Chapter 5 - The Eve of the Gala
The afternoon of the Legacy Gala arrived. Blackwood Academy’s grand hall was decorated in gold linen, crystal chandeliers, and ice sculptures bearing the school's crest.
At the Bennett apartment, a sleek black Mercedes sedan pulled up to the curb—not a police cruiser, nor an old beat-up car, but a vehicle bearing diplomatic license plates.
Two tall men in crisp dark suits stepped out, standing guard at the entrance of the building. Inside, Evelyn opened a large mahogany trunk that had remained locked in her closet for as long as Claire could remember.
Inside lay two garments. One was a breath-taking sapphire-blue silk gown embroidered with real silver thread—the royal crest of Valoria woven into the hem. The other was an elegant midnight-navy dress tailored perfectly to Claire’s measurements.
"It's time," Evelyn said, looking at her daughter with pride.
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"Is he really coming?" Claire asked, her heart pounding against her ribs.
"He arrived at O'Hare Airport two hours ago under diplomatic immunity with a sovereign military escort," Evelyn replied, handing Claire the dress. "Tonight, we don't hide anymore."
