Milan's elite had gathered for the annual Fondazione per l'Arte charity gala, an event less about generosity and more about appearances. The chandeliers dripped with crystal light, painting the gilded ballroom in gold. Silk gowns shimmered like water under the glow, champagne glasses clinked, and the soft hum of violins laced the air.

Elena Rossi hated every second of it.

Her black gown swept the marble floor as she ascended the steps, every camera flash burning her retinas. They didn't want ...