Chapter 9

A strange flicker of unease went through Bryant as he walked away. There was something different about her, a finality in her tone that unsettled him. He almost turned back, but his phone buzzed. It was Kalia, wanting to know where he was. He dismissed the feeling and kept walking.

He had more important things to worry about.

Back in her hospital room, Charlotte watched him go. That was it. The absolute, final end. There was no love, no hate, just a vast, empty indifference.

She was discharged the next day. As she was walking out of the hospital, her phone rang. It was Jaden.

"I'm so sorry, Charlotte," he said, his voice full of genuine regret. "My flight was delayed. A storm in Chicago. I wanted to be there when you got out."

"It's okay, Jaden," she said, and was surprised to find her voice was soft. "I'm fine."

"I'll be there for the gala," he promised. "I wouldn't miss it for the world."

"Just get here before it's over," she said. "That's all that matters."

"I promise," he said.

She spent the next few days preparing. She picked out her dress-a breathtaking creation in royal blue, the color of power and rebirth. She rested, conserving her energy. This was going to be the performance of her life.

The night of the gala, she met with her parents in a private suite at the hotel.

"We need to talk," she said, taking a deep breath. "I'm calling off the engagement to Bryant."

Her father, a stern but loving man, looked at her, his eyes full of concern. "Are you sure, Charlotte? This will have business implications."

"I'm sure," she said. "And I want to announce my engagement to Jaden Holt. Tonight."

Her parents exchanged a look. Then her mother smiled. "We always liked that boy. He has a good heart. And he adores you."

Her father nodded. "If this is what makes you happy, then we support you. To hell with the business implications."

A weight she didn't even know she was carrying lifted from her shoulders.

She entered the ballroom on her father's arm, a radiant, confident smile on her face. Her table was at the front, next to the Barnes family. Bryant was already there, texting under the table, a small, secret smile on his face. Kalia, no doubt.

Charlotte didn't even spare him a glance.

As the evening wore on, the time for her to give the traditional birthday speech approached. Her phone vibrated with a text from Jaden.

In the parking garage. On my way up.

She smoothed her dress, took a sip of water, and walked to the stage. She was calm, her heart steady.

"Thank you all for coming," she began, her voice clear and strong. "Tonight is not just my birthday. It's also a night for a special announcement regarding my future, and the future of my family."

She saw Bryant look up, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes. He probably thought she was about to make a scene, to publicly pressure him about their wedding date.

His phone buzzed. Kalia was getting impatient.

He stood up. His father hissed at him to sit down, but Bryant ignored him. He started to walk away.

"Bryant," Charlotte' s voice rang out, stopping him in his tracks. "Are you sure you want to leave? You might want to hear this."

He paused, his back to her. For a moment, she saw him hesitate. But the pull of Kalia was stronger.

"I have more important things to do," he said coldly, and walked out of the ballroom without looking back.

Charlotte watched him go. The last, stubborn thread connecting them finally snapped.

She took a deep breath and smiled, turning her gaze to the back of the room, where Jaden had just entered. He met her eyes, a look of unwavering support on his face.

"As I was saying," Charlotte said into the microphone, her voice ringing with newfound freedom. "I have an announcement. The engagement between myself and Bryant Barnes is officially over."

A collective gasp went through the room.

"And," she continued, her smile widening as Jaden walked toward the stage, "I am overjoyed to announce my engagement to the man who has my heart, Mr. Jaden Holt."