The ballroom of the St. Regis was a sea of glittering chandeliers, tailored tuxedos, and the sharp, metallic flash of press cameras. It smelled of expensive champagne, rare orchids, and the distinct, intoxicating scent of Silicon Valley greed.

Clara stood at the top of the grand staircase, her han

"Clara!"

Derek’s scream tore through the chaos of the ballroom, completely unhinged. He leaped off the stage, shoving past a group of panicked angel investors who were already speed-dialing their lawyers.

"You bitch! You did this!" Derek roared, charging through the crowd.

Julian moved with te