Dinner came and went. Mr. Vale delivered his toast. Then, just as I expected, Elara caught my eye and gave a subtle nod. 

It was time. She handed me the microphone with a smile so bright it nearly burned. 

I stepped onto the stage. Straightened my spine. And faced the glittering crowd. 

“I’m honored to be standing here tonight,” I began, voice steady. “I’ve known Adrian and Elara nearly all my life. Seeing them find their way to each other… it’s a rare kind of magic. Elara is, without a doubt, the perfect woman for Adrian. They’re magnetic. Undeniable. It was always meant to be.” 

I had barely finished that sentence when a mocking voice rang out from the crowd. 

“So why are you still here, Selene? Jealousy doesn’t suit you.” 

Another chuckled, louder. “Isn’t she supposed to be gone by now? Wasn’t the whole reason she stayed with the Vale to win Adrian’s hand?” 

“I bet she just didn’t want to lose the lifestyle,” a woman in the front row added, her voice dripping venom. “Her father’s dead, and her mother’s a cripple. Who else would pay her bills?” 

Laughter rippled through the room like a poisoned tide. 

I turned my head slightly—just enough to catch Elara’s expression. She looked radiant. And utterly pleased. 

So that was the plan. Bring me here. Hand me a stage. Pretend to honor me… just to watch me fall. Even now. On her engagement night. 

I straightened. Calm. Cold. Clear. 

“To those concerned,” I began, tone light but cutting, “I graduated from Columbia. Undergraduate and graduate degrees. Full scholarship. Every credit earned. I don’t need anyone to fund my life, and I never have.” 

The room quieted slightly. 

“I’m deeply grateful to the Vale family for their training and trust. But I didn’t come here empty-handed either. I led negotiations for the Vale casino’s highest-grossing partnership. I managed the entire Northern deal. I imagine many of you have visited the Vale casino, whether for entertainment… or other transactions.” 

I turned to a sharply dressed woman near the front. “Mrs. Salr, I assisted you with yours. You may not recall the exact figure—but I do. Let’s just say, it wasn’t a favor just anyone could manage.” 

A few in the crowd shifted uncomfortably. 

“And since I stepped in, not a single deal at the Vale casino has fallen through. I do hope, Elara,” I said gently, turning back to her, “that you’ll lend Adrian your strength now. That is, if you’re not too busy focusing on… other things.”