Chapter 8 - The Gala Ambush
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The Grand Ballroom of the Drake Hotel was draped in gold silk and crystal lights for the St. Victoria Hospital Foundation Gala.
Over five hundred prominent donors, physicians, and civic leaders filled the space, their diamond jewelry flashing under the dim lights.
I arrived on Daniel’s arm, wearing an off-the-shoulder emerald velvet gown that framed my posture perfectly. My hair was styled in an elegant chignon, and for the first time outside the hospital, I wore the diamond necklace my late grandmother had left me.
As we walked through the foyer, heads turned immediately.
“Dr. Carter!” a senior board member greeted us enthusiastically. “Magnificent work on the Reynolds case last week!”
“Thank you, Harrison,” I replied graciously.
Near the champagne fountain, Barbara stood in a pale pink gown, surrounded by four of her country club friends. She was trying desperately to control the narrative.
“Yes, well, Emily is very dedicated to her work,” Barbara was telling them, waving her fan nervously. “We always knew she had... grand ambitions.”
Aunt Eleanor snorted softly. “Ambition? Barbara, she’s the Chief Surgeon! She doesn't need ambition; she’s already at the top of the food chain!”
Barbara’s face stiffened as she saw Daniel and me approaching.
“Good evening, Barbara,” I said smoothly, stepping into the circle.
The women surrounding Barbara immediately straightened up, their eyes wide with newfound admiration.
“Dr. Carter!” Aunt Eleanor gushed, taking my hand. “We were just hearing about your miraculous surgery on Richard! You must be exhausted!”
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“It was a team effort,” I said modestly, looking right at Barbara. “Though I’m just glad I didn't have to stay home to change bedpans tonight.”
Two of the women gasped, hiding their laughter behind their champagne flutes, while Barbara looked as though she had swallowed glass.
