Chapter 13: The Charity Gala
Chapter 13: The Charity Gala
Spring arrived, bringing a massive social event to the city.
The Annual Children's Hospital Foundation Gala.
It was the most exclusive ticket of the year.
Escalante Holdings was the primary sponsor.
Andrew was there.
Not as a guest.
He was wearing a cheap tuxedo provided by the catering company he now worked for on weekends.
He was holding a tray of champagne glasses.
He stood near the ballroom doors, watching the city's elite mingle.
Then, the orchestra stopped playing.
The master of ceremonies took the microphone.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome our benefactor for the evening, Ms. Mariana Escalante."
The crowd erupted in applause.
Mariana descended the grand staircase.
She wore a breathtaking emerald green gown.
Around her neck was a real emerald necklace, glittering under the chandeliers.
She moved with absolute grace.
Andrew stood frozen, his heart hammering against his ribs.
She walked through the crowd, shaking hands, smiling warmly.
She was walking directly toward his section.
Andrew panicked.
He turned around, trying to hide his face, trying to blend into the shadows.
But as he rushed to get away, another waiter backed into him.
The tray slipped from Andrew's grasp.
Dozens of crystal flutes crashed to the marble floor, shattering into a thousand pieces.
The entire ballroom went silent.
Every eye turned toward him.
Andrew fell to his knees, frantically trying to pick up the broken glass.
His hands were shaking.
Blood beaded on his fingertips as the sharp edges cut him.
He heard footsteps approaching.
Slow, deliberate clicks of designer heels.
May you like
He looked up.
Mariana was standing over him.
