Chapter 46
Chapter 46
~BLAIR
I had been at the Harbor Light Benefit for less than twenty minutes when my luck ran out.
75 voucher
I had come alone, prepared to smile for the required photos and deliver the short remarks the foundation had asked for. I had not prepared for Sophie Preston-Holt and Chase’s mother to appear directly in my path near the silent auction display.
Sophie saw me first. Her smile arrived late and sharp.
“WeN,” she said. “I didn’t realize they were letting just anyone in this year.”
Chase’s mother followed her gaze and the recognition was immediately there with open distaste. “Blair.”
“Mrs. Holt,” I said evenly. “Sophie.”
They didn’t bother with politeness for long.
Chase’s mother looked me over like she was confirming an old judgment. “I was just telling Sophie how glad I am my son finally upgraded. He needed a wife who matched him, someone who understands the life he’s building. Not someone content to stay in the background hoping loyalty would be enough. You wanted to use my son’s fame to build yourself. Sophie did the opposite. She helped make him better.”
Sophie tipped her glass slightly in agreement. “It was past time. Some people are meant for supporting roles. Others are meant to stand beside a popular captain.”
I smiled the way I did in boardrooms when someone underestimated the wrong person.
“It’s sweet that you both still think the background was the only place I could stand,” I said. “Really. The confidence it must take to narrate someone else’s life with so little information.”
Sophie’s eyes narrowed. “Information isn’t the issue. Taste is.”
“Taste.” I let the word hang. “Is that what we’re calling it when a man leaves the person who actually built the floor under him for the first lying alternative that made his mother comfortable? Interesting definition.”
Chase’s mother’s face tightened. “Watch your mouth. My son made a smart decision. He chose a woman who elevates him. You would have held him back.”
“From what?” I asked softly. “He’s everything he is today because of me.”
Sophie stepped an inch closer. “You’re bitter because you lost. am the reason Chase is successful. Not
you.”
“I’m bored because you keep rehearsing the same lines,” I replied. “If you’re going to insult me, at least find something original.”
Both of them looked annoyed,
Good. I had no interest in letting them insult me.
What struck me, as Chase’s mother opened her mouth to continue, was the obvious gap in her knowledge. She still didn’t know. Chase hadn’t told his own mother the truth. She still thought of me as the girl who didn’
t match her son. She had no idea she was speaking to William Monroe’s daughter at a charity her own family had helped build.
This was going to be interesting.
As if on cue, a foundation staffer appeared at my side with a polite, urgent smile.
“Miss Monroe? We’re ready for you on stage!
Successfully unlocked!
I watched the title land on Chase’s mother’s face without full comprehension yet.
“Of course,” I said. “I will be there in a minute.”
Chapter 46
75 voucher
I left them standing by the silent auction and walked toward the front of the ballroom as the host began the introduction
When I took the microphone, the lights made it difficult to see individual faces, but not impossible.
I found Sophie and Chase’s mother near the beginning of the crowd.
“Good evening,” I said. “On behalf of my father, William Monroe, and the entire Monroe family, thank you for being here tonight. Harbor Light has always mattered to us, not as a logo on a program, but as a commitment to the athletes and children who don’t get the easiest path. The research in this room changes recoveries, careers, and futures. My father has spent years making sure that work is funded properly. It’s an honor to speak for him tonight and to thank every one of you who continues to stand behind it.”
I kept the remarks short, warm, and precise-the way I had been taught, When finished, applause carried through the ballroom. On the way back down the side steps, had a clear view of Chase’s mother.
She looked like someone had quietly removed the floor from under her.
Sophie stood rigid beside her, the earlier smugness wiped clean.
I walked back to them because I wanted the moment to be complete.
Chase’s mother tried to speak. Nothing useful came out. Her mouth opened, closed, then opened again. “Enjoy the event,” I said politely. “It’s nice that you were both able to make it. I’m also glad you were able to hear my speech.”
I didn’t wait for them to recover from the shock and embarrassment.
I moved past them into the crowd. I did not have any reason to stay longer. It was time to get out of here. I didn’t want to run into Chase. I couldn’t stand the idea of having to speak with him again.
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Dex Morgan
Dex works to elevate each story with clean writing, emotional balance, and thoughtful flow for readers.