Chapter 5 - The Mistress’s Meltdown
Paisley couldn't take the silence anymore.
She stepped forward,
her shimmering gold gown looking cheap under the harsh scrutiny of the elites.
"This must be some kind of joke,"
she shrilled,
her voice carrying across the ballroom.
"Spencer,
you said she was a nobody!"
"You said she had no family and no money!"
Spencer tried to grab her arm to quiet her,
but she shoved him away.
"She’s just wearing a fancy dress!"
she shouted,
pointing a finger at me.
"She’s probably a fraud!"
My father didn't even look at her.
He signaled to the hotel’s head of security.
"This woman is disturbing the peace,"
my father said quietly.
"And she isn't on the guest list for this table."
"Actually,"
the gala organizer stepped forward,
checking his tablet.
"Miss Dawson isn't on the guest list for the event at all."
"She was brought in as Mr. Reed's plus-one."
The Chairman of the Apex Group frowned,
looking at Spencer.
"Spencer,
this is a family-oriented charity event."
"We were under the impression you were bringing your wife."
Spencer’s mouth opened and closed,
but no sound came out.
"He did bring his wife,"
I said,
standing up and smoothing my silk skirts.
"He just didn't think she was worthy of the room."
"So he brought his mistress instead."
The scandal was now official.
The women at the surrounding tables gasped,
covering their mouths with silk fans.
The investors Spencer had been courting began to step away from him.
In the world of high finance,
reputation was everything.
And Spencer Reed had just committed social suicide.
"Security,"
the Chairman ordered.
"Remove Miss Dawson immediately."
Paisley screamed as two large men took her by the elbows.
"You can't do this!"
"Spencer,
do something!"
But Spencer was too busy watching his empire crumble.
He watched as Paisley was dragged out of the ballroom,
her gold dress caught in the door.
May you like
He stood alone in the center of the floor,
the center of everyone’s mockery.
