Chapter 16 - The Annual Foundation Gala Under Warm String Lights
Six months after the disastrous wedding night, the estate hosted the annual Sterling Foundation Charity Gala under the stars.
Warm string lights illuminated the patio columns where the wedding cake had once stood, casting a golden glow over the guests.
Philanthropists, business leaders, and community advocates gathered to support the foundation’s new financial defense programs.
Chloe wore an elegant emerald silk gown, gracefully moving among the tables and greeting supporters with a radiant smile.
Agent Marcus Vance attended as a guest of honor, thanking Chloe for her invaluable assistance in dismantling the fraud ring.
“Clara Vance received a twelve-year federal sentence last week,” Agent Vance mentioned quietly as they stood near the garden wall.
“And Garrison?” Chloe asked calmly, her expression unchanged by the mention of her former fiancé.
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“Thirty years at ADX Florence,” Vance confirmed. “With zero possibility of early parole or asset recovery.”
Chloe nodded slowly, feeling the final lingering shadow of the past lift completely from her heart and spirit.
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