Chapter 26 - The Charity Gala
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The grand ballroom of the Drake Hotel was illuminated by thousands of crystal lights.
It was the night of the annual Chicago Hope Gala.
The most exclusive charity event of the year.
Victor stood in front of the massive mirror in his dressing room, adjusting his black bow tie.
He hated events like this.
He hated the fake smiles, the forced handshakes, and the judgment hidden behind polite conversation.
But tonight was different.
Tonight, Lily was the guest of honor.
Her foundation had successfully opened three new shelters in the city.
The door opened, and Lily stepped inside.
Victor turned, and the breath completely left his lungs.
She wore a floor-length dress of deep, midnight blue silk.
Her hair was pinned up elegantly, and she radiated a quiet, unbreakable confidence.
“You look absolutely breathtaking,” Victor whispered, stepping forward to kiss her cheek.
“And you look terrifyingly handsome,” Lily smiled, adjusting his lapel.
“Are you ready for this?” Victor asked.
“As long as you hold my hand,” she answered.
When they arrived at the hotel, the flashbulbs of the press instantly blinded them.
In the past, Victor avoided the press like a plague.
He preferred to operate in the dark.
But tonight, he walked the red carpet with his head held high, his hand firmly holding Lily’s.
Inside the ballroom, the elite of Chicago turned to stare.
Politicians, celebrities, and billionaires parted to let them through.
They looked at Victor with a mixture of deep respect and lingering fear.
But when they looked at Lily, they saw only admiration.
During dinner, the Mayor of Chicago approached their table.
“Mr. Blackwood, Mrs. Blackwood,” the Mayor greeted nervously.
“Mayor,” Victor nodded curtly.
“I just wanted to say, the work your foundation is doing is remarkable. The city owes you a debt of gratitude.”
Lily smiled graciously.
“Thank you, Mayor. We simply believe in giving back to the community.”
When it was time for Lily to speak, Victor watched her walk up to the podium.
He listened as she commanded the room.
She spoke of hope, resilience, and the power of second chances.
The applause was deafening.
When she returned to the table, Victor pulled her chair out.
“You conquered them,” he whispered in her ear.
“We conquered them,” she corrected softly.
May you like
They were no longer the outcasts of Chicago.
They were its royalty.
