The silence in the dining room was deafening as Julian’s piercing gaze locked onto Mara.

Every wealthy guest held their breath, waiting for the billionaire’s next move.

Celeste’s laughter cut through the tension, sounding thin and desperate.

“Julian, darling, don't mind the staff, the girl is just embarrassed by her scars,” Celeste lied smoothly.

Mara’s hands trembled against the silver tray she was holding.

She looked at the seven-year-old girl, Julian’s niece, who had innocently exposed the lie.

Julian did not look at Celeste; his eyes remained fixed on the maid standing before him.

“Take it off,” Julian commanded, his voice low but leaving no room for argument.

Celeste stood up, her chair scraping harshly against the marble floor.

“Julian, you are making our guests uncomfortable over a servant!” she hissed.

Mara reached up with shaking fingers and untied the knot at the back of her head.

The ivory silk slipped away, revealing her flawless, unscarred face to the room.

Gasps rippled across the table as several guests recognized the striking features of the former model.

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Julian’s breath hitched as he took in her familiar face.

But his eyes quickly dropped to the hollow of her throat, where a tarnished silver locket rested against her skin.