Fern approached, her eyes narrowing as she sensed my tension.
“You look… nervous,” she said, voice soft but edged with something sharper.
“Just excited for the festivities,” I replied, clutching the carrier tighter.
Suddenly, the chandelier above flickered, the phoenix logo dimming to a ghostly silhouette.
All at once, the ballroom plunged into darkness, the soft murmur of guests turning to startled gasps.
Fern’s silhouette stood opposite me, the breath of a storm lingering between us as the lights died out.
At the Reception, Elowen Confronts Barrett in a Quiet Corner
I slipped through the crowd, the leather folder hidden beneath my coat. The ballroom was a blur of polished silver and crystal, but my focus was on Barrett. He was standing near the bar, laughing with a group of friends.
I waited until he was alone before approaching. "Can we talk?" I asked, my voice steady.
He turned, a smirk playing on his lips. "Well, well, if it isn't the guest of honor. What do you want, Elowen?"
We moved to a quiet corner, away from prying eyes. I opened the folder and slid the DNA test across the table. "Explain this."
His face paled, the smirk vanishing. "What is this?"
"A court-certified DNA test. Your daughter's." I watched as the words sank in.
"No," he whispered. "That's impossible."
I leaned in, my voice low. "It's not. Your daughter exists, and she's eight months old."
Barrett's eyes darted around the room, panic setting in. "How did you—"
"I knew you'd be too arrogant to recognize the signs. Now, you have a choice. You can step up and be a father, or I can expose this to everyone here."
He froze, his breath shallow. "You wouldn't dare."
I smiled. "Try me."
A hidden camera in my purse clicked, capturing every word. The evidence was now in my hands, and I had the upper hand.
Meanwhile, Fern Discovers the Folder Tucked in Elowen's Purse
Fern, looking radiant in her pregnancy gown, was the center of attention. She moved gracefully through the crowd, greeting guests with a practiced smile.
As I returned to my table, I felt her eyes on me. She approached, her smile faltering. "Elowen, can I have a word?"
We stepped aside, her eyes narrowing. "What are you doing here?"
"I could ask you the same thing," I replied, my voice calm.
She reached into my purse, her fingers brushing against the leather folder. Her eyes widened as she pulled it out. "What is this?"
I snatched it back. "None of your business."
Her face twisted with rage. "You can't do this. If you expose this, you'll ruin everything."
"And if you don't, I'll make sure everyone here knows the truth," I countered.
Fern's voice dropped to a menacing whisper. "You think you can come here and destroy us? I'll expose your baby. I'll tell everyone who she really is."
Before I could respond, the lights flickered. Then, darkness descended. The ballroom plunged into chaos as guests cried out in confusion.
I stumbled, my heart pounding. When the lights returned, the hall was silent. Barrett lay on the dance floor, a glass of champagne shattered beside him. The police rushed in, sealing off the venue. My hands trembled as I clutched the folder, now stained with blood.
The Lights Return
The darkness lifted, and the ballroom was bathed in harsh, unforgiving light. Gasps and whispers filled the air.
