Chapter 16 - The Gala Crashers
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The grand ballroom of the Aurelia Hotel glittered magnificently beneath massive crystal chandeliers. Four hundred guests moved smoothly through the opulent room in tailored tuxedos and designer evening gowns, carrying flutes of champagne and carefully managed, polite expressions.
Giant screens positioned around the room displayed heartwarming videos of children building model airplanes, while the Ashford Aeronautics logo appeared boldly above promises of innovation, corporate responsibility, and strong family values.
Outside the ballroom, a swarm of reporters waited eagerly for Grant to announce the name of the mystery investor who would supposedly stabilize his faltering company.
Grant stood near the main entrance beside Celeste. He looked impeccably composed from a distance, but the facade cracked when he checked his watch every few seconds.
Sophie stood several feet behind them, wearing a simple, elegant black dress. She had chosen no flashy diamonds, no dramatic, heavy makeup, and made no attempt to appear invulnerable. Her profound calmness seemed to make Grant incredibly uneasy.
At exactly eight o’clock, my town car arrived at the front entrance.
I stepped out wearing a deep emerald gown, tailored with clean, understated lines, and the beautiful diamond earrings Daniel had given me after our very first profitable year in the workshop. Elias accompanied me, looking sharp in a classic black tuxedo.
When we entered the crowded ballroom, the ambient conversation immediately softened.
Some of the high-level corporate guests recognized Elias immediately. Others recognized me from private, closed-door board meetings or exclusive industry conferences. The people closest to the entrance turned to stare, creating a visible ripple of attention that quickly spread across the entire room.
Celeste Ashford saw me and froze completely.
For a long second, she appeared entirely unable to mentally place the image before her: the lowly, grease-stained woman from the modest kitchen, now walking powerfully beside one of the country’s most respected, influential manufacturing executives.
Then, her social training kicked in. She hurried toward me, her heels clicking rapidly, and aggressively seized my forearm.
“Vivian, what on earth are you doing here?” Celeste hissed, keeping her voice low but frantic. “Did Sophie invite you out of pity? This is not the place for one of your pathetic little demonstrations.”
“Remove your hand from my arm, Celeste,” I said quietly, my tone leaving absolutely no room for debate.
She dropped her hand but didn't back down. “You cannot walk into a highly formal event dressed in rented jewelry and embarrass us in front of these people! Important people are arriving!”
“The important people have already arrived,” I replied smoothly.
Her jaw tightened. “Do not be absurd.”
Grant finally noticed the commotion and approached us. His practiced, public smile disappeared the exact moment he saw my face.
“I explicitly told Sophie to keep you away from this event,” Grant muttered, stepping into my path.
“I was invited,” I stated.
“By whom?” he demanded.
“Your own office.”
May you like
He stared at me, deeply confused, then looked over at Elias. Recognition flickered in his eyes but did not fully connect the dots. Grant had met Elias twice in large, chaotic meetings, though never standing beside me.
“You need to leave immediately,” Grant ordered, his voice laced with panic. “We are expecting the chairwoman of Hartwell Precision Group at any moment. If you create a scene and ruin this, I will personally ensure your filthy workshop is condemned and bulldozed before the end of the month.”
