Chapter 4 - The Gala Infiltration
By November, the corporate war between Vale Enterprises and Sterling Pharmaceuticals reached a boiling point.
Richard Sterling had publicly announced his intention to launch a five-billion-dollar tender offer to acquire Aegis Bio-Logistics—the primary medical supply network owned by Damian’s parent company. If Richard succeeded, he would gain control over eighty percent of the region’s distribution routes, effectively monopolizing life-saving pharmaceutical supplies and driving prices through the roof.
The decisive vote lay in the hands of the Aegis Independent Board of Directors, who were holding their annual winter charity gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on Saturday night.
At 5:00 p.m. on the night of the gala, two stylists arrived at the penthouse under Adrian’s strict supervision, carrying three garment bags containing custom evening wear.
I stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror in the penthouse dressing room, barely recognizing the woman looking back at me.
I wore a floor-length emerald green silk gown with a subtle cowl neckline and an open back. My dark hair was styled into an elegant, vintage updo, secured with delicate pearl pins. A single diamond pendant—loaned directly from Damian’s private vault—rested against my collarbone.
The door behind me opened softly.
Damian stepped inside, wearing a flawlessly tailored black tuxedo with a crisp white shirt and a silk bow tie. He looked impossibly handsome, imposing, and breathtakingly regal.
He stopped in his tracks, his eyes sweeping over me with an intensity that made my heart skip a beat.
"Nora," he breathed, his usual cool composure slipping entirely. "You look... extraordinary."
I felt a warm flush creep up my neck. "I feel like an imposter. The last time I wore a dress like this, I was eighteen and my stepfather was trying to parade me around investors."
Damian walked up behind me, resting his hands gently on my bare shoulders. His reflection met mine in the mirror.
"You are not a prop tonight, Nora," Damian said softly, his voice echoing with fierce devotion. "Tonight, you are the most powerful weapon in the room. You hold the original, unredacted laboratory logs from your father’s 2018 oncology trials—the ones Richard forged to secure his initial venture capital."
"If I present those documents to the Aegis board tonight," I said, meeting his eyes in the mirror, "it will completely invalidate Sterling’s financial credibility. The board will reject his buyout offer instantly."
"And Richard will face a federal fraud indictment by Monday morning," Damian added grimly.
I turned around to face him, looking up into his dark, steady eyes. "Are you sure you want me by your side for this, Damian? The media will be everywhere. My name will be back in the headlines."
Damian reached up, his fingers gently brushing a stray lock of hair behind my ear, his thumb tracing my jawline with breathtaking tenderness.
"I don't care about the headlines, Nora," Damian whispered, his eyes searching mine. "I care about making sure that no one ever makes you feel afraid in this city again. Will you walk into that room with me?"
I smiled, taking his arm. "Only if Atlas approves my outfit."
May you like
As if on cue, the giant Mastiff trotted into the dressing room, let out a happy huff, and gently nudged his cold nose against my silk skirt, leaving a tiny smudge of dog hair near the hem.
Damian laughed—a rich, genuine sound that filled the room with pure warmth. "I think that’s an official endorsement."
