The grand ballroom of the Cardwell Industries headquarters buzzed with anticipation.

Crystal chandeliers cast prisms of light across marble floors, while distinguished guests in tailored suits and designer gowns mingled beneath towering columns adorned with the company's insignia.

Ava stood before her full-length mirror in the private suite, her hands trembling as she smoothed the emerald silk dress Patricia had insisted she wear.

"It brings out your eyes, darling," Patricia said from ...