Chapter 14: The Last Gala
Clara agreed to the exchange.
But she had no intention of surrendering the only evidence that could clear her father’s name.
Senator Ashford ordered her to bring the ledgers to the Founders’ Gala at the city museum, where hundreds of reporters and political donors would be present.
He believed the crowd would protect him.
Instead, Clara used it against him.
Adrian entered through the main doors with Eleanor. Malcolm coordinated with federal agents hidden among the guests.
Clara walked onto the stage carrying a leather case.
Senator Ashford stood beside Victoria, one hand gripping her arm beneath the cover of his jacket.
“Give me the documents,” he whispered.
Clara placed the case on the podium.
Then she turned toward the cameras.
“My father was called a thief for twenty years,” she said. “Tonight, the people who framed him will hear his name cleared.”
Ashford’s smile vanished.
The museum screens lit up.
Every ledger page had been scanned and transmitted to journalists, investigators, and financial regulators.
Audio of Marcus and Ashford discussing Thomas Bennett’s death filled the room.
Guests began backing away from the senator.
Ashford grabbed Victoria and pulled out a concealed weapon.
“You ungrateful child,” he snarled. “I built everything for you.”
“No,” Victoria said, tears running down her face. “You built it for yourself.”
She drove her elbow into his ribs.
Clara pulled her away as agents surrounded him.
Ashford fired once toward the ceiling.
A decorative light fixture shattered.
Sparks rained onto the stage curtains.
Within seconds, the fabric caught fire.
The crowd rushed for the exits.
Clara looked back and saw Eleanor trapped beneath a fallen metal beam.
Adrian was on the opposite side of the flames.
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There was only one clear path to Eleanor.
And it was collapsing.
