Chapter 5 - The Gala of Fools
Saturday night arrived. The Grand Atrium of the city’s most exclusive museum was transformed into a paradise of gold leaf, white orchids, and crystal chandeliers.
The Vales had spared no expense, despite their accounts bleeding dry. Victor had convinced his creditors that tonight would secure a massive new round of foreign investment to save them. It was a desperate facade. A house of cards painted in gold.
Adrian strutted through the crowd in a velvet tuxedo, Sienna on his arm. She wore a sheer, scandalous gown that drew whispers from the conservative old-money elite. Celeste, wearing a forced smile, tried to steer them away from the most important investors, embarrassed by the girl’s lack of grace.
"Smile, Victor," Celeste hissed at her husband through her teeth. "The Mayor is looking at us."
"I can't smile," Victor muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. "The bank gave us until midnight. If we don't get pledges tonight, we are ruined tomorrow."
The string quartet played a lively waltz, masking the tension.
Then, the music abruptly stopped.
The heavy mahogany doors at the top of the grand staircase opened. The ambient lighting shifted, a spotlight panning up to illuminate the entrance.
Whispers rippled through the crowd. Glasses lowered. Heads turned.
I stood at the top of the stairs.
I was no longer Mara Vale, the mousy compliance lawyer who wore beige cardigans and kept her head down.
I was Mara Ashford.
I wore a floor-length gown of liquid emerald silk that draped perfectly over my pregnant stomach. Diamonds—real, heirloom Ashford diamonds that eclipsed everything in the room—glittered at my throat and wrists. My hair was swept up in a flawless, regal style. My posture was steel.
Naomi stood a step behind me, wearing a sharp black suit, carrying a leather briefcase.
Adrian dropped his champagne glass. It shattered on the marble floor.
"Mara?" he whispered, his voice carrying in the sudden silence.
Sienna scowled. "What is she doing here? Security! Get her out!"
I walked down the stairs. Slowly. Every step echoed. The crowd parted for me instinctively, sensing the shift in power.
Victor rushed forward, his face red with fury. "You have some nerve showing up here, Mara! You signed the papers! You are no longer part of this family!"
May you like
I stopped two feet from him. I didn't raise my voice, but the entire room heard me.
"You are absolutely right, Victor," I said, a dangerous smile playing on my lips. "I am no longer part of your family. But as of this afternoon, I am your landlord."
