Chapter 5: The Trap is Set
Chapter 5: The Trap is Set
The Hale Foundation Charity Gala was the most exclusive event of the season, held in the grand ballroom of the Beverly Wilshire. The crystal chandeliers glittered, champagne flowed, and the city's elite buzzed with gossip about the Hale-Laurent scandal.
Julian arrived looking impeccable in a custom black tuxedo, with Martha on his arm, looking radiant and sharp in an emerald evening gown. The whispers followed them as they moved through the crowd.
Halfway through the evening, the ballroom doors opened, and a hush fell over the room. Bianca stepped in, wearing a striking crimson dress, clinging to the arm of Victor Vance. She looked directly at Julian and offered a smug, challenging smile. She was daring him to make a scene.
"Stay calm," Julian whispered to his mother.
"I'm perfectly fine, darling," Martha whispered back, her eyes flashing with a competitive fire Julian hadn't seen in years. "Let her dig."
Bianca intentionally navigated her way toward Julian’s table, surrounded by a flock of reporters who had paid their way in. "Julian," she said, her voice dripping with fake sympathy. "I'm so glad you could make it. And Martha... it's good to see you're having a lucid day."
The reporters' cameras flashed. Julian didn't flinch.
"Enjoy the evening, Bianca," Julian said calmly, loud enough for the reporters to hear. "It will be your last night in polite society."
May you like
Bianca laughed, a sharp, dismissive sound. "Empty threats, Julian. Everyone knows the truth now."
"They will in about five minutes," Julian replied, glancing at his watch. He turned his back on her and walked toward the main stage, signaling the AV coordinator.
