The Ashford Palace shimmered beneath sparkling crystal chandeliers as servants hurried through the enormous dining hall preparing for an exclusive dinner attended by politicians, executives, and foreign dignitaries. Every table gleamed with polished silver, while priceless paintings covered the towering walls of the historic mansion.
Among the staff worked twenty-four-year-old Emma Collins.
Dressed in a simple maid's uniform, she carefully carried a fresh bowl of homemade soup toward the head table.
She kept one protective hand resting lightly on her stomach.
Only a few people knew she was expecting a baby.
Emma had hidden her pregnancy beneath loose clothing after months of living in fear.
At the head of the table sat Margaret Ashford, the powerful matriarch of the Ashford family.
Nothing ever satisfied her.
The moment Emma placed the soup on the table, Margaret tasted one spoonful.
Her face twisted with anger.
"What is this?"
Without warning, she grabbed the bowl and hurled it toward Emma.
The hot soup exploded across the young woman's face and uniform.
She cried out in pain before collapsing onto the polished marble floor.
The guests fell silent.
Margaret pointed toward the shattered bowl.
"Make another one!"
Emma struggled to sit upright.
Tears mixed with the soup dripping from her face.
She instinctively wrapped both arms around her stomach.
"Please..."
Her voice shook.
"The baby..."
Margaret rolled her eyes.
"Stop pretending."
The servants looked away, too frightened to interfere.
Then suddenly...
A loud noise echoed through the entrance hall.
The massive glass doors swung open.
Every head turned toward the entrance.
A tall man dressed in a black suit stepped inside.
His expression immediately changed when he saw Emma lying helplessly on the floor.
He recognized her instantly.