2025-07-13 00:06:35The city’s grand theater glowed with golden lights. The Woman of the Year ceremony was packed with people in fancy clothes.
Cameras flashed, and a big screen showed pictures of Sophia Chamberlain handing out laptops to kids. Tonight, she’d be named Woman of the Year for her school donations and leadership at Walker International.Nobody knew Brent Walker was behind it all, plotting from his secret underground mansion.In the mansion’s command center, screens showed Sophia backstage, her blue dress shining like a jewel.Brent sat in his high-tech chair, his grin sharp like a cat’s. His team—Ling, James, Jessica, Tommy, and Adam—watched the live feed, their faces excited.“Sophia’s gonna steal the show,” Jessica said, her tablet glowing with donation numbers. “Lucy’s Phoenix Foundation is breaking records, and Sophia’s the star.”James scrolled through Twitter. “#SophiaSaves is everywhere,” he said. “People love her."<
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218
Sarah sat in the green room of the TV station, her legs crossed, tapping her heel on the floor. She wore a sleek navy dress, her hair freshly styled, her makeup flawless, lips painted a confident red. The lights above buzzed softly, the air cold on her skin. Kara sat across from her, clutching her phone. “They’re almost ready for you, Ms. Chen.” Sarah glanced at her reflection in the mirror, forcing herself to smile. “I’m ready.” She had to be. Outside the room, the crew bustled, cameras being checked, lights adjusted, the low hum of the live audience on the other side of the wall. Sarah’s phone buzzed on the table next to her water. She picked it up, hoping to see Damien’s name. Nothing. She set it down, ignoring the twisting in her stomach. “Tonight, we fix this,” she whispered to herself. The producer knocked softly, poking her head in.
217
Sarah stood on the balcony of her penthouse, staring at the empty rooftop prepared for tonight. Strings of fairy lights glowed above a long white table set with candles, fresh flowers, and gold-rimmed glasses that caught the dying light of the sunset. The city skyline blinked around her, uncaring, as she forced her shoulders to relax. She checked her reflection in the glass door, smoothing her hair, adjusting her black dress that hugged her body tightly. Her lips were painted a soft red, but she still felt pale. “Tonight is the night,” she whispered to herself. “They’ll see I’m still powerful.” Kara walked onto the balcony, holding her tablet, checking the RSVP list for the tenth time. “Ms. Chen,” she said quietly, “most of the influencers confirmed. We have fifteen major names coming.” Sarah nodded, not looking at her. “And the champagne? The catering?” Kara hesi
216
Sarah stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the strap of her designer sports bra. Her hair was tied into a tight ponytail, her face bare except for a swipe of lip gloss. Today, she would show them she was calm, healthy, and powerful. “This will work,” she whispered to herself. Kara stood in the doorway, holding a clipboard. “Ms. Chen, the influencer spa event starts in thirty minutes.” Sarah turned, forcing a smile. “Let’s go.” The luxury rooftop spa was bright under the morning sun, steam rising from glass pools, soft music playing from hidden speakers. Influencers in matching robes walked around, filming themselves with smoothies, laughing quietly as they posted to their stories. “Spa day with #ChenIndustries.” “Queen Sarah comeback.” “#HealthyQueen.” Sarah stepped onto the deck, her steps confident, her robe crisp and new. She walked past the influencers, nod
215
Sarah stood in the cold morning air, her breath fogging as she adjusted her coat. The charity event banners flapped in the breeze: “Chen Industries Gives Back.” A small stage had been set up in front of a local children’s shelter, cameras positioned to capture her “redemption.” Kara stood beside her, holding a clipboard, checking the schedule. “Ms. Chen, the press is ready.” Sarah took a deep breath, forcing a smile. “Today, we show them who I am.” The small crowd included local reporters, influencers with ring lights, and a few curious parents holding their kids. The shelter’s director, a kind woman with tired eyes, stood nervously near the podium. Sarah stepped forward, her heels clicking on the stage. She looked out at the cameras, her smile wide, arms open. “Thank you for coming,” she said loudly, her voice carrying. “Today is about the future. Today is about giving back.” The influencers f
214 - SARAH CHEN AGAIN?
Sarah sat at her desk in the penthouse, staring at the empty glass in front of her. Her eyes were puffy, and her hair was tied up messily. She had stopped wearing makeup in the mornings. She didn’t see the point anymore. But today was different. Today, she would take control. Kara peeked in, holding a phone. “Ms. Chen, the podcast team is ready. They’re setting up downstairs.” Sarah didn’t move at first. Then she stood, her voice hoarse. “Good. Let’s do it.” Downstairs, the living room had been turned into a small recording studio. A “Chen Reborn” banner hung behind the microphone stand. Two producers set up cameras, adjusting lights while an assistant placed bottled water on the small table. Sarah walked in, wearing a clean white blouse, trying to look calm. She didn’t smile. She didn’t need to. “This will change everything,” she said softly
213 - THE RED CARPET
Sarah stood in the kitchen of her penthouse, staring at the trays of food on the counter. Cold bagels. Lukewarm coffee. Leftover fruit from yesterday, cut and rearranged on a silver platter. This was not what she wanted. “It’s fine,” she muttered to herself. “They’ll come for me, not the food.” Kara hovered in the corner, clutching a tablet. “Ms. Chen, the catering canceled. The payment didn’t go through.” Sarah’s eyes snapped to her, sharp and cold. “Shut up, Kara. It’s fine.” The penthouse was cold, the giant windows showing the gray city outside. The dining table was set with the best plates she had, but the cheap food looked out of place under the crystal chandelier. She adjusted the flowers in the vase, forcing them to look fuller than they were. Her phone buzzed. Damien’s name. She answered immediately. “Damien. I need you here,” she sa
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