Chapter 27 - The Gala of Light
To secure funding for the next decade, Evelyn hosted a charity gala at Blackthorn.
It was unlike any event Adrian had ever hosted. There was no opulent extravagance to intimidate rivals. Instead, the gardens were strung with fairy lights, local musicians played acoustic melodies, and the food was cooked by a catering company entirely owned by domestic abuse survivors.
The city's elite attended, not out of fear, but out of genuine awe.
Evelyn walked through the crowd in a simple, elegant emerald dress. People didn't just look at her; they parted for her with profound respect.
Julian met her near the fountain, handing her a glass of champagne. "We just hit the two-million-dollar mark in donations," he smiled. "You could buy the whole block."
May you like
"I don't need the block," Evelyn laughed. "I just need enough to keep the doors open."
She looked at the house. It was glowing against the night sky, a true fortress of hope.
