Chapter 5 - The Grand MasqueradeThe Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Regency was filled with the city’s elite. Crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling light over men in tuxedos and women in shimmering evening gowns.
Lucas Stephens was in his element. Holding a glass of champagne, standing next to a stunning Melisa Vance in a emerald green gown, he was basking in the admiration of investors, judges, and high-society peers.
"To the future of Stephens & Vance Development!" a fellow investor toasted.
"To the future," Lucas beamed, slipping an arm around Melisa’s waist when they thought no one was looking. "A future built on vision, patience, and knowing when to cut away the dead weight."
Melisa giggled softly. "When are you finally going to tell Margot about the divorce?"
"Monday," Lucas whispered, his eyes gleaming with arrogance. "By Monday, all the asset transfers will be finalized. She’ll get a small monthly stipend, a modest condo on the outer edge of town, and she can spend the rest of her life writing her little stories. She won't even know what hit her."
Suddenly, the heavy double doors of the ballroom opened.
The chatter in the room dimmed slightly as people turned to look.
Walking down the grand staircase was Margot Stephens.
She wasn't wearing her usual modest pastels or timid posture. She was clad in a floor-length, blood-red silk gown that fit her magnificently. Her silver-streaked hair was styled in an elegant, modern updo, and her eyes held a sharp, commanding brilliance that made her look like royalty.
Lucas froze. His champagne glass stopped halfway to his mouth. "Margot? What the hell is she doing here?"
Melisa stepped back, her smile instantly fading into confusion.
Margot walked smoothly across the polished marble floor, the crowd parting for her naturally. She looked striking, confident, and utterly unbothered.
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"Margot!" Lucas forced a warm, albeit panicked, smile, stepping forward to intercept her before she reached his business partners. "Darling, what a surprise! I thought you were staying home to write tonight."
"I was, Lucas," Margot said, her voice carrying clearly across the surrounding circle of influential guests. "But then I realized... the climax of my story was happening right here, and I wouldn't miss it for the world."
