Crystal chandeliers cast amber pools across marble floors where designer heels clicked against polished stone.

Champagne bubbles caught the light as guests moved in practiced clusters, their laughter weaving through string instruments melodies.

A man in an emerald suit circulated through the crowd, pressing business cards into manicured hands. His laugh boomed above conversations, drawing sideways glances from nearby guests who stepped back slightly, an irritated look on their faces.

He ...