Chapter 6 - The Sabotage of the Socialites
The relative peace of the holidays did not last.
In the first week of January, the Northbridge elite decided to strike back. Regina Vance, the wealthy wife of the corporate client who had threatened to leave Ethan's firm, organized the annual Winter Charity Gala. It was the most exclusive social event of the season, and as a founding partner of Carter & Rowe, Ethan’s attendance was mandatory.
This year, however, Ethan decided to bring a guest.
When Ethan’s black sedan pulled up to the grand entrance of the Plaza Hotel, the paparazzi’s flashes illuminated the falling snow. Ethan stepped out, looking impeccable in a classic black tuxedo. He walked to the passenger side, opened the door, and offered his hand.
Sarah stepped out.
She was wearing a stunning, deep emerald green gown that Ethan had arranged to have delivered to her apartment the day before, along with a professional stylist. Her blonde hair was swept up in a sophisticated chignon, exposing the delicate line of her neck. She looked breathtakingly beautiful, carrying herself with a quiet, natural elegance that put the over-dressed socialites to shame.
As they walked into the grand ballroom, a hush fell over the crowd.
"Is that... the baker?" a woman whispered nearby, her voice dripping with venom.
"I hear he bought her that dress," another murmured behind her fan.
Ethan ignored them, his hand resting reassuringly on the small of Sarah’s back. "You look beautiful," he whispered. "And you belong in this room just as much as anyone else. Probably more."
"I feel like a sheep in a pack of wolves," Sarah whispered back, her fingers tightening on his arm.
Their peace was interrupted by Regina Vance. She approached them wearing a diamond necklace that could have paid for Sarah's apartment building twice over. Her smile was sharp as a scalpel.
"Ethan, darling," Regina purred, her eyes scanning Sarah with obvious disdain. "How... unconventional of you to join us. And this must be your new project. Sarah, isn't it? I hear your bakery on 4th Street makes the most wonderful buns. My housekeeper simply raves about them."
Sarah’s expression cooled, her posture straightening. "Thank you, Mrs. Vance. We pride ourselves on our ingredients. Real yeast, real butter. No artificial fillers. I find people appreciate honesty in their food... just as they do in their relationships."
Several nearby guests stifled laughs. Regina’s smile tightened.
"How quaint," Regina said coldly. "But of course, a bakery is a very fragile thing, isn't it? With the new commercial development zoning laws being proposed for the 4th Street district, I do hope you have a good lease. It would be such a tragedy if the little shop had to make way for a parking garage."
Ethan stepped forward, his eyes turning to chips of ice. "The zoning board has not approved that development, Regina. And as the head of the city's historical preservation society, I will personally ensure that 4th Street remains protected from predatory developers. Including your husband."
Regina sniffed, turning her back on them. "We shall see, Ethan. The board meets next week."
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As they walked away, Sarah looked up at Ethan, her face pale. "Is she telling the truth? Can they close the bakery?"
"Over my dead body," Ethan said, his voice ringing with absolute certainty.
