The Ivory Crown Hotel, Grand Ballroom

“Hello everyone! Live and loud from the Ivory Crown Hotel!” Eliana Rain, an influencer with over seven million followers, grinned at her phone, selfie stick held high.

She spun slowly, showing off the grand ballroom: crystal chandeliers dripping light, white orchids cascading from every table, golden accents gleaming, hundreds of guests mingling elegantly under the glow.

“For those just joining, this is the anniversary gala of one of the state’s top billion-dollar companies. You guessed it—Ashbourne Global!” Her eyes sparkled. “Forty years in business, and seven years under Gregory and Chloe Harrington. Energy is electric, champagne is flowing, and the guest list? Absolutely insane.”...