Chapter 5 - The Charity Brunch Ambush
The garden terrace at the Plaza Hotel was packed with New York’s elite. Sunshine washed over white silk table runners, crystal champagne fountains, and floral arrangements made of imported white roses.
Ava stood at the top of the terrace steps, her breath catching in her throat.
She looked entirely transformed. The styling team had dressed her in a tailored, off-the-shoulder emerald silk gown that hugged her curves in all the right places. Her dark hair was styled in soft, elegant waves, and a subtle touch of makeup highlighted her cheekbones and deep hazel eyes. On her finger, the 12-carat pink diamond caught the sunlight, flashing brilliantly.
Alexander stood beside her, his hand resting possessively on her waist.
"Nervous?" he murmured near her ear.
"Terrified," Ava admitted under her breath.
"Good," Alexander whispered, a dark smile touching his lips. "Use that adrenaline. Look at them, Ava. You own this room."
As they descended the stairs, the crowd parted instantly. Heads turned, conversations died down, and whispers spread like wildfire.
"That's her... Alexander Vance’s fiancée!" "Look at that ring! Is that a Pink Star diamond?!" "She looks like royalty..."
Across the garden terrace, Ava spotted Damian and Victoria standing near the bar.
Damian looked pale, his suit noticeably less pristine than usual. His eyes were wide with a mix of shock, rage, and overwhelming jealousy. Beside him, Victoria stared at Ava’s dress and diamond with pure envy.
Damian pushed through the crowd, dragging Victoria behind him, heading straight toward Ava and Alexander.
"Mr. Vance," Damian said loudly, attracting the attention of several nearby reporters and guests. "I think you deserve to know the truth before this little farce goes any further."
Alexander stopped, turning to face Damian with cool indifference. "Exlighten me, Mr. Cross."
Damian smirked, confidence returning to his face. "This woman standing beside you? Six months ago, she was living off instant noodles in a Brooklyn basement! She worked as a low-level barista and medical biller! She’s an absolute nobody, Mr. Vance! She’s using you for your money!"
The surrounding guests gasped. Victoria stepped forward, flashing a mean smile.
"It's true," Victoria added smoothly. "Damian dumped her six months ago because she was completely beneath his social standing. She’s a gold-digger, Alexander. She probably cornered you when you were vulnerable!"
Damian looked at Ava with triumph in his eyes, expecting her to crumble, to cry, to flee the room in embarrassment just like she used to.
Instead, Ava took a slow step forward.
She didn't look nervous. She didn't look scared. She looked down at Damian as if he were a bug on her shoe.
"Are you finished, Damian?" Ava asked, her voice calm, clear, and ringing out across the terrace.
Damian blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
"You're right about one thing," Ava said, holding her head high. "Six months ago, I was living in a cheap apartment. I was working two jobs, burning myself out, skipping meals, and exhausting every dollar I had."
She paused, letting her words settle into the silent crowd.
"But do you want to tell these people why I was doing that, Damian?" Ava asked, her hazel eyes cutting into him like steel. "Should I remind everyone here who paid your business school tuition? Should I tell them who bought the suit you wore to your very first corporate interview at Sterling North?"
Damian’s face drained of all color instantly. "Ava... shut up..."
"I spent four years building you up from nothing," Ava continued, stepping closer to him, her ring flashing brilliantly in his face. "And the moment you got your high-paying job, you dumped me via a text message at three in the morning because you thought I was 'beneath' your future."
Whispers erupted around the garden.
"He used her to pay for his school?!" "What a scumbag!" "He dumped her by text after she paid for his life?!"
Victoria looked horrified, staring at Damian in disbelief. "Damian... is that true?!"
Alexander stepped up beside Ava, placing a strong, protective arm around her waist. He looked down at Damian with utter disdain.
"Sterling North Capital is seeking a fifty-million-dollar investment from Vance Global today, isn't that right, Mr. Cross?" Alexander said, his voice dropping like a heavy iron hammer.
Damian swallowed hard, sweating profusely. "Y-Yes, Mr. Vance... we were hoping to sign the papers afternoon..."
Alexander pulled his phone from his pocket, made a quick tap on the screen, and placed it back.
"Deal's off," Alexander said coldly. "In fact, I am pulling all Vance Global assets out of Sterling North effective immediately. And I will personally inform your CEO that the reason for this sudden withdrawal is your appalling lack of moral character."
May you like
Damian’s eyes went wide with sheer terror. "No! Mr. Vance, please! That deal is my entire career! If you pull out, Sterling North will destroy me!"
"Then I suggest you start looking for a new career," Alexander said smoothly. "Now... get out of our sight before I have security throw you into the street."
