Minutes later, when the prom-royalty ballots were passed out, the shift became unmistakable. Whispers spread. Pens scratched. And when the names were announced, neither Chase nor Amber heard theirs. The applause was polite, restrained, yet every clap felt like a quiet verdict.
Meanwhile, across the room, Richard didn’t even glance toward the stage. He was laughing softly at something Shirley said, relaxed and grounded in a way she’d never seen before. He didn’t need a crown. He’d already won the night.