Inside the Whitmore estate, crystal chandeliers glittered above polished marble floors. White roses overflowed from gold vases. Nearly fifty elite guests laughed softly, champagne glasses raised, designer gowns and tailored suits filling the grand ballroom with effortless luxury.
This was the night everyone had been waiting for—the engagement celebration of Adrian Whitmore, 34, real estate tycoon and heir to a global property empire, and his fiancée Charlotte Hale, a socialite known for her beauty and impeccable image.
Adrian stood near the center of the room, smiling on cue, when the sound cut through the music.
A scream.
Sharp. Panicked.
The room stiffened.
Near the entrance, Adrian’s two-year-old son, Leo, was crying uncontrollably. His tiny face was red, tears soaking the collar of his miniature suit that perfectly matched his father’s.
But this wasn’t an ordinary tantrum.
Leo was reaching forward with both arms, his small body shaking as he screamed a single word again and again.
“Mama! Mama!”
The ballroom froze.
Charlotte’s smile cracked. “What is he doing?” she whispered harshly, gripping Adrian’s arm. “We’re about to announce the engagement.”