Chapter 20 - The Southwest Architectural Gala
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The envelope that arrived in the mail the following Tuesday was thick, heavy, and embossed with stunning gold foil. It was an official invitation to the Southwest Architectural Gala, the most prestigious design event of the year, held at a luxury resort in Paradise Valley. Only the top echelon of designers, architects, and wealthy developers were invited.
I stared at the invitation on my desk, my heart fluttering with a complex mixture of excitement and lingering anxiety.
"You are absolutely going," Sarah declared, leaning over my shoulder to read the elegant calligraphy.
"James is a prominent real estate developer," I pointed out quietly, my finger tracing the edge of the envelope. "He is on the board of the organization hosting this event. He will almost certainly be there."
Sarah’s expression instantly hardened. She walked around my desk and grabbed both of my shoulders, forcing me to look directly into her fierce eyes.
"Clara Vance," Sarah said, her voice ringing with absolute authority. "You did not build a million-dollar design firm from scratch just to hide in the shadows because a pathetic, abusive man might be in the same room. You are going to that gala. You are going to wear the most breathtaking dress in the city, and you are going to show the entire industry exactly who you are."
I looked at the invitation again, the fear slowly evaporating, replaced by a cold, brilliant fire. Sarah was right. Hiding was what victims did. I was a victor.
"I need to call Luke and Mark," I said, a slow, predatory smile touching my lips.
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"Why?" Sarah asked, looking confused.
"Because if I am going to walk into the lion's den," I replied, standing up from my chair, "I am going to bring the two most formidable men in this city as my personal dates."
