Chapter 3: The First Crack in Their Perfect Image
Grant planned a charity gala.
A huge event.
Politicians.
Business owners.
Reporters.
Everyone important in Chicago would be there.
His plan was simple.
Destroy Evelyn Carter publicly.
He invited me.
Not because he respected me.
Because he wanted to embarrass me.
When I entered the ballroom wearing a simple black dress, people whispered.
“That’s the diner owner?”
“She came here?”
Grant smiled.
“Evelyn, I’m surprised you accepted.”
I smiled back.
“I wouldn’t miss this.”
He stepped closer.
“You should apologize to my family.”
I looked at him.
“For what?”
“For creating unnecessary drama.”
I laughed softly.
“No, Grant.”
“The drama started when your mother pulled my daughter’s hair.”
His smile disappeared.
The room became silent.
Then Grant raised his glass.
“Everyone here knows my family’s reputation.”
“And everyone knows your restaurant is just a small business.”
I looked around.
Then I reached into my purse.
And placed a tablet on the table.
“I agree.”
Everyone looked confused.
“A small business can’t compete with a billion-dollar company.”
I pressed play.
The security video appeared.
The entire ballroom watched Margaret attacking Hannah.
Grant’s face turned white.
The room went silent.
Then someone whispered:
“You knew?”
May you like
“You watched?”
The perfect image began cracking.
