PART 2

When we arrived at Madame Victoria’s palace, the ballroom glittered with diamonds, gold, and powerful guests. Isabella acted like royalty, standing proudly beside Madame Victoria.

I stayed in a dark corner, holding a tray of champagne and trying not to be noticed.

But Isabella wanted to humiliate me.

She walked over with her rich friends and laughed loudly. “Look at my servant. Maya, what are you wearing? A curtain? A street rag? You’re ruining my party.”

I lowered my head. “These are the only clothes I have.”

“I don’t care,” she snapped.

Then she knocked the tray from my hands.

Glass shattered across the marble floor. The music stopped. Every guest turned toward us.

“Security!” Isabella shouted. “Throw her out. She is a disgrace to the Imperial family.”

The guards grabbed my arms and dragged me toward the red carpet. I fell to my knees as the guests whispered.

Doña Carmela smiled coldly. “That is where you belong.”

Then a powerful voice rang through the ballroom.

“Stop. Let her go.”

Everyone turned.

Madame Victoria was coming down the grand staircase, her face pale with shock. Her eyes were fixed on my old dress.

She pushed past the guards and knelt in front of me, ignoring the crowd.

Her hands trembled as she touched the torn hem.

Isabella rushed forward. “Madame Victoria, don’t touch that dirty thing—”

“Silence!” Madame Victoria shouted.

The entire mansion froze.