Vanessa placed her champagne glass on a nearby table.
"I'm going over there."
Her closest friend frowned.
"Vanessa..."
"Not now."
She crossed the ballroom.
Every step fueled by jealousy.
Every whisper convinced her she was right.
Guests turned to watch.
The cameras followed.
No one realized they were about to witness a moment that would dominate every headline by morning.
Emily noticed Vanessa approaching.
She smiled politely.
"Good evening."
Vanessa ignored the greeting.
Instead, she looked directly at Adrian.
"Who is she?"
The ballroom fell silent.
Adrian answered calmly.
"I'll explain in a moment."
"No."
Vanessa folded her arms.
"You'll explain now."
Several executives exchanged uncomfortable glances.
Reporters quietly lifted their cameras.
Adrian's expression remained composed.
"This isn't the time."
Vanessa laughed bitterly.
"Of course it isn't."
She looked Emily up and down.
"The mysterious young woman arrives wearing a custom-made couture gown..."
She glanced toward Adrian again.
"...on the arm of my fiancé."
Emily took a nervous step backward.
"I think there's been a misunderstanding."
Vanessa finally looked at her.
"Oh?"
"What exactly are you to him?"
Emily hesitated.