Chapter 5 - The Ambush at the Gala
The aftermath of the disastrous dinner sent shockwaves through Carter Enterprises. Julian had made good on his threat: he began lobbying board members, claiming Alexander was becoming emotionally compromised and unfit to lead the impending multi-billion-dollar merger with Vanguard Global.
To counter Julian's political maneuvers, Alexander was forced to host the annual Carter Foundation Charity Gala at the historic St. Anthony Hotel—a high-stakes event where the company’s biggest shareholders, board members, and city elites would gather.
"You need to come with us, Emily," Eleanor insisted as we sat in her dressing room on the afternoon of the gala. She was selecting jewelry from a velvet-lined box.
"Eleanor, I don't belong at a billionaire gala," I protested gently, adjusting the collar of her silk blouse. "Julian will be there. The media will be there. If I show up on Alexander's arm or as your guest, it will only give Julian more fuel to call me an opportunist."
"You are coming as my guest," Eleanor said with absolute authority. "Julian wants to paint you as a shadow hiding in the dark. We are going to put you in the light. Besides... my son needs you there, even if his pride won't let him say it out loud."
An hour before the event, a delivery arrived at my room. Inside a garment bag was an exquisite emerald-green silk gown, accompanied by a handwritten note in sharp, elegant handwriting:
Wear this tonight. Let them try to look down on you now. — A.
When I stepped into the grand ballroom of the St. Anthony Hotel, the breath caught in my throat. Crystal chandeliers threw brilliant light across hundreds of women in haute couture and men in black-tie tuxedos.
Alexander was standing near the center of the room, speaking with three elderly board members. The moment I entered, his eyes locked onto mine. He froze mid-sentence. His dark eyes swept over the emerald dress that hugged my frame, the soft curls falling over my shoulders, and the simple pearl earrings Eleanor had given me.
He excused himself immediately from the board members and walked across the crowded room directly toward me, ignoring the curious glances of reporters and high-society guests.
"You look... breathtaking, Emily," Alexander said, his voice raspy as he offered me his arm.
"Thank you," I said, my heart fluttering as I rested my hand on his warm, suited forearm. "I feel like an imposter."
"You are the most genuine person in this room," he replied softly, leaning down to whisper near my ear. "Don't let any of these people make you feel small."
For the first hour, the gala went smoothly. I stayed by Eleanor’s side, ensuring she had water, helping her navigate the steps, and engaging in light conversation with wealthy donors who were charmed by Eleanor’s visible happiness.
However, peace in the Carter family was always short-lived.
While Alexander was pulled into a private side room to sign urgent merger documents, I stepped toward the terrace to get a breath of fresh air.
As soon as I stepped into the shadows of the stone balcony, a figure blocked my path. It was Sophia Vance, holding a glass of champagne, her face twisted into a cruel grin. Beside her stood two prominent high-society journalists holding digital recorders.
"Well, well, if it isn't the Cinderella of San Antonio," Sophia sneered loudly, ensuring the reporters' microphones caught her words. "Tell me, Emily, how does it feel to go from delivering cold tacos on a cheap motorcycle to wearing thousands of dollars of Carter money in a single week?"
I froze, stepping back toward the glass doors. "Sophia, please. This isn't the place."
"Oh, I think it's the perfect place," Sophia said stepping closer, her voice carrying across the terrace where several guests were now watching. "The public deserves to know how Alexander Carter is spending foundation funds. Is it true he used corporate assets to clear your massive debts? Did you trade 'favors' for his generosity?"
The journalists immediately began snapping photos, their camera flashes blinding me.
"Is that true, Miss Emily?" one reporter shouted. "Are you involved romantically with Alexander Carter?"
"Did you manipulate Mrs. Eleanor Carter to gain access to her trust?" another pressed aggressively, stepping into my personal space.
Panic surged through me. Blood rushed to my ears. I backed away, my heels catching on the hem of my dress, but before I could fall, a strong hand gripped my waist, pulling me firmly back against a solid chest.
Alexander stood behind me like a wall of iron.
He shielded me with his body, his eyes flashing with a dangerous, lethal fury as he stared down the reporters and Sophia.
"If a single one of those photos is published," Alexander's voice rang out across the terrace, cold as winter ice, "I will personally buy your media outlets and fire you before sunrise."
The reporters instantly lowered their cameras, terrified.
Alexander turned his terrifying glare onto Sophia. "And as for you, Sophia... your employment at Carter Enterprises is terminated effective immediately. Security will escort you off the premises."
Sophia’s face drained of color. "Alexander! You can't do that! My sister—"
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"Victoria will support my decision if she values her own position," Alexander cut her off mercilessly.
He turned his back on them, wrapping a protective arm around my shoulders, and swept me away from the whispering crowd, leading me straight down a private hallway toward his personal suite in the hotel.
