Chapter 10 - The Gala of Judgment
The Vance grand ballroom was a spectacle of absolute luxury.
Chandelier light danced across gold walls, and the air was filled with classical music.
Hundreds of elite guests chatted, laughing and drinking expensive champagne.
Julian and Victoria slipped through the doors, trying to avoid attention.
They looked disheveled, their desperation rolling off them in waves.
Suddenly, the music stopped, and a spotlight shined on the grand staircase.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer proclaimed through the speakers.
"Please welcome the new CEO of the Vance Group, Anastacia Vance!"
Chloe stepped into the light, wearing a breathtaking midnight-blue gown.
She wore a diamond necklace that cost more than the entire Sterling estate.
She descended the stairs like royalty, every eye in the room fixed on her.
Julian stared at her, his heart aching with regret and desire.
She used to be his. She used to look at him with love.
And he had traded her for a life of superficial pride.
Victoria tried to push through the crowd to reach her, but guards stopped her.
"Let me through! I need to speak to her!" Victoria demanded.
Chloe noticed the commotion and gestured for the guards to let them pass.
The crowd parted, creating a path of shame for Julian and Victoria.
They walked forward, hundreds of wealthy eyes judging their pathetic state.
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"Ah, the Sterlings," Chloe said, her voice carrying across the silent room.
"I didn't think you'd have the audacity to show your faces here."
