Chapter 4
The soup was meant for donors.
Small bowls.
Perfect garnish.
Served by people Celeste never looked at unless something was wrong.
When Rafael reached for one, Celeste crossed the ballroom fast enough for her diamond earrings to catch the light.
Patricia followed several steps behind, amused.
“Who let him in?” Celeste demanded.
A security guard hesitated.
Rafael kept his head lowered.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to disturb anyone.”
His voice was changed.
Rougher.
Older.
Careful.
Celeste stepped closer.
“You smell like the street.”
Several guests laughed nervously.
That laughter fed her.
Rafael felt the shift.
People like Celeste never become cruel alone.
They borrow permission from a crowd.
He touched the hidden camera beneath his scarf, confirming the angle.
Mara was somewhere near the service entrance, waiting.
The board feed was already prepared.
All Celeste had to do was walk away.
Call security respectfully.
Ask for help.
Do anything human.
Instead, she took the soup bowl.
Patricia murmured, “Celeste, perhaps not here.”
But her tone held no real warning.
Celeste smiled.
“This is exactly where he needs the lesson.”
Then she poured the soup over his chest.
The heat was uncomfortable, but not severe.
Rafael did not move.
He looked up at her through the wet strands of the wig.
May you like
And let the ballroom see what she had chosen.
Read the full story 👉 Rafael gave Celeste every chance to stop, but she chose humiliation because the crowd made cruelty feel safe.
