Chapter 5 - The Unexpected Ally In The Alley
The woman inside the black town car was Eleanor Vance—Harrison’s estranged older sister and Leo’s favorite aunt.
When Eleanor saw Leo standing on the sidewalk in his wet green hoodie alongside Clara, she pushed the car door open immediately.
"Leo! Get in out of the rain, sweetheart," Eleanor called out, holding a large umbrella over her head as she stepped onto the sidewalk.
Leo didn't hesitate; he jogged over to his aunt, wrapping his arms around her in a tight, desperate embrace.
Eleanor held her nephew tightly, looking over his shoulder to meet Clara's calm, observant gaze under the awning light.
"You must be the young woman who caused absolute chaos inside the dining room five minutes ago," Eleanor said, a proud smile on her lips.
"My driver was waiting near the valet," Eleanor explained, stepping closer to Clara. "Word travels fast inside the Vance family."
"Harrison is currently screaming at the club manager, demanding the board cancel your employment immediately."
Clara stood straight, refusing to show a single trace of regret or fear. "He can cancel my shift, Mrs. Vance, but he can't cancel what happened."
Eleanor pulled a small leather card case from her coat pocket, handing a gold-embossed business card directly to Clara.
"My late husband and I established the Vance Foundation for Deaf Education ten years ago," Eleanor said softly.
"We need a new director of youth programs in Manhattan, Miss Miller."
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"Someone who has real courage, real fluency, and doesn't back down from arrogant men in tailored suits."
Clara looked down at the gold card in her hand, her heart skipping a beat as the trajectory of her life shifted in an instant.
