Chapter 4 - The High Society Ambush
The Metropolitan Charity Gala was the most exclusive event of the New York season. I arrived with my mother on my arm, both of us dressed in impeccable bespoke attire. Margaret looked radiant, the fear and stress of Chloe’s reign completely erased from her eyes.
As we mingled by the champagne tower, the double doors of the ballroom swung open.
A hush fell over the crowd. Chloe stood in the doorway, wearing a stunning, provocative red gown. She was on the arm of Arthur Vance.
Arthur smirked, leading her directly toward us, parting the sea of billionaires and socialites. He thought he was holding the ultimate trump card.
“Julian,” Arthur said loudly, ensuring the surrounding crowd could hear. “I hope you don’t mind. I brought a plus-one who knows you quite well.”
Chloe looked at me with pure venom. “Hello, Julian. How is Margaret?”
My mother stiffened, but I squeezed her hand gently. I looked at Arthur, feigning mild amusement.
“Arthur,” I said smoothly. “I see you’ve picked up my cast-offs. I always knew Vance Capital was struggling, but I didn't realize you were resorting to dumpster diving.”
A few gasps echoed from the nearby socialites. Chloe’s face flushed scarlet.
“Watch your mouth, Sterling,” Arthur snarled. “Chloe has been very illuminating. She’s told me all about your upcoming acquisition of Apex Tech. It would be a shame if someone beat you to the bid.”
I laughed. A genuine, relaxed laugh. “Is that what she told you? Well, Arthur, I wish you the best of luck with Apex.”
May you like
I turned my back on them and walked my mother to our VIP table. I could feel Chloe’s eyes burning holes into the back of my tuxedo. She thought she had betrayed me. She had no idea that I had intentionally left fake acquisition files on my home office desk the week before I fired her, anticipating she would steal something on her way out.
The trap was set.
