Chapter 5 - The Gala of Shattered Glass
The Hayes Innovations Annual Charity Gala was the social event of the year. The grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was dripping in crystal chandeliers, orchids, and the city’s elite. I wore a breathtaking, floor-length crimson gown that Daniel had custom-ordered from Paris. As we glided across the dance floor, Daniel held me close, his eyes reflecting a depth of emotion that made my heart race.
"You are the most beautiful woman in this city," he murmured against my ear.
"You're just saying that because you're contractually obligated to," I teased, though my breath hitched.
"The contract," he replied softly, "was the best business decision I ever made. But this... this has nothing to do with business."
Before I could respond, the music violently screeched to a halt. The heavy double doors of the ballroom slammed open. A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
Standing in the entryway, flanked by Victoria, Vargas, and a team of vicious-looking lawyers, was Richard Sterling.
The blood drained from my face. My knees gave out, but Daniel’s arm clamped around my waist like a steel band, holding me upright.
Richard strolled onto the dance floor, a microphone in his hand, a psychotic, charming smile plastered on his face. "Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for the interruption. But I believe the CEO of this esteemed company is harboring a fugitive."
Cameras flashed in a blinding frenzy. The press rushed forward.
"That woman," Richard pointed a sharp finger directly at me, "is my legal wife, Sarah Sterling. She kidnapped my two children and crossed state lines. And Daniel Hayes has been hiding her."
The room erupted into chaos. Victoria stood on the sidelines, sipping champagne, her eyes gleaming with victory. She had orchestrated this perfectly to cause a massive PR scandal that would force the board to remove Daniel.
Richard took another step toward me. "Come home, Sarah. Bring the kids. Or I'll have you arrested right here, right now."
I couldn't breathe. The nightmare had caught up.
But Daniel didn't flinch. He handed me his glass of champagne, buttoned his suit jacket, and stepped directly between me and Richard. He was a foot taller and radiated an aura of lethal, controlled fury.
"You have exactly five seconds to get out of my sight," Daniel’s voice echoed through the silent ballroom, dripping with menace, "before I have my security team throw you through those glass doors."
"She's my wife!" Richard snarled.
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"She is a woman who ran for her life from a coward," Daniel shot back loudly, ensuring every reporter heard him. "And as of a month ago, she is under my protection. If you take one more step toward her, Sterling, I will personally ruin you."
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