Chapter 3 - The Price of Arrogance
Victoria’s smirk widened, taking his quiet response as a sign of absolute weakness. She raised her manicured hand and pointed a single diamond-encrusted finger toward the heavy double doors leading to the service corridor.
"Get out before the owner of this hotel sees you," Victoria sneered, leaning in slightly so her voice carried across the nearest three tables.
Ethan looked at her hand, then looked down at the half-filled champagne glass still resting in her manicured fingers.
Without saying a single word, Ethan reached out. His gloved movement was so fast and smooth that Victoria didn't even have time to pull her hand away. His large, firm hand wrapped around the stem of her crystal flute and gently removed it from her grip.
Before Victoria could register what was happening, Ethan raised the glass and tipped it upside down directly over her shoulder.
The cold champagne splashed across her pristine crimson dress, soaking into the delicate silk bodice and leaving a dark, heavy stain down her front.
Victoria’s mouth dropped open in shock, her breath catching in her throat. "What—"
Ethan didn't give her time to finish. He reached past her, grabbed the armrest of the VIP chair, and pulled it away from the banquet table with one swift, effortless tug.
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Victoria, caught off balance on her six-inch heels, lost her footing completely. She stumbled backward, flailing her arms as her heels skidded on the slippery marble floor. She crashed heavily into the elaborate dessert table directly behind her.
The long mahogany banquet table groaned and tipped sideways. A five-tier glass display pyramid collapsed with a deafening explosion of breaking crystal, sending fine china, spilled punch, and cream pastries cascading across the floor in every direction. Victoria landed hard on her side amidst the wreckage, her crimson gown ruined, her styled hair falling into chaos, and her face flushed with pure, hysterical rage.
