Chapter 5

Wednesday evening.

The grand ballroom of New York's Waldorf Astoria glittered beneath crystal chandeliers, filled with the city's most powerful names.

Dressed in a custom-tailored suit, Carter moved confidently through the crowd with one arm wrapped around Victoria.

Her fitted evening gown accentuated the gentle curve of her pregnant belly as they toasted investors and exchanged smiles with the city's elite.

To bring Victoria with him, he'd deliberately left Gwen at home.

He hadn't even waited for her to sign the mortgage papers before rushing Victoria here to impress potential investors.

"Are you sure it's okay that your wife isn't here tonight?"

Victoria stroked her belly with a playful smile.

Carter took a sip of champagne, his expression full of disdain.

"What does she know about high society? She'd only embarrass me."

"Once I lock down Lafayette Capital's investment tonight, I'll go home and have her sign the divorce papers."

At that moment, a sudden stir rippled through the ballroom.

Carter turned toward the entrance just as several security guards in black suits pulled open the massive doors.

Gwen stepped inside.

She wore a breathtaking deep-blue couture gown.

Beside her walked Noah in a perfectly tailored little suit with a tiny bow tie, his small hand resting confidently in hers.

Together, they crossed the ballroom with effortless elegance.

She wasn't wearing any of the outdated gowns Carter had bought for her.

Instead, a magnificent sapphire necklace rested against her neck, its deep blue stones catching the crystal lights with a brilliance so exquisite that it was impossible to look away.

Carter's face darkened. Dragging Victoria behind him, he hurried over and lowered his voice.

"Gwen! Who told you to come?"

"I already said I had other plans tonight. You weren't supposed to be here."

"And why did you bring Noah?"

"Take him and leave. Right now."

Victoria let out a mocking laugh.

"Gwen, one glass of champagne here probably costs more than your monthly paycheck."

"Stop embarrassing Carter. You should leave."

Gwen didn't react.

She didn't even bother looking at either of them.

Still holding Gwen's hand, Noah tilted up his innocent little face.

"Mommy. Why are Daddy and that lady yelling in front of everyone?"

"I thought Daddy always said people should use their inside voices in public."

The child's innocent question echoed through the room.

The venture capitalists standing nearby immediately fell silent.

Every one of them turned to look at Carter. Their expressions suddenly became... much more interesting.

Heat rushed into Carter's face.

Humiliated, he pointed at Gwen.

"I'm giving you three seconds. Take Noah and get out."

"Or—"

"Or what?"

An elderly voice, calm yet commanding, cut across the ballroom.

Carter froze.

Escorted by Alfred and a dozen of the nation's most distinguished attorneys, the patriarch of the Winslow family—the man regarded as one of the most powerful figures in New York's old-money circle—slowly stepped onto the stage.

Carter's eyes lit up.

He hurried forward, forcing on his brightest smile.

"Mr. Winslow!"

"I'm Carter Hayes from Aurora Technologies. It's an honor to—"

Mr. Winslow walked straight past him without so much as a glance.

Stopping at the microphone, he slowly surveyed the ballroom.

"Ladies and gentlemen."

"Tonight, I have something far more important than business to announce."

"Thirty-four years ago, my daughter was taken from our family."

"After all these years, we've finally found her."

The ballroom fell into absolute silence.

Even Carter leaned forward, eager to hear the name.

"She is Mr. Winslow's gaze settled gently on Gwen. My daughter, Gwen Winslow."

"The sole direct heir to the Winslow family."

He smiled proudly before continuing.

"And beside her..."

"My grandson, Noah Winslow."

"The first heir to the Winslow Family Trust."

The instant he finished speaking, every spotlight in the ballroom swung toward Gwen and Noah.

Gasps erupted across the room.

The smile froze on Carter's face.

His champagne glass slipped from his fingers and shattered across the marble floor.

He stared at the woman he'd spent years underestimating.

His hand, which had been wrapped around Victoria's waist only moments ago, began to tremble.

Slowly...

Almost instinctively, he let it fall to his side.