Chapter 117: The Assassin’s Blade

The grand ballroom glittered with opulence. Chandeliers hung from the high ceiling, casting a soft, golden light over the room, while the rich hum of conversation mixed with the soft melodies of a string quartet. Malia stood at the edge of the crowd, her fingers delicately tracing the edge of her champagne flute. The charity gala had been her idea—her effort to rebuild some of the goodwill that had been lost in the wake of the scandal. It was meant to be a celebration, a chance to show that her company was still strong, still capable, despite everything that had been thrown at her. But as she surveyed the room, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong.