Chapter 3 - The Table Reserved for Powerful People
The Coastal Vision Benefit began shortly after nine o’clock.
Blake stepped out of the limousine with Sloane beside him. Photographers called his name while Lenette smiled proudly behind them.
One reporter asked whether Sloane was Mrs. Winslow.
Blake did not correct him.
Instead, he moved closer to her and smiled for the camera.
Corinne broadcast the entire entrance to her followers.
“My brother is about to enter the biggest chapter of his career,” she said into her phone. “Some people are born to lead.”
An event coordinator guided the family toward the central table directly below the stage.
Blake immediately understood the significance of the placement.
That table was reserved for Fairchild Capital’s senior executives, the largest donors, and the company’s mysterious founder.
He sat down with renewed confidence.
“They are going to expand our partnership,” he whispered to Sloane.
“How large?”
“Possibly two hundred million dollars. Maybe more.”
Sloane’s eyes brightened.
“Then tomorrow we stop pretending.”
Blake smiled.
“The separation documents are already being prepared.”
Lenette lifted her glass.
“Arden will agree to whatever you offer. Give her a small apartment and enough money to begin again. She should be grateful.”
Warren Winslow sat quietly beside his wife.
Unlike the others, he looked uneasy.
“You are all speaking as though Arden has no feelings,” he said.
Lenette turned toward him.
“Do not become sentimental now. That woman has enjoyed this family’s generosity for years.”
None of them noticed the microphones built into the table decorations.
May you like
The ballroom’s broadcast system recorded every word.
Inside the production room, Graham Voss listened in silence.
