The Birthday Gala
Preparations for Andrew’s sixtieth birthday were in full swing. The guest list read like a magazine cover — senators, CEOs, celebrities. Victoria demanded perfection, and Emily delivered it.
She coordinated vendors, arranged flowers, double-checked every table setting. Somewhere along the way, she had become indispensable.
On the night of the gala, the ballroom sparkled with gold and glass. Victoria looked flawless, but her fingers drummed restlessly against her champagne flute.
Then — disaster. A rival developer stormed in, publicly accusing Andrew of corruption. The crowd gasped. Cameras turned.
Without hesitation, Emily acted. She intercepted a passing waiter and “accidentally” collided with the man, spilling red wine all over his expensive suit.
Gasps turned to murmurs. The intruder sputtered in anger, too distracted to continue his tirade. Security escorted him out as laughter rippled through the room.
Across the ballroom, Victoria’s gaze met Emily’s. This time, there was no disdain — only gratitude.
