“Are you alright, Mariana?” Carl whispered, his hand gently resting on her arm. He could feel the tremor in her body, the nervous energy that radiated from her like a beacon. He knew she was scared, but he also knew she was determined.
“I’m fine,” Mariana said, forcing a smile, her voice a shaky whisper. “Just a little… overwhelmed.”
“It’s okay,” Carl said, his voice reassuring. “Just remember what we talked about. Stay calm, stay focused, and don’t lose sight of your goal.”
Mariana nodded, her eyes scanning the crowd, searching for her targets. She spotted Benedict Rochester, his face a mask of indifference, his eyes scanning the room, his gaze searching for something, someone. He was surrounded by a gaggle of admirers, his charm and wealth a magnet for attention. He was oblivious to t
