The Blackwood Estate was hosting one of the most exclusive charity galas of the year.
Politicians, business leaders, and celebrities filled the magnificent ballroom beneath enormous crystal chandeliers.
Everything appeared elegant.
Until the lights suddenly dimmed.
A single spotlight illuminated a woman standing alone in the centre of the ballroom.
Her black evening gown was flawless.
Her face wasn't.
Fresh bruises and scratches marked her cheeks, while a cut on her lip told a painful story.
The guests whispered among themselves.
It was Isabella Sterling.
Only days earlier, rumours claimed she had disappeared after a violent confrontation with members of the powerful Ashcroft family.
Most people assumed she had fled the country.
Instead...
She had walked straight into their celebration.
Across the room, Victor Ashcroft laughed as he approached her.
He leaned close enough that only she could hear him.
"Still waiting for someone to save you?"
Several guests chuckled, believing Isabella had finally been defeated.
Instead of crying...
She smiled.
Then she calmly raised her eyes toward the balcony.
"Dad..."
"Lock every exit."
For a brief second...
No one moved.
Then enormous steel security doors crashed shut around the ballroom.
The heavy locks echoed through the building.
Guests rushed toward the exits.
None of them opened.
Panic spread across the room.
Victor's confident smile disappeared.
"What have you done?"
Isabella simply looked at him.
"You wanted an audience."
"Now you have one."