CHAPTER 2: Champagne on the Marble
Sofia Reyes had learned to become invisible before she learned to pour champagne.
At Lancaster House, invisibility was a servant's safest uniform. She crossed the grand ballroom with a silver tray balanced in both hands, her dark hair pinned into a tight bun, her pale blue maid dress freshly pressed, her eyes fixed on the path between tuxedos, diamonds, and gowns that cost more than her year's rent. Above her, crystal chandeliers poured warm light onto gold walls and a marble floor polished enough to reflect every humiliation.
The Lancaster Legacy Gala was supposed to announce Vanessa Lancaster as the future of the family's billion-dollar empire. Vanessa wore a silver gown, a diamond necklace, and a tiny tiara that made the guests smile as if royalty had been born in Connecticut.
Sofia was passing behind the main table when Vanessa stepped directly into her way.
"Careful," Vanessa said. "My family is being honored tonight. Do not embarrass us."
"Yes, Miss Lancaster," Sofia replied.
The answer should have been enough. But Vanessa wanted an audience more than an apology. She looked at the guests, then at Sofia's uniform, and her mouth curved.
"You are standing too close to family."
Before Sofia could move, Vanessa struck the tray out of her hands.
Crystal glasses exploded across the marble. Champagne splashed Sofia's chest and skirt. The edge of the tray snapped against her fingers, sending a hot burst of pain up her arm. Sofia's shoulders jerked, her eyes squeezed shut, and a single broken cry escaped her.
"Ah! Please - why would you do that?"
The orchestra stopped. The ballroom froze. Sofia knelt beside the fallen tray, gripping her reddened hand while the champagne spread around her shoes.
Vanessa looked down, cold and smiling.
"Servants don't stand with family."
At the podium, Margaret Lancaster slowly lifted her silver head. The seventy-two-year-old matriarch held a microphone in one hand and a sealed envelope in the other.
Her face changed from guilt to command.
"Enough," Margaret said.
The word did not echo. It did not need to. Every person in the ballroom understood that the real ceremony had just begun.
