Chapter 36: A Paper Tiger Riding a Real One's Coattails

The atmosphere inside Queen Hall froze in an instant. Every movement stalled, as if someone had hit pause. A sharp female voice cut through the air, forcing the hair-trigger standoff to hesitate. Everyone turned. A woman in a deep-purple cheongsam strode in with unhurried poise. Slim stilettos clicked against the floor, her waist swaying lightly. Each step carried a presence no one could ignore. Her delicate face held not the slightest hint of a smile, and her gaze swept over the room like a blade...