The grand ballroom of the Lim estate was bathed in golden light, every corner meticulously decorated for the grand occasion—the 50th birthday of Wyatt Felix Lim. The air buzzed with the chatter of powerful figures from the underworld, politicians, and influential businessmen, all gathered to pay their respects to the formidable mafia lord.
At the heart of the celebration, Wyatt stood, basking in the admiration of his guests. Tonight was more than just a birthday—it was the perfect opportunity to announce the engagement of his mistress's daughter, **Kristina Crystal Lorre**, to a man he believed would strengthen his position. But Wyatt, blinded by ambition and arrogance, was unaware of the trap he was walking into. The man he had chosen for Kristina was, in fact, the son of one of his biggest rivals.
In the shadows, Sarah Fortex moved unnoticed, her expression a mask of indifference, though inside, she was secretly amused by her father's ignorance. Tonight's announcement was a farce, a testament to his foolishness. Sarah knew the truth, and it gave her a cruel sense of satisfaction. The very family Wyatt sought to ally with would be his undoing.
Before the announcement, Kristina wandered over to the lavish buffet table, her sharp eyes scanning the crowd. Spotting Sarah, she couldn't resist the opportunity for confrontation. She sauntered over, her heels clicking against the marble floor, a smug smile playing on her lips.
"Look who's here," Kristina sneered, her voice dripping with malice. "The forgotten daughter, gracing us with her presence."
Sarah, standing by the table, barely acknowledged Kristina's presence, her fingers idly tracing the edge of a crystal glass. She turned her head slightly, her gaze cold and unwavering. "Kristina," she said calmly, "still clinging to the scraps of my father's affection, I see."
Kristina's eyes narrowed, her smile faltering for a moment. "At least I'm not hiding in the shadows, pretending to be something I'm not. You may have your mother's blood, but you'll never be more than a ghost in this family."
Sarah's lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn't reach her eyes. "Better a ghost than a pawn in a game you don't even understand."
Kristina stepped closer, her voice lowering to a hiss. "Watch your mouth, Sarah. You might be a Fortex, but in this house, you're nothing."
Sarah's expression hardened, the icy exterior giving way to a glimmer of the monster lurking beneath. She took a step forward, her voice now a whisper, sharp and dangerous. "And you," she said, her tone cutting like a blade, "are a fool who's about to marry into the very family that will destroy my father. You think you've won his favor, but you're nothing more than a placeholder in his schemes."
Kristina's face twisted with rage, but she refused to back down. "At least I'm not hiding behind a mask, playing the tough girl in the shadows. I stand in the light, where people know my name and fear me."
Sarah leaned in, her voice dropping even lower, each word dripping with menace. "Fear? You think they fear you? They tolerate you because they have to, but me? They fear the unknown, the unseen force that can strike without warning. I don't need a spotlight to command respect, Kristina. My silence is my weapon, and when I strike, you won't see it coming until it's too late."
Kristina's confidence wavered, her eyes darting around the room, suddenly aware of the crowd that could witness her downfall. "This isn't over, Sarah."
"No," Sarah said, stepping back with a chilling smile. "It's just beginning."