Chapter 1 - The Stained Dress
The grand luxury ballroom of the Zenith Group gala gleamed under crystal chandeliers and white floral arrangements. High-society elites in tailored tuxedos and sparkling gowns filled the polished marble floor. Behind the main stage, a massive backdrop displayed the glowing "ZENITH GROUP" logo.
In the middle of the crowded hall, a cold, humiliating scene unfolded in front of dozens of watching eyes.
Julian’s sister, wearing a sparkling dark navy blue evening dress, tilted her crystal glass with a cruel smirk and intentionally poured red wine straight down Sarah Whitmore’s white silk spaghetti-strap dress. The dark red liquid soaked through the pristine fabric, staining Sarah’s shoulder and chest.
Sarah stood frozen, her sophisticated braided updo hair catching the warm overhead lights as the icy wine seeped into her skin.
Instead of defending his wife, Julian—handsome in his black tuxedo and bowtie—thrust a handful of paper napkins roughly into Sarah’s chest, his face twisted in disgust.
"Clean yourself up, Sarah!" Julian hissed in an arrogant, harsh whisper. "You're embarrassing me in front of everyone!"
Julian’s sister crossed her arms, letting out a mocking laugh. "Look at her... the nanny thinks she belongs on stage!"
Sarah stared at the handful of crumpled napkins, then slowly let them drop from her fingers onto the gleaming marble floor. Her face remained unbothered, untamed, and completely composed. She looked Julian dead in the eye with a quiet, resolute gaze that made his breath hitch.
"I'm done hiding, Julian," Sarah said in a quiet, steady voice.
May you like
Without waiting for his response, she turned her back on him and began walking straight toward the main stage, where Interim CEO Maxwell Thorne stood beside the podium microphone. Julian stepped forward in shock, reaching out frantically to grab her arm, but Sarah slipped past him with effortless elegance.
👉 Read Part 2 to discover why Julian and his family treated Sarah like a nobody for four years.
