Chapter 13
The news of their engagement spread rapidly through the city,
making headlines in both the social columns and the business sections,
and bringing a new wave of intense public attention.
Mave had always preferred to work quietly behind the scenes,
focusing her energy on the daily operations of The Donnelly Center,
but now she was thrust directly into the blinding spotlight of high society.
Invitations to elite dinner parties and exclusive events flooded the estate,
printed on expensive and heavy cardstock,
as the city's wealthiest elites clamored to be associated with the newly reformed billionaire.
Landon offered to decline every single one of them,
knowing how much Mave despised the shallow nature of those gatherings,
and wanting only to protect her peace of mind.
But Mave stubbornly refused to hide away in the mansion,
realizing that she could use this newfound social power to further her charitable causes,
and secure even more funding for the vulnerable people she protected.
They attended a highly publicized gala at the museum of modern art,
arriving in a sleek black car surrounded by flashing camera bulbs,
and Mave stepped onto the red carpet with absolute grace.
She wore a simple,
emerald-green silk dress that clung perfectly to her curves,
and her dark hair was swept up into an elegant and classic style.
Landon stood close beside her,
his hand resting protectively on the small of her back,
his dark eyes scanning the crowd with the sharp instincts of a man who missed nothing.
He guided her effortlessly through the crowded room,
introducing her to powerful politicians and influential investors,
all of whom were captivated by her genuine warmth and sharp intelligence.
Mave did not play the role of the silent and decorative fiancée,
instead engaging in fierce debates about public housing and predatory lending,
and challenging the wealthy donors to do more for their community.
She was not intimidated by their tailored suits or their massive bank accounts,
because she had survived poverty,
betrayal,
and the terrifying violence of the criminal underworld.
A prominent state senator approached them near the champagne fountain,
offering his congratulations on their engagement with a slick and practiced smile,
and he attempted to steer the conversation toward his own political campaign.
Mave politely but firmly redirected the discussion,
cornering him on his recent voting record regarding tenant protection laws,
and leaving the seasoned politician completely flustered and speechless.
Landon watched her work the room with a deep and swelling pride,
realizing that she was a natural and brilliant force of nature,
and that she did not need him to fight her battles for her.
When the evening finally came to an end,
and they were safely back in the privacy of their armored car,
Mave kicked off her high heels with a loud sigh of relief.
She rested her aching feet on Landon's lap,
and he immediately began to massage her tired arches,
his large hands moving with surprising tenderness and care.
He told her that she was the most terrifying and beautiful woman in the room,
and that he pitied anyone who dared to stand in her way,
which made her laugh a rich and exhausted laugh.
She leaned her head back against the leather seat,
closing her eyes as the car drove smoothly through the darkened city streets,
and she knew that she was finally using her voice to change the world.
She was no longer the invisible waitress who shrank from the gaze of strangers,
May you like
she was Mave Donnelly,
and she was an absolute and undeniable queen.
