Chapter 3
A month later, a prominent business gala was held in the heart of Manhattan. The Jenkins family had been fiercely competing to gain control of a project named "Starry Sea Ark." Securing it would allow them to steer the industry's direction for the next decade. Each influential family was secretly maneuvering for it, unaware that I had already navigated numerous hurdles to seize the upper hand.
Chris Gray arrived with flair, confidently engaging guests in talks about his amusement park venture, a wide smile across his face. Aurora Jenkins was at his side, sampling a piece of honey spice cake. Upon seeing me, her expression soured immediately.
“What are you doing here? This isn’t your kind of scene,” she said, her hostility evident the moment Chris was out of earshot.
I ignored her and casually lifted my coffee cup.
Feigning innocence, she continued, “Did you hear? Dad recently rewarded me with five million dollars for my work with Chris on the South Bank project. Shame you didn’t get a cent, huh?”
“Don’t worry. I’ve thought of a special role for you in our project. The amusement park's grand opening needs some entertainment. How about a blindfolded obstacle course? I’ll make sure you get paid—”
Before she could finish, I raised my hand and slapped her sharply across the face, leaving a glaring red mark. Chris stormed over, visibly enraged.
“Well, Nellie, seems you've hit rock bottom, huh?”
Aurora curled up on the floor, clutching her stomach and crying out, “Chris, my stomach hurts... our baby...”
Chris froze, stunned: “Baby? You’re pregnant with my child?”
I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her overly dramatic act.
Chris turned, slapping me in response, “If anything happens to Aurora or the baby, I’ll make you pay!”
Even after the blow, my expression remained stoic. Aurora clung to Chris, perfectly playing the victim.
“Chris, don’t blame Nellie... she’s just envious of our happiness. I understand... Nellie is still your wife, but you only love me.”
Chris pointed at me, barking orders: “Get out of this venue now. Then maybe I'll consider letting you stay in our home to care for the baby.”
“Do you know what kind of event this is? Only the elites attend! Do you think hanging around here will bag you a partnership?”
I chuckled softly, knowing tonight wasn't about pursuing collaborations.
I replied, deliberately slow: “You want me to leave? But if the owner of the Starry Sea Ark isn’t here, how will anyone know with whom to discuss partnerships?”
Chris laughed louder than I did, “You own the Starry Sea Ark? Are you blind and brainless?”
“I’ve always said your intentions were poor; now you’re completely delusional.”
He tapped his temple: “If you’re not well mentally, get help. If you can’t get a psychiatrist appointment, I’ll arrange one.”
The guests nearby were already fixated on the drama unfolding.
“Is Chris Gray really that cruel, speaking to Nellie Jenkins like that?”
“I heard after Abram Carter passed, she was sidelined, losing both property and money to Chris…”
Chris, growing increasingly irate, ordered security to escort me out. The guards, keen to act, moved to comply.
At that moment, a rich voice resonated through the room: “Mr. Gray, who gave you the authority to command my security?”
Chris halted, turning impatiently: “And who might you be?”
The newcomer ignored him, inclining his head toward me: “Ms. Jenkins, I’ve reserved a spot at the main table. Shall we?”
I nodded, accepting his offered hand. He guided me through the onlookers, leading us to the grand hall's center. It was the most exclusive spot at the event, one even the mayor couldn't claim.
The attendees whispered in amazement.
“The main table? Who is this man?”
“Ms. Jenkins must have high standing to be seated at the main table.”
Chris stood frozen, his face a picture of disbelief. He watched as I walked, arm-in-arm, with the tall man whose mere presence radiated immense status and authority. The man spoke, his voice commanding attention:
“We invite the head of the Starry Sea Ark—Ms. Nellie Jenkins—to say a few words.”