Chapter 8 - THE NIGHT EVERYONE SAW HER BACK
The Founders' Gala took place at the Grand Aurelian Hotel in Manhattan.
Crystal chandeliers illuminated the ballroom.
A string quartet played near the staircase.
Hundreds of executives, investors, and guests gathered beneath enormous windows overlooking the city.
I arrived alone.
Wearing the midnight-blue gown.
My hair was swept over one shoulder.
My back was visible.
The scars were there.
Raised.
Uneven.
Unmistakable.
I had considered covering them.
Then I'd remembered Sofia's words.
Choose what makes you happy.
So I did.
The first person to notice me was Cassidy.
She stood beside Preston wearing a pale-gold gown.
Her pregnancy was visible.
She looked at me.
Then at my back.
Her smile faltered.
Preston turned.
For several seconds, he stared.
Then his expression changed.
Disgust.
The same familiar look.
But this time, I didn't shrink.
I smiled politely.
“Good evening.”
Cassidy recovered first.
“Vivian. How brave.”
I looked at her.
“Thank you.”
She blinked.
I continued.
“I've had to be.”
Preston stepped closer.
“What are you doing here?”
“Attending the gala.”
“You know what people will say.”
I looked around.
“About what?”
His eyes flicked toward my scars.
I smiled.
“Oh.”
I paused.
“You mean the injuries I received saving your life?”
Preston went pale.
Cassidy looked away.
Several nearby guests turned.
I hadn't raised my voice.
I didn't need to.
Then Gideon approached.
He wore a black tuxedo.
His expression was calm.
“Vivian.”
I turned.
“Gideon.”
He smiled.
“You look beautiful.”
For a moment, I couldn't speak.
Preston's jaw tightened.
Cassidy stared.
Gideon offered his arm.
“Would you accompany me?”
I looked at him.
Then smiled.
“I'd be honored.”
I placed my hand on his arm.
And walked away.
Leaving my husband standing beside his pregnant mistress.
As we crossed the ballroom, Gideon leaned closer.
“Are you okay?”
I took a breath.
“Yes.”
He studied me.
“Really?”
I smiled.
“For the first time in years.”
He nodded.
“Good.”
Then he said something that made my heart stop.
“Vivian, there's someone here who wants to speak with you.”
I frowned.
“Who?”
May you like
Gideon's expression changed.
“The man who investigated the warehouse fire.”
