The more people underestimated you, the more freedom you had.
At twenty-six years old, Lily had mastered the art of disappearing.
Her dark hair was tied neatly beneath her service cap.
Her uniform was perfectly pressed.
Her expression remained calm no matter what anyone said.
Especially tonight.
Because tonight was not just another event.
Tonight was the Sterling Foundation Charity Gala.
The most exclusive gathering of the year.
Every important family in the city was there.
The Sterlings.
The Whitmores.
The Harringtons.
The Kingsleys.
Names that appeared on skyscrapers, hospitals, and university buildings.
Names that made ordinary people lower their voices.
Lily moved between them carrying champagne glasses.
Listening.
Watching.
Remembering.
Victoria Sterling entered the ballroom twenty minutes after the event began.
And everyone noticed.
They always noticed Victoria.
She was thirty years old, beautiful, wealthy, and perfectly aware of the effect she had on people.
Her emerald dress cost more than most people earned in a year.
Her necklace contained diamonds imported from Europe.
Her smile appeared on magazine covers.
People called her:
"The Princess of Chicago Society."
But those who worked for her called her something else.
Privately.
Cruelly.
Dangerously.
The Nightmare.
Because Victoria believed money gave her permission.