The hours slipped by in a strange, weightless haze, and before Bella realized it, the night of the ball had arrived.She stood by the tall arched window of her room, arms wrapped loosely around herself, watching as the estate transformed below. Lanterns glowed along the marble paths, casting warm light over manicured hedges. Guards straightened. Servants hurried. And then—the gates began to open.Guests poured in.Luxury cars rolled through the iron gates one after another—sleek black Vantrex Aurums, silver Helion LXs, deep-blue Orion Crossfires—each door opening to release men and women dressed in power and wealth. Laughter floated upward. Confidence followed them like perfume.Bella leaned closer to the glass.She watched Morgan move briskly across the courtyard, greeting guests with practiced ease, his posture relaxed but alert. Men she had never seen before stepped out, tall and sharp-eyed, their presence commanding attention. Then came the women.Beautiful women.They gathered ju
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