Chapter 10: The Mistress’s Greed
That evening, the Metropolitan Fashion Summit was being held at the Grand Opera House. It was the premier annual event for the global fashion elite, attended by billionaire investors, legendary designers, and royalty.
Ethan dressed in his best tuxedo, while Chloe put on a heavy layer of makeup and an expensive silver sequin dress, insisting on tagging along.
“Why are you coming?” Ethan growled outside the opera house entrance.
“I need to be there to make sure Natalie doesn’t demand you break up with me!” Chloe sneered quietly. “Besides, once Natalie unfreezes your funds, we need to show everyone that Carter Group is still standing tall!”
Ethan gritted his teeth, too desperate to argue.
They walked toward the red carpet VIP entrance. But as they approached the velvet ropes, two giant security guards in black suits stepped forward, blocking their path with stern expressions.
“Invitations, please,” the guard demanded.
Ethan puffed out his chest, trying to maintain his arrogant CEO posture. “I am Ethan Carter, CEO of Carter Luxury Group. This is my company’s VIP pass.”
The guard took the invitation card, scanned it with an electronic reader, and immediately a red icon flashed on the screen: REVOKED / DENIED.
The guard’s expression turned cold. “Mr. Carter, your pass has been blacklisted by the event organizers. You are not permitted entry.”
Chloe stepped forward, pointing her manicured finger at the guard. “Do you know who he is?! Carter Group is a major sponsor of this summit! How dare you bar us entry?”
“Correction,” a smooth, commanding voice echoed from behind the security line. “Carter Group was a sponsor. As of three hours ago, Sinclair Consortium bought out the entire summit and revoked your sponsorship.”
Ethan and Chloe snapped their heads around.
Stepping out from the VIP lounge onto the red carpet was Natalie. She wore a breath-taking sapphire-blue silk gown adorned with hand-stitched diamonds. A tiara of sapphires rested upon her dark hair, radiating an aura of undeniable majesty.
“Natalie…” Ethan gasped, his eyes wide in absolute shock.
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