Chapter 2: The Grand Ballroom
Valerie descended the sweeping marble staircase into the Arlington Gala. The room was a dizzying display of wealth: crystal chandeliers casting warm light, reflective floors, and guests draped in designer formalwear.
She spotted her father, Richard, holding court with local politicians. As she approached, his gaze swept over her. Finding the heavy blue cowl securely in place, he offered a stiff, approving nod. There was no warmth, only relief that his pristine image remained intact.
Caroline soon appeared by Valerie's side, holding a champagne flute. Her smile was sharp, her eyes scanning the room for an audience. Valerie maintained a calm, steady breathing rhythm, relying on her military training to manage the suffocating social pressure. She stood quietly, a soldier enduring a different kind of battlefield, simply waiting for the night to end.
