Chapter 4

The annual Rose Foundation charity gala sparkled around me, a sea of designer gowns and champagne flutes under crystal chandeliers. I stood beside Oliver in my midnight-blue Valentino, smiling the practiced smile I'd perfected over our years together. His hand rested at the small of my back, warm and possessive as he guided me through the crowd of Manhattan's elite.

"There she is," Oliver announced to a circle of investors, his voice carrying that practiced pride. "The woman behind it all."

The spotlight found me as Oliver stepped aside, gesturing dramatically toward the stage.

"My wife has single-handedly raised over…