Felix barely looked at the masked staff and then glanced at me like none of it mattered. “Danica,” he said calmly, “you’re the center of tonight. No one’s stealing your spotlight. Masks keep the background where it belongs.”
My stomach dropped. I think… I already knew.
Before I could say anything, people started crowding in, all smiles and fake admiration.
“Mr. Gallardo’s still crazy in love, huh?”
“Mrs. Gallardo is so lucky.”
“I heard he bought her a five billion dollar mansion for their anniversary.”
“They say every year his gifts get bigger. His love too.”
Love. The word made me feel sick.
Then suddenly—fabric tearing. The sound cut straight through the room.
A waitress had fallen, her dress ripped high up her thigh, exposing way too much. She scrambled up, shaking. “I’m sorry… I’m so sorry…”
No one moved. No one even looked at her properly. Because everyone was scared. Felix didn’t tolerate mistakes. Not tonight. Not ever. I saw it in their faces. They thought she was dead.
Felix’s voice came out cold enough to freeze the room. “Come with me.”