CHAPTER 1: THE HUNGRY GIRL WHO ASKED FOR BREAD

“I’m hungry.”

The little girl’s voice was so weak it nearly disappeared beneath the music.

Barefoot and trembling, she stepped into the grand banquet hall.

Her dress was torn at the hem.

Her cheeks were pale.

Her small hands pressed tightly against her stomach.

Around her, silver trays carried roasted meat, golden bread, chocolate cakes, and sparkling glasses of champagne.

To the wealthy guests, it was another elegant evening.

To her, it looked like survival.

“Can I have something to eat?” she whispered.

The music softened.

Conversations stopped.

Several guests turned toward her.

Some frowned.

Others pretended not to notice.

A uniformed security guard immediately stepped forward.

“You need to leave.”

His voice was cold.

His hand landed on her shoulder.

The little girl flinched.

“I’m sorry,” she whispered.

“I only need a little bread.”

But the guard tightened his grip.

“You don't belong here.”

Several guests nodded.

Others looked uncomfortable.

No one intervened.

The child lowered her head.

Humiliation burned hotter than hunger.

Then the guard pushed her toward the exit.

And suddenly a voice echoed through the ballroom.

“Wait.”

The entire room froze.

At the head table sat an elderly man in a black suit.

Everyone knew him.

Everyone respected him.

The owner of the estate.

The man hosting the banquet.

Slowly, he rose from his chair.

His eyes never left the child.

Not her torn clothes.

Not her dirty feet.

Not her poverty.

Her face.

Something about her face had stolen the color from his own.

The room watched in confusion as he slowly approached.

Then his gaze dropped.

To the necklace hanging around her neck.

A diamond heart.

The old man stopped breathing.

His hand trembled against the table.

And for the first time all night...

fear appeared in his eyes.

“Where did you get that necklace?”