CHAPTER 9

  Aubrey's POV

  As I stepped into the grand ballroom, the room fell silent. All eyes were on me, and I reveled in the attention. I walked slowly, my silver gown shimmering under the light. My understated jewelry sparkled with a subtle elegance, screaming wealth.

  The crowd erupted into a flurry of whispers, their voices barely audible over the sound of my own heartbeat. "Who is she?" someone whispered. "She looks like royalty!"

  I caught a glimpse of Dario staggering, holding onto the table for balance. I grinned softly to myself, enjoying every bit of his agony. I had been getting updates from my assistant about how people had been bad mouthing Dario and his family, and I liked it. I had invited them intentionally to make their lives miserable and make them feel less of themselves.

  As I made my way to the stage, I could feel the weight of everyone's gaze on me. I was the queen of the night, and I knew it.