Chapter 1 - THE VENOM IN THE CRYSTAL GLASS
The grand ballroom of the Vance estate was filled with music,
and the laughter of high society echoed through the halls.
Victoria Vance stood near the velvet curtains,
holding a glass of fresh orange juice.
Suddenly,
a hand shoved her arm forward,
sending the crystal glass shattering onto the marble floor.
Woman: What the hell are you doing?!
Maid: Don't drink it!
Victoria stared in absolute shock,
her expensive dress ruined by the splashing liquid.
Woman: You just knocked over my juice!
The maid was trembling,
her face pale as a ghost under the chandelier light.
Maid: Please...
look at the table.
Victoria glanced down at the dark mahogany wood,
where the spilled juice was sizzling unnaturally.
Woman: Explain yourself.
Maid: I saw someone tamper with your drink.
A man stepped forward from the crowd,
his handsome face twisted in artificial anger.
Man: She's lying.
Julian,
Victoria's fiancé,
glared at the poor servant girl with pure venom.
Woman: Is she?
Victoria looked between her future husband and the terrified maid,
sensing a deep betrayal.
Maid: Watch this.
The maid pulled a trembling smartphone from her apron pocket,
her fingers shaking violently.
Woman: What's on your phone?
Maid: I recorded everything.
She pressed play on a short video clip,
showing the bar area clearly.
Guest: That's him!
An elderly lord pointed his finger directly at Julian,
gasping in utter disbelief.
Woman: He put something in my glass...
Victoria watched the clear video evidence,
showing Julian slipping a white powder into her drink.
Man: You don't understand!
Julian took a step back,
his eyes darting around the crowded room for an exit.
Maid: I tried to stop you before it was too late.
Clara,
the young maid,
stood proudly despite her fear.
Woman: Security!
Victoria's voice rang out like cold thunder,
cutting through the elegant music.
Security Guard: Sir,
don't move.
Marcus,
the chief of security,
blocked Julian's path with a heavy hand.
Man: Let me go!
Julian struggled against the iron grip,
his aristocratic mask completely falling apart.
Woman: How could you?
Victoria felt tears stinging her eyes,
realizing the man she loved wanted her dead.
Maid: I only wanted to protect you.
Clara lowered her head,
knowing her life would never be the same again.
The guests whispered fiercely,
as the police were called to the Vance mansion.
Julian was dragged away in handcuffs,
screaming curses into the cold night air.
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Victoria stood alone amidst the ruins of her engagement party,
realizing the danger had just begun.
