Carmen sat elegantly in a corner of the grand ballroom, her fingers wrapped around a delicate glass of champagne. She took a slow sip, letting the bubbles dance on her tongue, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of Enrico. She had arrived at the annual ball as early as she could, knowing that Enrico would be there, just as he was every year. This event was always a highlight on the social calendar, a gathering of power players from across the region, a perfect opportunity to see and be seen. She wore a deep crimson gown that clung to her curves, a choice designed to catch Enrico’s eye. Her dark hair was pulled back, and her makeup was flawless, highlighting her striking features. She had made sure every detail was perfect, she wanted to remind Enrico of the allure she held, of the