Chapter 127: Her Reckoning
Myra, now visibly trembling, grabbed Alan’s arm. "Do something! Stop her!" she shrieked, her voice cracking under the weight of her fear.
However, no one moved to obey Myra’s demands. Instead, a group of men in black suits emerged from the shadows and surrounded the stage. Their presence left no room for argument—these were not ordinary security personnel. Their stance was clear: they were protecting Ephyra, ensuring that no one would approach or disrupt what was unfolding.
The murmurs in the crowd grew louder, but the men’s presence created an invisible barrier that no one dared to cross. Ephyra, standing in the center of the storm, remained calm, her expression serene as the guests reacted around her.
From the corner of the room, a figure emerged—Leandra. Her movements were unhurried, yet her eyes blazed with fury. She approached the stage, her gown sweeping behind her like a cape.
Before she could speak, Ephyra’s voice rang out, "Mrs. Leandra Latham," she began, her tone a mix of feigned sweetness and icy control, "I hope this wasn’t too much of a surprise for you. Oh, what am I saying?" She tilted her head, her smile venomous. "You’re probably a hundred times angrier than you are surprised. And, if I had to guess, you’re itching to tear me apart right here on this stage, aren’t you?"
Leandra’s eyes narrowed, but she remained silent, her jaw clenched.
Ephyra’s expression softened into mock regret, her voice dripping with insincere apology. "I understand your anger. I broke my promise, didn’t I? The deal we made? But really, Mrs. Latham, you should’ve known better than to take my word for it. That was rather...naïve of you." Her smile widened, "Don’t worry, though. You won’t be angry for long. You see, this video?" She gestured toward the now-static screen. "This is just the appetizer. Tonight’s main course is a feast of revelations. And I assure you, there’s something on the menu for everyone."
She turned to address the crowd, her voice clear and commanding. "Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce the evening’s new program—Revelation. In this segment, we’ll be unveiling truths that are guaranteed to make your heads spin. You’re not just guests tonight; you’re witnesses. And don’t worry, I’ve prepared something special for the media as well."
Gasps rippled through the ballroom. Faces paled, and the murmurs swelled into a wave of unease. Among those visibly shaken were Myra, Alan, Leandra, Eliot, and Marianna, each of them trapped in a growing web of panic.