Chapter 2: The Man Everyone Recognized
Less than two minutes later, the ballroom doors opened.
A tall man in a dark tailored suit walked inside, followed by several members of the hotel's executive staff.
The hotel manager hurried behind him, visibly nervous.
Guests immediately began whispering.
Everyone knew him.
William Hayes.
Founder of Hayes International Holdings.
One of the wealthiest businessmen in the country.
More importantly...
Victoria's husband.
William ignored every guest in the room.
He walked directly to Lily, knelt beside her, and carefully examined the bruises forming on her arm.
His expression never changed.
But everyone nearby noticed his jaw tighten.
"Who touched my daughter?"
Victoria pointed at Cassandra.
Without looking away from Lily, William quietly asked,
"Did she hurt you?"
Lily nodded through tears.
May you like
"She called me street trash."
The silence that followed felt heavier than thunder.
