Chapter 4 - THE NIGHT OF THE GALA
The gala was a success.
The ballroom glittered with chandeliers.
Guests arrived in designer gowns and tailored tuxedos.
The orchestra played softly.
Claire stood near the entrance wearing a midnight-blue dress that hugged her curves.
Her dark curls fell over her shoulders.
She looked beautiful.
But she didn't feel it.
Not when she noticed Ryan standing near the bar.
Her ex-fiancé.
With his new girlfriend.
Claire froze.
Ryan noticed her.
His expression shifted from surprise to amusement.
“Well, look at you.”
Claire forced a smile.
“Ryan.”
He looked her up and down.
“Interesting dress.”
She folded her arms.
“Interesting personality. Still working on yours?”
His girlfriend laughed nervously.
Ryan's smile tightened.
“I didn't know you worked here.”
“I do.”
“For the catering company?”
Claire stared at him.
Then smiled.
“No.”
Ryan looked confused.
Before he could respond, Dominic appeared beside her.
“Claire.”
She turned.
“Mr. Moretti.”
Dominic looked at Ryan.
“Is there a problem?”
Ryan straightened immediately.
“Mr. Moretti. No problem. I was just speaking with Claire.”
Dominic studied him.
Then looked at Claire.
“Do you know this man?”
She hesitated.
“My ex-fiancé.”
Dominic's expression changed.
Very slightly.
But enough.
“I see.”
Ryan smiled awkwardly.
“Small world.”
Dominic looked at Claire.
“Are you all right?”
She nodded.
“Perfectly.”
He studied her.
Then offered his arm.
“Come with me.”
Claire blinked.
“Where?”
“I need your opinion.”
“On what?”
“The speech.”
She looked toward the stage.
“You already approved it.”
“I've reconsidered.”
Claire stared at him.
Then understood.
He was giving her an exit.
Without embarrassing her.
Without making a scene.
She took his arm.
“Of course.”
May you like
As they walked away, Ryan watched them.
And for the first time, he realized the woman he'd spent years criticizing had become someone important to a man far more powerful than himself.
