Chapter 1: The Red Light Never Lies
The sirens grew louder.
This time, people moved.
Not toward Sophie—but away from me.
As if truth itself had entered the room.
Two paramedics rushed in, cutting through silk gowns and tailored suits. One of them knelt beside Sophie, pressing gauze gently against her head.
“She’s going to be okay,” he said.
But I wasn’t listening.
My eyes were locked on Preston.
For the first time… he looked uncertain.
“Security,” I called out, my voice steady—too steady.
A man in a dark suit stepped forward from the edge of the ballroom. He had been there the entire time.
Watching.
Waiting.
“Yes, ma’am?”
I pointed upward.
“The camera. I want the footage. Now.”
A ripple spread across the crowd.
My mother scoffed. “Evelyn, don’t embarrass yourself further—”
“Be quiet.”
The words landed like a slap.
She froze.
Because for the first time in my life…
I wasn’t asking.
The security officer nodded slowly.
“I’ll retrieve it immediately.”
Preston stepped forward. “That won’t be necessary.”
Too fast.
Too sharp.
Too desperate.
Every eye turned to him.
And just like that…
The room shifted.
May you like
From accusation—
To suspicion.
