Chapter 4
With Vanessa's final attempt thwarted,
Claire returned her focus to her family,
and the upcoming charity gala.
It was the foundation's biggest night,
designed to raise millions for new shelters,
and the guest list was exclusive.
Elaine had come to the city early,
fussing over Elliot's tiny tuxedo,
while Marlene supervised the catering staff.
Grant was in his study,
reviewing the final security protocols,
ensuring nothing would disrupt the evening.
He knew that despite their recent victories,
Claire's growing public influence,
made her a target for jealous rivals.
A rival energy conglomerate,
led by a man named Sterling,
had been aggressively trying to buy Blackwood assets.
Sterling was known for his ruthless tactics,
and he hated that Grant had refused his offers,
choosing to invest in Claire's charitable work instead.
Rumors began to circulate,
that Sterling planned to attend the gala,
intending to cause a scene,
and embarrass the Blackwood family publicly.
Claire was unfazed by the gossip,
adjusting her emerald green gown,
and fastening her silver cross around her neck.
She told Grant not to worry,
because she had survived worse than arrogant billionaires,
and she was ready for whatever came.
The ballroom was decorated in silver and white,
shimmering under the light of crystal chandeliers,
filled with the city's most powerful people.
Sterling arrived late,
flanked by aggressive reporters he had invited,
hoping to catch Claire off guard.
He approached their table with a fake smile,
loudly questioning the foundation's efficiency,
suggesting it was just a tax write-off.
The room grew quiet,
guests turning to watch the confrontation,
waiting to see how Grant would react.
But Grant stayed seated,
sipping his water calmly,
letting his wife handle the situation.
Claire stood up slowly,
meeting Sterling's gaze with absolute confidence,
and smiled sweetly.
She thanked him for his concern,
and then publicly challenged him,
to match the foundation's donations right then and there.
She announced his company's recent record profits,
quoting the exact figures from memory,
trapping him in front of the press.
If he refused,
he would look like a greedy coward,
and if he agreed,
he would fund the very charity he was mocking.
Sterling's face turned a mottled red,
as cameras flashed around him,
forcing him to pull out his checkbook,
and write a massive donation.
Claire smiled,
May you like
thanking him gracefully,
and the entire room erupted in applause.
