The ballroom of The Blackwood Grand Hotel shimmered with gold and crystal like a scene torn from a fairy tale. A string quartet played in the corner, and a thousand tiny lights sparkled from chandeliers overhead.
The Caldwell family gathered at the engagement party venue, polished and pristine as if nothing had happened.Crystal had briefed her husband Harold Caldwell and son Dean of the situation at hand. Crystal raised a glass to her daughter.
"To the future Mrs. Blackwood."
Georgia smiled tightly, the taste of victory on her lips.
"Don't worry about the tramp, sweetheart. if she survives what we did to her, she'd leave town and never look back," Crystal said with a laugh.
Georgia joins in but then stops. "What about the baby, mom?"
"The baby is as good as gone sweetheart. You have nothing to worry about," She said with a reassuring hand on her daughter's shoulder.
" Now you must focus on being Mrs. Blackwood. That's all that matters now," She added sternly.
"Of course mother"
What Georgia wants most is control — of her life, her social standing, and especially of the Blackwood fortune. Her engagement to Eric Blackwood isn't about love; it's about securing her place beside one of the most powerful men in the business world. Emma's sudden appearance triggers every one of Georgia's fears: being replaced, losing her grip on Eric, and failing in her mother's eyes.
Still She can't help but feel spited. How dare he bring his mistress into their home on their engagement day? She thought, fury threatening to spill over.
"But mom," She began, voicing her thoughts. Eric disrespected me, I'm so mad at him," she fumed.
"Come on dear, don't get carried away now," Crystal warned.
"Remember what's at stake."
"I know mom," Georgia began, irritation flickering in her voice. "I love Eric, but if he's going to keep me on the sidelines and parading with his mistress I —"
Crystal set the glass down with a sharp clink.
"Stop it, Georgia."
The command froze her in place.
"This isn't about you."
Georgia blinked, momentarily stunned.
"Then what is it about?"
She lowered her voice.
"It's about power. It's about survival. It's about securing our bloodline in a world run by men like Eric Blackwood — men who smile at you at gala dinners while holding daggers behind their backs."
"You think those boardroom sharks care about you? About me? About our family? No. But the moment you wear his ring, carry his child, and claim your seat at his table, you become untouchable."
Georgia's voice wavered.
"And if he… doesn't want me?"
Crystal's expression hardened.
"Then you make him want you. You make him need you. You give him no room for scandal, no room for doubt. And if anyone — anyone — threatens that position, you eliminate them."
She stepped closer, lowering her voice to a venomous whisper.
"I didn't spend thirty years clawing our family's way back to the top to watch it crumble because my daughter got cold feet or sentimental over a man."
Georgia swallowed hard, her heart pounding. She'd always known her mother was ruthless, but hearing it so plainly left no room for pretense.
"So that's all this is to you," she said quietly. "A transaction."
Crystal offered a brittle, dangerous smile.
"It always has been, darling. The only difference is whether you end up the queen… or the discarded pawn."
The clock chimed in the background. A decision loomed.
And in that moment, Georgia realized what was truly at stake: her family's fortune, her place in society, and the terrifying truth that in their world, blood and legacy were worth more than love.
The guests began to arrive and Crystal slipped into the charming hostess, dishing out smiles and receiving compliments gracefully.
While Georgia remained lost in thought.
————
The guest had all arrived. Laughter floated through the air, the clinking of champagne glasses among guests in designer gowns and bespoke suits — a perfect backdrop to a gathering of power, wealth, and whispered ambition.
But Eric Blackwood wasn't listening to any of it.
He stood near the entrance, scanning the room, a tight knot of unease sitting low in his gut. He'd arrived later than planned — a conference call with an overseas partner had dragged on — but when he'd walked in and found no sign of Emma, the evening had soured immediately.
She should've been here by now.
He'd left her resting at the house over an hour ago, and Emma was never late. Not without calling.
He'd told her to rest for a while at the mansion, then Taylor would bring her to the party. But Taylor had returned saying she insisted she come by herself. Eric hadn't expected her to stay long — just enough time to meet Georgia, show face, and slip out before the evening turned wild. But as time dragged on, unease gnawed at him.
He pulled out his phone and dialed her number again. Straight to voicemail.
His jaw clenched.
"Eric, darling," came Georgia's voice as she sidled up to him, her hand snaking around his arm. Her smile was brittle, her eyes harder than usual. "Why the sour face? Tonight's about us."
Her tone was light, but there was something brittle beneath it. A hint of mockery he couldn't quite place.
" I told you I have a surprise for you earlier. It's my sister. She was supposed to be here an hour ago. It was supposed to be a surprise," he said, eyes still scanning the crowd.
"No," she said coolly, "Maybe she changed her mind. Maybe she found out some secret and decided to leave."
Eric turned to look at her fully, frowning.
"What do you mean?"
Before he could get an answer, Crystal and Harold Caldwell appeared, all polished poise and predatory charm.