Chapter 36 - Sabrina’s Request
|
The culture of Bennett Global had shifted so dramatically that Charlotte rarely encountered ghosts from the old regime anymore. But on a brisk Friday afternoon, her assistant informed her that Sabrina Bennett was waiting in the reception area.
Charlotte paused, setting her pen down. Sabrina, Ryan’s sister, the woman who had dramatically thrown the ten-dollar bill at her feet in a fit of cruel, aristocratic rage.
"Send her in," Charlotte decided, leaning back in her chair.
Sabrina walked into the office. She looked remarkably different. The ostentatious, heavy designer jewelry was gone. She wore a simple, elegant gray suit, her hair pulled back into a neat, professional clasp. She looked less like a spoiled heiress and much more like a working woman.
"Charlotte," Sabrina said, remaining standing until Charlotte gestured to a chair. "Thank you for seeing me without an appointment."
"What can I do for you, Sabrina?" Charlotte asked, keeping her tone strictly neutral.
Sabrina took a deep breath, opening a leather portfolio she had brought with her.
"I am currently working as the managing director for a non-profit arts foundation focused on providing music education to underprivileged children in the Bronx," Sabrina explained, her voice remarkably steady. "We are planning our annual fundraising gala for next spring."
She slid a formal proposal across the desk.
"I would like to host the gala here, in the main ballroom of the Monarch Grand," Sabrina said. "I am not asking for a family discount. I am not asking for a favor. We have the budget to pay the standard corporate rate in full. But I wanted to ask for your permission personally, given... our history."
Charlotte looked at the proposal, then looked up at Sabrina. There was no trace of the entitled, vicious girl who had once tried to humiliate her. There was only a professional woman asking to do business.
"You don't need my personal permission to book the ballroom, Sabrina," Charlotte said quietly. "The events team handles all standard bookings."
"I know," Sabrina admitted, looking down at her hands. "But I wanted to come here. I wanted to show you that I’m trying to be better. I’m trying to do something that actually matters."
Charlotte studied her former sister-in-law. She remembered the sheer cruelty of the past, but she also saw the genuine effort of the present.
May you like
"The Monarch Grand would be happy to host your charity gala, Sabrina," Charlotte said, a small, genuine smile touching her lips. "I will have the events coordinator reach out to your office this afternoon to finalize the contract."
"Thank you, Charlotte," Sabrina said, profound relief washing over her face. She stood up, offering a respectful nod. "For everything."
