He Chose His Ex, So I Chose My Empire novel · Chapter 5 of 24

Chapter 5: The Launch

"You're not on the list," Imogen said in the elevator on Thursday night. "I am. And I'm allowed a plus one."

"Sabrina will throw me out."

"Sabrina will try. Wear the black."

I wore the black.

The 31st floor had been turned into a party.

The desks were pushed against the walls and covered in white cloth.

There were waiters with trays of tiny crab cakes, and a string quartet in the corner where my team used to sit.

On a stand by the windows was a giant cardboard check.

Pay to the order of the Harbor Light Foundation. Ten million dollars. Hugh Stratton's signature, blown up three feet wide.

People saw me come in.

I watched it ripple out from the elevators.

"Keep walking," Imogen murmured. "Smile like you own a yacht."

"I don't own a yacht."

"Smile like you'd sink one."

Hugh was by the check with a photographer.

Sabrina stood beside him in cream silk.

The photographer said, "A little closer," and Sabrina stepped in until her shoulder touched his arm.

Hugh's eyes found me over the crowd.

He didn't move away from her.

He didn't move toward me either.

He just stood there and let the camera flash.

Imogen handed me a glass of champagne.

"Hold this so you have something to do with your hands that isn't murder."

The quartet stopped.

The COO tapped a microphone and welcomed everyone, and thanked "our extraordinary donor," and the room applauded Hugh.

Then he handed the microphone to Sabrina.

She was good.

I'll give her that, even now.

She talked about legacy and vision and San Francisco.

Behind her, the big screen put up a new slide: the city's blue seal, right under the word PARTNERS.

"And none of this works without partners," she said. "So I'm thrilled to tell you the city's housing department is with us. Their director is here tonight."

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