Two elderly guests were discussing an old family legend.
A legend about the Blackthorne family.
"The Pink Diamond."
A priceless diamond that disappeared twenty years ago.
Some said it was stolen.
Some said it was destroyed.
Others believed the last heir of Blackthorne took it away before vanishing.
Lily never cared about rich people's stories.
But the words caught her attention.
Because she had heard them before.
Years ago.
From the woman who raised her at the orphanage.
"Never lose that ring, Lily."
That was what Mrs. Clara had told her.
"One day, someone will come looking for it."
At the time, Lily thought it was just an old woman's imagination.
She never understood why a simple ring mattered.
She still wore it.
Hidden.
Always.
Under her black glove.
At ten thirty, Victoria became bored.
And bored people with too much power were dangerous.
She looked around the ballroom.
Then her eyes stopped on Lily.
"Come here."
Lily approached.
"Yes, Miss Sterling?"
Victoria picked up her napkin.
It had lipstick stains and food marks on it.
She held it between two fingers.
"Take this."
Lily reached for it.
Instead, Victoria smiled.
"Not like that."
Lily looked at her.
Victoria dropped the dirty napkin onto the floor.
"Pick it up."
The nearby guests became quiet.
Some looked away.
Some watched.
Nobody stopped her.