Chapter 5 - The Gala of Reckoning
Three weeks later.
The annual Armed Forces Benefit Gala was held at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C. It was the premier event of the season, attended by congressmen, foreign ambassadors, four-star generals, and defense leaders.
Chloe, having posted bail using the last bit of her mother's jewelry, managed to slip into the venue using an old guest pass she had acquired months prior. She was desperate. She was broke, her apartment was locked, and her high-society friends had turned their backs on her overnight. She needed to find Zariah and beg for forgiveness—or public sympathy.
The grand hall was resplendent with gold trim, chandeliers, and high-ranking military personnel in full mess dress uniforms.
At the center of the ballroom stood a woman who commanded the room without saying a word.
It was Zariah.
She wore a dark navy military dress uniform adorned with rows of colorful service ribbons, the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, and the rare Distinguished Service Cross resting prominently against her chest. Her dark hair was neatly styled, her posture commanding and majestic. Beside her stood the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and several foreign dignitaries, listening intently to her words.
Chloe felt a surge of jealousy mixed with terrifying awe. This was the sister she had mocked. This was the woman she had called a "leech."
Chloe pushed through the crowd, ignoring the glares from security personnel.
"Zariah!" Chloe cried out, her voice echoing over the classical violin music. "Zariah, please!"
The crowd turned. Whispers erupted as Chloe, looking disheveled in an outdated dress, stumbled toward the inner circle.
Security officers stepped forward to intercept her, but Zariah raised a single finger, stopping them in their tracks.
May you like
Zariah turned slowly, her deep brown eyes calm, steady, and completely devoid of warmth.
"Chloe," Zariah said quietly.
