Chapter 7
“Wait,” Daniel said slowly. “Elena Maris?”
The name moved across the ballroom like wildfire. Guests immediately searched their phones. Within seconds, whispers erupted everywhere.
“Royal Meridian?”
“She’s opening next season.”
“That’s actually her?”
Mara looked around wildly, calculating, drowning beneath the realization spreading through the room.
“That’s impossible.”
Professor Albright finally turned toward her. “Why?”
Mara laughed weakly. “I mean… Lena works in production.”
“I do,” I said evenly. “Vocal production. Studio direction. Artist development. I also perform.”
The videographer’s camera continued blinking red.
May you like
Mara’s father stepped forward, flushed and confused. “Mara, did you know this?”
“No,” she snapped instinctively.
