Chapter 5 - The Gala of Truth
The crystal chandeliers of the Grand Plaza Hotel sparkled brilliantly.
The annual logistics charity gala was the most important social event of the year for Minneapolis executives.
Gavin was working the room aggressively, holding a glass of champagne and forcing a charismatic smile.
He was desperately trying to secure emergency bridge loans from private investors.
Charlotte stood nervously by the bar, constantly checking the small vial hidden inside her purse.
I arrived exactly an hour late.
I wore a stunning, floor-length emerald gown that cost more than Gavin's first car.
Julian escorted me into the ballroom, dressed impeccably in a black tuxedo.
The moment I stepped onto the plush carpet, the entire room went completely silent.
Heads turned, whispers erupted, and champagne glasses were lowered.
Gavin spotted me from across the room, and his fake smile instantly collapsed.
He stormed past a group of wealthy investors and grabbed my arm violently.
"What the hell are you doing here?" Gavin hissed in my ear.
Julian immediately stepped forward and clamped a massive hand onto Gavin's wrist.
"Remove your hand from Ms. Miller, or I will break it," Julian warned with lethal calmness.
Gavin glared at Julian, but he slowly let go of my arm.
"You look absolutely ridiculous pretending to be important," Gavin sneered at me.
I smiled sweetly and smoothed the fabric of my dress.
"I am not pretending, Gavin," I replied softly.
The host of the gala, the mayor of Minneapolis, stepped up to the main microphone on the stage.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we have a very special announcement tonight," the mayor projected over the speakers.
Gavin turned toward the stage, expecting a typical charity acknowledgment.
"The Sterling Meridian group has just completed a hostile buyout of SwiftFreight's primary debt," the mayor announced.
Gasps echoed throughout the crowded ballroom.
"Please welcome the new majority owner of SwiftFreight Global, Ms. Sabrina Miller!" the mayor cheered.
A massive spotlight swung across the room and illuminated me perfectly.
Gavin staggered backward as if he had been physically punched in the chest.
His entire company now belonged to the woman he had abused and thrown into the rain.
He looked at me with absolute, unfiltered terror.
"You bitch," Gavin whispered, his voice trembling with rage.
Before Gavin could do anything else, Charlotte walked up behind him and handed him a fresh glass of champagne.
"Drink this, Gavin, you look pale," Charlotte said nervously.
I knew the drink was laced with a lethal dose of poison.
If he drank it, he would die, and I would never get my true revenge.
I stepped forward and casually knocked the crystal glass out of Gavin's hand.
The glass shattered on the floor, the poisoned liquid sizzling strangely against the carpet.
"He isn't going to die tonight," I whispered to Charlotte.
Suddenly, Gavin's head of security approached me and pressed a small USB drive into my palm.
May you like
"Gavin put a hit out on your father, Ms. Miller," the guard muttered.
"That heart attack wasn't natural."
