Chapter 6 - The Prelude to War
The night of the Grand Winter Gala arrived under a blanket of fresh snow that coated the city in white.
Outside the Historic Drake Hotel, red carpets were rolled out under grand awnings, flanked by dozens of photographers, news crews, and security detail. Limousines idled in a long line, dropping off city politicians, real estate barons, and international high society.
Inside Adrian’s private suite on the top floor of the hotel, Evelyn stood by the window, clutching a small beaded purse.
Her hair was swept up into an intricate, elegant chignon, with soft tendrils framing her face. A simple diamond drop necklace rested against her collarbones, gifted to her temporarily from the Wexler family vault for the evening.
Her hands were cool, but her mind was crystal clear.
The door to the suite opened, and Adrian walked in, looking striking in a custom black tuxedo. He carried a small, velvet-lined box.
"You look breathtaking, Evelyn," he said softly, walking over to her.
"I feel like I'm wearing a costume, Adrian," she confessed, offering a small, nervous smile. "Part of me is still terrified that I'll spill soup on this dress or trip on the carpet."
"You won't trip," Adrian said, opening the velvet box. Inside was a delicate, vintage platinum bracelet set with emeralds. "My grandmother wore this to her first board meeting in 1950. She was the only woman in the room, and every man there told her she didn't belong."
He picked up the bracelet and gently wrapped it around Evelyn's wrist, his warm fingers brushing against her skin, sending a subtle shiver through her arms.
"What did she do?" Evelyn asked, watching his hands.
"She bought out their shares and fired three of them by the end of the quarter," Adrian said with a quiet smile, fastening the clasp. "Wear it tonight as a reminder. You belong in every room you step into."
Evelyn looked down at the glittering emeralds, feeling a deep, steadying warmth spread through her chest. "Thank you, Adrian."
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He offered her his arm. "Are you ready? Your stepfather and stepsister arrived twenty minutes ago. My aunt Beatrice is already assembling her supporters in the main ballroom."
Evelyn slipped her arm through his, standing tall, her chin raised. "Let's go change their minds."
