**Chapter 1: A Night to Remember**

The evening sun had just dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the bustling streets of downtown Manhattan. The air was alive with the hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, and the distant thrum of music drifting from the nightclubs. It was a night like any other in the city that never slept, and Lady Victoria Wellesley was ready to take on the evening in style. As she stepped out of her apartment, a sleek high-rise in the heart of Chelsea, Lady Victoria felt a thrill of excitement coursing through her veins. She had spent hours getting ready, carefully selecting every detail of her outfit to make a statement. Her raven-black hair cascaded down her back, framing her heart-shaped face and accentuating her piercing emerald green eyes. Her dress was a masterpiece of design, a fitted, floor-length gown in a rich, jewel-toned purple that hugged her curves in all the right places. The neckline was bold, a plunging V that showcased her ample cleavage and drew the eye upward to her face. She had paired the dress with a pair of stilettos, the heels clicking on the pavement as she made her way to the waiting taxi. As she slid into the back seat, Lady Victoria caught a glimpse of herself in the rearview mirror and smiled, satisfied with her reflection. She was a woman who knew her own power, and she was ready to wield it tonight. Her destination was a charity gala at one of the city's swankiest hotels, and she was determined to make a lasting impression. The taxi dropped her off at the hotel entrance, where a sea of paparazzi and camera crews waited to capture the arrivals. Lady Victoria flashed a bright smile as she stepped out onto the red carpet, her eyes scanning the crowd for familiar faces. As she made her way into the hotel, she was immediately enveloped in a whirlwind of activity. The air was thick with the scent of champagne and canapés, and the sound of laughter and music filled her ears. She was greeted by a string of well-wishers and admirers, all clamoring for her attention. But as she smiled and chatted her way through the crowds, Lady Victoria couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. A shiver ran down her spine, and she glanced around, her eyes scanning the room for any sign of trouble. And then, just as she was starting to relax, she felt a sudden, searing pain in her throat. She stumbled backward, her hand flying to her neck as a warm trickle of blood began to flow down her chest. The room around her began to spin, and Lady Victoria felt herself falling, her vision narrowing to a single, terrifying thought: she was going to die.