The ballroom glittered like a palace of glass and gold. Crystal chandeliers shimmered above rows of silk-draped tables. Cameras flashed. Waiters moved like shadows. It was the charity gala of the year, hosted by billionaire tech mogul Marcus Vale.
The ballroom glittered like a palace of glass and gold. Crystal chandeliers shimmered above rows of silk-draped tables. Cameras flashed. Waiters moved like shadows. It was the charity gala of the year, hosted by billionaire tech mogul Marcus Vale. At the entrance stood Amara. She wore a simple black dress—elegant, not extravagant. She wasn’t on the guest list of celebrities or heirs. She was there because she had won a national innovation award for designing a low-cost water purification system for rural communities. The foundation had invited her. She stepped inside, nervous but proud. Marcus Vale noticed her almost immediately. He leaned toward one of the organizers. “Who let her in?” “She’s one of the award recipients,” the woman replied quietly. Marcus walked over, smile tight and controlled. “Excuse me,” he said, scanning Amara from head to toe. “This event is private.” “I know,” Amara answered calmly. “I’m here for the innovation award presentation.” His expressio...