Contract said no feelings. His lips broke the rules. novel · Chapter 19 of 24
Chapter 19: Gala, First Half
The Founders' Gala filled the ballroom of the Stratton flagship hotel with four hundred people and a chandelier.
I stood at the top of the stairs in the red dress with Weston's hand at the small of my back.
The ring caught the light every time I moved.
Across the room the chairwoman sat at the head table in dark green silk, with her interpreter at her shoulder and her eyes missing nothing.
Near the doors, a row of photographers waited with their lenses up.
Leland's friends.
"Leland's here," Weston murmured.
Leland stood by the dais in a black tuxedo with his gold watch showing at the cuff, shaking hands with the board.
He wore the same warm look he had worn the morning he handed me coffee.
"Where's Marissa?" I said.
"Hannah is watching the doors."
The orchestra finished a waltz.
Weston walked me to our table, and we sat.
I watched the doors for Marissa until the speeches began.
At nine, Leland took the microphone.
"Friends," he said, and the room turned to him. "Fifty years ago my father opened a single hotel. Tonight, with the blessing of our honored guest, we begin a new chapter."
He bowed to the chairwoman, and she inclined her head by one inch.
"I'd like to propose a toast to the happy couple."
Applause rolled across the room.
I did not clap.
A flash went off by the door.
"To my nephew, who has finally settled down," Leland said. "And to the bride, whose loyalty to this family we have all come to admire."
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