The thunderous applause from the high-society crowd echoed off the high gilded ceilings, but inside Elena’s chest, the silence was deafening. Zachary maintained his heavy, possessive grip on her waist as they bowed gracefully to their guests, the picture-perfect image of corporate royalty. Flashbulbs from the authorized media crew exploded in rapid succession, capturing her flawless, radiant smile and the glittering family diamonds resting heavily against her collarbone. "Keep smiling, Elena," Zachary murmured smoothly through his teeth, his eyes scanning the crowd with a sharp, predatory satisfaction. "You just gave them exactly what they wanted to see." As the orchestra began a lighter, uptempo melody, the tension on the floor broke, and other elite couples began to join them on the marble space. Zachary guided her toward the VIP lounge area, where waiter servers in crisp white uniforms immediately offered them flutes of vintage champagne. Elena took a glass, her fingers trembling
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