Chapter 1 - Humiliated Under the Crystal Chandeliers
The grand ballroom of the St. Regis Hotel buzzed with chatter, soft orchestral music, and the clinking of crystal glasses under massive crystal chandeliers. Towering white floral arrangements decorated every polished mahogany table. Marcus stood proudly near the center of the room, adjusting his black silk bow tie, surrounded by senior executives from Salazar Enterprises. Standing right beside him was Renata, his executive assistant, wearing a slinky, bold red silk dress with a high slit, a crystal glass of red wine balanced between her manicured fingers.
Valeria sat quietly at the edge of the table in her glamorous, embellished light blue ballgown. Her brown hair was styled in an elegant, chic updo. In her lap, she held a small, vintage beige leather designer handbag—a simple, unbranded piece given to her by her mother years ago.
"This promotion is just the beginning for us," Marcus announced loudly, raising his glass with an arrogant smirk. "When you have the right drive—and the right team by your side—nothing can stop you."
Renata giggled softly, leaning into Marcus's shoulder before swaying toward Valeria. Her eyes scanned Valeria’s blue dress with obvious disdain, landing squarely on the humble beige handbag resting in her lap.
"Is that bag a knockoff?" Renata asked in a loud, mocking voice that instantly drew the attention of nearby guests. "You really need to make a better impression if you're going to stand beside a rising vice president, Valeria."
Valeria’s face flushed red under the warm chandeliers, her fingers tightening around the leather strap. She looked up at her husband, expecting him to shut down the cruel insult.
Instead, Marcus frowned down at her, waving his hand in a dismissive, cold gesture.
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"Don’t make a scene, Valeria," Marcus snapped, his tone icy and sharp. "Apologize to Renata. She’s just trying to help you fit in."
👉 Read PART 2 to see the outrageous act Renata pulled next right in front of the entire ballroom!
