flying to her bare collarbone. "The Sterling Diamonds! They're gone!"
The ballroom fell into a stunned silence. The orchestra stopped abruptly.
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"Someone lock the doors!" a man shouted.
Victoria’s eyes darted frantically, playing the part of the panicked victim perfectly, before slowly, deliberately, settling on Lily. She marched toward the trembling girl. Before Lily could even process what was happening, Victoria raised her hand and struck Lily across the face. The slap echoed through the silent, cavernous room like a gunshot.
