Mara Sterling's eyes widened in feigned horror, her pupils dilating like a camera lens capturing a shocking scene. Her brother's question hung in the air like a challenge, a gauntlet thrown down in a silent showdown. She instinctively turned her head, her gaze piercing through the room like a dagger, and fixed Valeria with a glare so venomous it could curdle blood. The air seemed to vibrate with tension as Mara's tears began to flow, each droplet a carefully crafted lie, a masterpiece of deception.
"Is she the one who dared to lay hands on you?" Vivian's voice was low and menacing, a growl that sent a shiver down the spines of the guests. His words dripped with malice, a subtle hint of a long-simmering feul.
Mara's voice trembled, a masterful performance, a symphony of sorrow and outrage. "Vivian, I was merely sharing stories of our family's accomplishments with my friends when she...she snapped. Jealousy consumes her, no doubt fueled by her own impoverished upbringing." Mara's eyes sparkled with false tears, her face a mask of innocence, a porcelain doll's facade.
Leila and Anthonio, Mara's parents, were completely taken in by their daughter's act. Their faces darkened with rage, their eyes blazing with a desire for retribution. They turned on Valeria, their gazes piercing her like daggers, but they restrained themselves, unwilling to unleash their fury in front of their esteemed guests. The silence was oppressive, a heavy blanket smothering the room.
Valeria, serene and unflappable, sipped her water, her eyes never leaving Mara's face. She seemed to be waiting for something, her calm demeanor a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing around her.
As the waiters refilled the glasses, Valeria's gaze fell upon the wine, its ruby red color glowing like a beacon, a siren's call to the senses. She raised the glass, her lips curling into a subtle smile, and took a sip. The flavors danced on her palate, a complex symphony of sweet and savory notes, a harmony of oak and berries. Sherry, she identified, her mind working with lightning speed, a connoisseur's appreciation.
After drinking for a while, Valeria prepared to leave the hall since she was bored but however…
As she turned to leave, a sharp voice cut through the hall. "Hey, you! Come here!", Leila commanded. The room fell silent, with all eyes on the unfolding scene. Valeria paused, unfazed, and then she continued walking away. But suddenly…
in a blur of motion, a figure appeared behind her, causing gasps from the onlookers. Vivian stood still and steady behind her unmoving with his eyes locked on her. He had moved with supernatural speed when he saw Valeria completely ignore his mother's command.
Valeria knew exactly who stood behind her, but she didn't flinch. She simply smirked and took a step forward ignoring him completely. This fueled Vivian's anger so much because she had not only ignored Leila, she had ignored him too.
He yanked her hand suddenly, pulled her back to the Sterling family's table and threw her to the floor like a rag doll. Valeria's eyes momentarily flashed from black to dark red, indicating that she was in a fit of rage.
Mara however, smirked as she saw Valeria being thrown to the floor and when she saw blood trickle from Valeria's lips, her smirk grew wider. She was quite satisfied that her brother had taught Valeria a lesson by beating her up.
Leila's glare pierced Valeria. "So, you're the one who dared to beat up my daughter?" The Sterlings continued to taunt her, oblivious to the danger in Valeria's changed eyes. Valeria stood up, her eyes returning to normal, but her aura now radiated an intimidating energy. "Who exactly are you?" she challenged Leila, who laughed out loudly.
Then suddenly, a voice from the crowd piped up, "Are you joking? This is the Sterling family, one of the most powerful in the city! You dare to say you don't know? I see you have a death wish…" A middle aged man spoke as he walk towards the Sterling's table. He also came from a good family in the city. His family was among the top 10 in the city but, even his family couldn't dare to offend any of the Sterlings because they were not only rich and powerful but also, very dangerous. Everyone present was keenly aware of the extent of the power of the Sterlings so they were quite astonished when they saw Valeria act so carelessly.
…
Valeria on the other hand was completely careless about the conversation that was going on. She seemed to not hear or know what was going on at that moment because her corruption was kicking in, and she was struggling to maintain control. "I don't care who you are. Get out!!" She prepared to depart, knowing that losing control would lead to a disastrous outcome.