Ella’s lips curved into a faint smile. She turned slowly, deliberately, letting the cameras capture her movement without her taking a step forward yet. She could feel the tension in the air, Paige’s aura radiating a dangerous mix of fear, anger, and desperation. Every guest in the room, every member of the entourage, every camera operator, could sense the impending confrontation.
Paige’s eyes flared, voice softening to a honeyed threat. “Don’t pretend you belong here. One wrong word, one misstep, and this museum—this show—everything you’ve clawed for will collapse. Do you understand?”
Ella’s gaze held firm, unyielding. “I understand perfectly.”
Paige stepped closer, enough for their shoulders to nearly touch. “You’ve made enemies here, Ella. You’ve humiliated Vivien, threatened my publi
