Chapter 6 - THE PUBLIC EXECUTION
Valerie refused to accept defeat. Three days later, she crashed the New York Literary Gala, a high-society event where my top-earning authors were gathered. She thought she could use her charm and youth to sway them away from my "failing" leadership. She cornered Julian Vance, our biggest thriller novelist, near the champagne tower, whispering poison about my mental decline. I walked up behind her, wearing the exact same ivory silk blouse I wore on my birthday—the bloodstain meticulously cleaned, but the memory loud in the room. "Julian," I said smoothly. "Has my former vice president been pitching you her imaginary agency?" Valerie spun around, her confidence fracturing. Julian looked from Valerie to me, then stepped firmly to my side. "Margaret discovered me when I was writing in a basement," Julian said coldly to Valerie. "You just spent my advance on designer shoes. Have a good night."
