Chapter 10: The Gala of Shadows
Chapter 10: The Gala of Shadows
Two weeks later, the annual Golden Autumn Gala was held at the city’s grand museum. It was the premier event for high society, and for the first time, Clara attended not as Andrew’s quiet companion, but as the guest of honor.
She arrived in a breathtaking emerald green gown of her own design, the fabric shimmering like liquid jewels under the chandeliers. Every eye in the room followed her as she walked down the grand staircase.
Andrew was there too, clinging to the arm of a minor model he had hired to show he was "moving on." But his eyes were glued to Clara. She looked radiant, powerful, and completely out of his reach.
Patricia, out on bail and wearing heavy makeup to hide her stress, stood in a corner, whispering with her remaining friends.
Julian Vance walked up to Clara, holding two glasses of champagne. He offered her one.
"You look stunning, Ms. Mason," Julian said, his eyes scanning her with genuine admiration. "It’s a shame your ex-fiancé had the vision of a mole."
"Mr. Vance," Clara said, ignoring the champagne. "I see you brought the Whitlocks with you as your pets. I hope they are house-trained."
Andrew, seeing Julian talking to Clara, couldn't contain himself. He walked over, abandoning his date.
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"Clara," Andrew said, his voice thick with emotion. "We need to talk. You've ruined my life. Isn't that enough? You took my company, you humiliated my mother, you broke my father's career. Why are you still pushing?"
Clara looked at him, her expression deadpan. "Andrew, I haven't even started pushing. I’m simply letting gravity do its work."
