CHAPTER 2 — THE MASK BREAKS
CHAPTER 2 — THE MASK BREAKS
The older woman blinked, then let out a sharp, mocking laugh.
“Your daughter?” she repeated, looking the server up and down. “Do you even hear yourself?”
More laughter followed from the guests. Some even turned away, amused.
But the server didn’t move.
She didn’t lower her gaze.
“I said,” she repeated coldly, “apologize to my daughter.”
For a brief moment, something flickered in the air—unease, like the atmosphere itself had tightened.
Then—
A man in a tailored black suit stepped through the crowd.
He moved with purpose. Controlled. Powerful.
The laughter stopped instantly.
He placed a respectful hand on the little girl’s shoulder.
And then he turned to the server.
“Mrs. Carter,” he said quietly, “your command?”
The color drained from the older woman’s face.
The server slowly straightened.
Her posture changed first.
May you like
Then her eyes.
The room suddenly understood—they had been looking at the wrong person all along.
