My sister threw red wine across my dress uniform and told me I didn’t belong in that ballroom, my father told security to take me out before I embarrassed his future son-in-law, and I looked at the stain running over my ribbons, checked the countdown on my watch, and said, “You’re right. I don’t,” because in sixty seconds the room was about to learn why I had really come

The room fell into a strange kind of silence where the only sounds were the distant clinking of glasses and the steady rhythm of the band. Jessica blinked once in confusion before laughing at what she thought was a hollow threat.

Oh my god, are you actually serious right now, she asked while crossing her arms over her silk dress. What is that supposed to be, some kind of dramatic threat you learned at the academy?

Russell scoffed and told me that this was not a military base where I could act like I was in charge of the situation. He stopped talking not because I interrupted him but because I simply stared at him with an expression that made his confidence waver.

Preston was the only one who seemed to be doing the math as he studied my face for any sign of a bluff. He had seen people break under pressure before but my calm demeanor in this chaotic situation was starting to look like a problem.

What exactly do you think is going to happen when that clock hits zero, Preston asked with a tone that was casual but no longer careless. I did not provide an answer because the ticking of the watch was doing the work for me.

The air in the ballroom changed as people started listening to the silence instead of the music. Jessica nudged Preston and told him to relax because she believed I was just being dramatic since I was not getting my way.

I remained perfectly still while letting the wine drip freely as a nearby waiter hesitated to step in and help. Preston exhaled slowly while forcing his smile back into place and straightening his cuffs for the audience.

All right, let us say that I am curious about what your big plan is, he said with a mocking tilt of his head. You will see, I replied with a directness that caused the tension in the room to tighten significantly.

Something shifted in the atmosphere as even the most distant guests stopped pretending to eat their dinner. Jessica opened her mouth to throw another insult but Preston raised his hand to stop her without even looking in her direction.

Forty seconds remained on the clock while the music kept playing and the guests watched us with growing intensity. For the first time since I arrived, the smile on Jessica’s face did not look quite as perfect as her expensive dress.