The Medical Gala was hosted by the "Aegis Health Foundation," a prestigious international NGO. That was why Vienna felt safe attending; she didn't see the family name anywhere on the gold-trimmed invitations.
As she stepped into the ballroom, she felt a tap on her shoulder. She turned to find Cynthia, looking radiant but anxious, standing next to JB.
"Vienna! You actually came," Cynthia whispered, pulling her into a tight hug. JB gave a nod, his hand resting on the small of Cynthia's back. He looked more like a businessman than the "Big Boy" from the streets, but the way his eyes scanned the room for exits told a different story.
"I had to, Cyn. The scholarship for Raphael... it's life-changing," Vienna said, smoothing her emerald dress. She looked at JB. "I didn't know you and the guys were into medical philanthropy."
JB let out a short, dry laugh. "We're into 'logistics,' Vee. We make sure the right people are in the right rooms. Allan and Jackson are by the bar—they're handling the 'security' for the VIP donors tonight."
Vienna's brow furrowed. Security? For a medical gala? She looked across the room and saw Jackson. He wasn't drinking; he was standing near a restricted door, his posture rigid. He looked less like a guest and more like a sentinel.
Vienna moved toward the silent auction table, looking at the list of donors. The names were all corporate: Nexus Holdings, Silverline Logistics, The Heritage Group. "Looking for a specific name?"
Vienna jumped. Jayden was standing behind her. He didn't look like he belonged in this room of silk and champagne. He looked like a man on a mission.
"Jayden? I thought you weren't coming," Vienna said, her heart starting to race.
"I wasn't. Until I realized who actually owns 'Aegis Health,'" Jayden said, handing her a folded piece of paper—a printout of a business registry. "I spent the last three hours at the hospital library. Aegis is a shell company, Vienna. It's owned by Silverline Logistics. And Silverline is a subsidiary of Washington Holdings."
Vienna stared at the paper. The ink seemed to blur. "No... that's too much of a reach. Newton wouldn't create an entire foundation just to—"
"He didn't create it for you, Vienna. He bought it," Jayden corrected, his voice urgent. "He's using his father's money to buy his way back into your life without you even knowing he's there. Look at the VIP list."
Vienna's eyes drifted to the top of the room. There, in a private alcove away from the main crowd, sat Mr. Washington and Laverne. They weren't hosting; they were watching. They looked like royalty observing a play.
"Vienna, let's just go," Jayden pleaded, reaching for her hand. "If you stay, you're playing his game."
"I can't just leave, Jayden! If I walk out, Raphael loses everything. My mom loses her care," Vienna hissed, her eyes filling with frustrated tears. She looked toward the VIP section and saw a figure moving toward them.
It wasn't Newton. It was Erick. He stepped between Vienna and Jayden, a polite but cold smile on his face.
"Doctor Jayden, I believe you're in the wrong section," Erick said, his voice smooth but carrying a clear threat. "This area is for confirmed donors only. Jackson, could you show the Doctor the way to the exit?"
Jackson appeared from the shadows, his presence massive and intimidating.
"Vienna, look at me," Jayden said, ignoring the Big Boys. "Tell me you don't see the cracks in this. Tell me you don't see the 'Invisible Shield' he's built around you."
Vienna looked at the Big Boys—the friends she once laughed with, now acting as Newton's enforcers. She looked at the luxury around her, all funded by the man she had told never to see her again.
"I... I don't know what you're talking about, Jayden," Vienna said, her voice trembling as she forced herself to look away. "I'm here for my brother. That's all."
She turned her back on Jayden, her heart breaking as she heard Jackson lead him away. She felt a presence behind her—a familiar scent of woodsmoke and expensive cologne.
"You look beautiful tonight, Vienna," Newton whispered, his voice right at her ear. He didn't touch her, but his shadow enveloped her completely. "I'm glad the Foundation could help with your brother. He deserves the best."
Vienna didn't turn around. She couldn't. Because if she did, he would see the terror in her eyes—the realization that Jayden was right, and she was already trapped.