Chapter 30 - The Foundation Gala
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The following Friday, the National Arts Endowment hosted a charity gala to secure early funding for the summer exhibition. It was a lavish, highly publicized event held in the grand ballroom of the city’s historic museum. I wore a sleek, navy-blue evening gown, and Marcus looked remarkably sharp in a tailored tuxedo. We attended primarily to show our unwavering support for the foundation, but we also knew there was a high probability of running into our new adversary.
The ballroom was adorned with massive floral arrangements and soft, ambient lighting. Maya’s earlier sketches were displayed on small easels near the entrance, drawing a steady crowd of admiring patrons. I was speaking with the museum director when I felt a sudden, distinct chill in the air.
"Enjoying the evening, I presume?" a smooth, condescending voice asked.
I turned around to find Arthur Pendelton standing entirely too close. He was a tall, gaunt man with thinning silver hair and eyes that lacked any trace of genuine warmth. He held a glass of champagne, his lips curled into a predatory smile.
"We were enjoying it immensely, Arthur, right up until this exact moment," I replied, keeping my voice perfectly calm and even.
"You are putting on a brave face, I will give you that," Arthur chuckled, taking a slow sip of his drink. "But I highly recommend you start preparing Maya for disappointment. My injunction hits the judge's desk on Monday morning. The endowment will be legally frozen by noon."
"You are trying to extort a charity to pay the legal fees of a convicted criminal," I stated, making sure my voice carried just enough for the nearby guests to hear. "It is pathetic, even for you."
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"It is the law," Arthur corrected, leaning in closer. "Richard Sterling’s estate has outstanding debts. The foundation is an asset. It is merely a business transaction. It isn't my fault your daughter happens to be caught in the crossfire."
"She isn't caught in the crossfire," I said, my eyes locking onto his. "She is the one who is going to burn your entire argument to the ground."
