Chapter 4

The gala was held in the Directorate's grand hall, a place of soaring ceilings and marble floors. A place where I was once honored. Tonight, I was a spectacle.

I walked in alone, the whispers following me like a physical touch. I saw pity in some eyes, contempt in most.

Marcus, Alex, and Chloe were holding court near the stage, laughing with other agency elders. They were the perfect family. The picture of power and integrity.

Then I saw my father.

He was a respected Directorate elder, a man who had built his life on a reputation of honor. He saw me and his face hardened. He walked straight towards me, his steps firm.

He didn't stop until he was standing right in front of me. The crowd quieted, sensing a confrontation.

"You," he spat, his voice shaking with rage. "You have disgraced this family. You have shamed our name."

Before I could react, his hand flew up and he slapped me across the face. The sound cracked through the silent hall. My cheek stung, but the public humiliation was a deeper wound.

"You will cede the family's legacy to Chloe," he commanded, his voice loud for everyone to hear. "She is worthy of it. You are nothing."

I stood there, frozen, the side of my face burning. I looked past him, searching for Marcus. For my husband.

He was watching from across the room. He saw the slap. He heard the words.

He held my gaze for a single, cold second. Then he turned his back on me. He and Alex moved to Chloe's side, putting comforting arms around her as she feigned distress at the ugly scene. They walked her away, leaving me alone in the center of the room, surrounded by my own ruin.

My father turned and walked away without another word. He had made his choice. He had sided with power.

I was utterly and completely alone.