Chapter 6 - THE CHARITY GALA TRAP
Two weeks later, the annual Metropolitan Children's Hospital Charity Gala was held at the Grand Hyatt Ballroom. It was the premier high-society event of the season, attended by city officials, business leaders, and top media outlets.
Megan had maneuvered herself onto the event organizing committee months prior, using it as a platform to polish her image as a benevolent philanthropist.
When Daniel and I arrived, dressed in matching sleek black-tie attire, heads turned. Word had already spread about the dramatic incident at L’Arche, and Megan had spent the last fortnight spreading subtle rumors that I was having a mental breakdown due to severe marital insecurity.
I caught sight of Megan across the ballroom. She was wearing an eye-catching emerald green gown, sipping champagne and surrounded by a group of influential society women.
As soon as she spotted us, she put on a concerned, pitying expression and walked over, flanked by two of her committee allies.
"Elena! Daniel!" Megan gasped softy, reaching out as if to touch my arm. "I'm so glad you made it! Elena, darling, how are you feeling? I heard you took some time off work. We were all so worried about your mental health after... well, after your little outburst at the restaurant."
The surrounding guests hushed, listening intently.
"I'm feeling wonderful, Megan," I replied with a warm, steady smile. "In fact, I've never had more clarity in my life."
Megan’s smile faltered for a fraction of a second, unsettled by my composure. She quickly turned her attention to Daniel, offering him a look of deep, shared sympathy. "Daniel, you look exhausted. If you ever need to talk... about anything... you know my door is always open."
"Actually, Megan," Daniel spoke up, his voice loud and clear enough for everyone nearby to hear, "we don't need private talks anymore. In fact, Ryan and I were just talking about you."
May you like
At that moment, Ryan stepped out from behind a floral display, accompanied by two uniformed officers from the State Financial Crimes Division and the hospital board's chief legal counsel.
Megan’s face went completely pale. "Ryan? What is the meaning of this?"
