The stepmother

As Tess made her way through the crowd, a regal figure emerged from the shadows, commanding attention with an air of authority and poise. The CEO, known for her ruthless business acumen and sharp wit, gazed at Tess with a calculating eye. She was wearing a red scarlet gown that trailed on the floor, with a plunging V neckline, and a large diamond pendent nestled just above her bosom. The pendent was certainly eyecatching, Tess thought. "Ah, welcome to our humble gathering," she said, her voice dripping with sweetness as she extended a manicured hand. "I'm Victoria, the one who makes the magic happen around here." Tess's eyes narrowed slightly, sensing the undertones of condescension beneath Victoria's polished facade. She shook hands firmly, her own grip steady. "It's lovely to meet you, Ms. Victoria," Tess replied, her tone neutral but polite. As they exchanged small talk, Tess caught snippets of conversation from nearby guests, hinting at a complex web of alliances and rivalries within the company. It seemed that Victoria had a particular... let's say, "interest" in her nephew, Jeff, who was not only the vice-president but also her adopted son – or so she claimed. Tess's radar picked up on the subtle tension between Victoria and Jeff, a tension that hinted at deeper resentments and unspoken resentments. She wondered if there might be more to their relationship than met the eye, and whether this seemingly benevolent CEO might actually be hiding a darker side. Would Jeff be an ally or like his mother? Could Jeff be trusted? Meanwhile, Jeff himself watched Tess from across the room, his expression unreadable behind a mask of charm. For now, he was content to observe her from afar, assessing her as a potential threat or ally – depending on how things unfolded.

go to the ball

catch on the stepmom