Chapter 40

A ghastly pall settled over the grand ballroom as the projector cast its unwelcome spectacle, the luminous screen demanding the attention of every glittering eye. The air that was once thick with jovial chatter and the sweet strains of violin and cello, had soured, the collective breath of the gathered guests seized by the unfolding drama on the projector screen.

Jackson and Emily in that enclosed space, his fingers tipping her chin while they shared a knowing look even though no one could hear what they were saying, it was a scandal. The murmur rose like a tempest swell as the crowd pieced together the story—the unflinching display of betrayal written in the bold font of live feed, broad for all to see.

Ethan stood, glaring at the screen as he felt all eyes on him. He couldn’t bear to look at his parents, his father especially, tutting his head in disappointment, what the hell was Jackson doing? The young boy was too much of a daredevil for him to comprehend. The room blurred in Eth