Chapter 10: The Gala

Chapter 10: The Gala

The next evening, the Oakhaven Charity Gala was in full swing.

The grand ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton was a spectacle of obscene wealth. It was bathed in the golden glow of a massive crystal chandelier. Men in tailored tuxedos and women in breathtaking, glittering gowns mingled around the room, sipping champagne and exchanging corporate secrets disguised as polite small talk.

I stood near the grand staircase, holding a glass of sparkling water. I was wearing a sleek, backless black gown and diamond drop earrings. My hair was swept up, and my face was a flawless mask of polite, unreadable calm.

Vivian Cole stood beside me, looking stunning in a deep crimson dress. She took a long, cynical sip of her champagne.

"I absolutely hate these things," Vivian muttered, scanning the crowd with sharp eyes. "Half the men here are trying to hide their offshore accounts, and the other half are trying to look down my dress."

"Just smile and take their money," I said, my voice smooth and detached. "It is good for the brand."

"I would rather gouge my eyes out with a cocktail fork," Vivian replied. "I see Victor Lang heading this way. I am going to go find the bar."

Vivian vanished into the crowd before I could protest. A moment later, Victor Lang stepped into her place.

Victor was the CEO of Lang & Associates, the second-largest design firm in the city. He was tall, arrogant, and wore a bespoke suit that was far too tight around his chest. He had been trying to steal my clients for years, and he had a reputation for being ruthless with his employees and predatory with women.

"Chloe," Victor drawled, his eyes sweeping over my dress with an unsettling hunger. "You look absolutely magnificent tonight. I see you came alone. Again."

"I prefer my own company," I said, my voice flat. "What do you want, Victor?"

"Just to congratulate you," he said, a smug smile playing on his lips. He stepped closer, the scent of his expensive cologne invading my space. "I heard about the waterfront project. You really managed to strong-arm Harrison into signing. I have to admit, I am impressed. But I also hear you are looking to expand into the luxury resort market."

"I am always expanding," I replied, refusing to step back.

"So am I," Victor said, his voice dropping to a low, conspiratorial whisper. "Which means we are going to be seeing a lot more of each other. I did some digging on you, Chloe. You showed up in Oakhaven five years ago with nothing but a single suitcase and a newborn baby. No husband. No family. No past. It is a very interesting mystery."

My blood ran cold, but my face remained a mask of complete indifference. I would not let this snake crack the walls.

"Are you threatening me, Victor?" I asked.

"I am just saying," he smirked. "If you want to stay on top, maybe you should be a little nicer to the people who can tear you down. Meet me at my hotel tomorrow. We can discuss the Henderson resort. And maybe, over some wine, you can tell me who the father of your son really is. Was it a scandal? A married man? Is that why you ran away?"

I stared at him. A year ago, a threat like that would have terrified me. But I was not the same woman anymore. I was a shark in a sea of minnows.

I set my glass of water down on a nearby table. Then, I stepped right into his space, forcing him to take a step back.

"Victor," I said, my voice loud enough for the nearby investors to hear. "I know about the bribes you paid to the city inspector to get the Oakhaven Plaza approved. I know about the mold you covered up in the downtown apartments. And I have copies of all of it."

Victor's face drained of color. "You are bluffing."

"Try me," I said, smiling sweetly. "If you ever speak to me, or mention my son again, I will send those files to the IRS and the local news. Your career will be over before you finish your champagne."

Victor stared at me, his mouth opening and closing. He looked like a fish gasping for air. He turned and walked away, practically running toward the exit.

I picked up my water, my hands steady. The investors around me pretended they had not heard anything, but I could see the respect in their eyes. I was untouchable.

But as the night wore on, I couldn't shake a strange feeling in my chest. A heavy, nagging sense of dread that settled deep in my bones.

I tried to ignore it. I smiled for the cameras. I shook hands with senators and billionaires. I was the perfect picture of success. I was the Ice Queen.

At 9:30 p.m., I walked out onto the balcony to get some fresh air. The city lights glittered below me, a sprawling web of power and money. I pulled out my phone to check the time.

There were three missed calls from Maria, Leo's nanny.

My heart stopped.

Maria never called me during a gala unless it was an absolute emergency. I had tucked Leo into bed at 7:00 p.m. before I left. He was safely at home with her. He had been perfectly fine, just a little tired.

My hands began to tremble as I unlocked the screen. Before I could dial her back, my phone rang again.

It was Maria.

I answered instantly. "Maria? What is wrong?"

"Mrs. Vance!" Maria's voice was a shrill, terrified sob. I could hear the wail of a siren in the background. "I am so sorry! Please, you have to come to the hospital!"

My blood turned to ice. "What happened? Where is Leo?"

"I went to check on him during his sleep," Maria cried, her voice shaking violently. "He wasn't breathing right. His lips were blue. I called the ambulance. They are taking him to Oakhaven Medical Center right now. Please, Mrs. Vance, you need to get there fast!"

The phone slipped from my hand and clattered onto the marble floor.