That morning, the auditorium in the center of New York City was packed with enthusiastic fans and glittering camera lights. Ivy Cadler stood on stage, clothed in a tidy and stylish navy blue suit, her face filled with confidence. Today is her big campaign, not just to win but also to show New York who she is and what she stands for.
"Together we will fight for equality, justice, and opportunity!" Ivy exclaims in an energized tone that echoes around the room. "New York is a place for everyone, not just those at the top or those born into privilege. We are the voice of those who are excluded, of women who labor diligently, of children who require a good education, and of those who are occasionally forgotten."
Her fans clapped heartily, with some carrying signs reading "Ivy for Equality!" and "Cadler for Senator!"
With a penetrating look in her eyes, Ivy went on, "The empowerment of women and children is a critical cornerstone upon which we will build. I'm standing here to ensure that women in New York have equal opportunities. The chance to excel, to have a say in the rooms where important decisions are made. What about our children? They represent the future. They deserve an education that focuses on character as much as numbers. They are the generation that will exceed us, and we should pave the road for them rather than obstructing their progress."
Ivy's confidence was obvious as she expressed her ardent idea. There was no disputing the power of her remarks, which appeared to ignite the hearts of her admirers. Every syllable is a call to people who have felt forgotten. For Ivy, this was a personal quest, not just politics. And in her heart, Ivy understands that every stride toward the Senate is a step toward solidifying her authority. Of fact, her smile conceals a big ambition. The desire to conquer a world that has no space for the weak—and Ivy had no intention of becoming weak.
But then, the excited and cheering audience quickly turned wild. Several others in the crowd tossed rotten eggs at Ivy and yelled, "Bitch!" "Rotten sycophant!" "Traitor to the People!"
Ivy barely had time to sidestep before an egg smacked into her arm, producing a terrible stink that filled the air. Her expression shifted for a moment, but she stayed firm, ignoring the strong stink that ruined her fine clothing. The demonstrators were swiftly surrounded by security, who rushed in and herded them away, but the noise had spread. Some of Ivy's followers seemed perplexed, while others attempted to shout back.
"This is just the beginning," Ivy mumbled to herself, trying not to exhibit displeasure. Despite her unsettled state, she did not want the public to see her falter.
On stage, she lifted her hands in an attempt to calm things down, saying, "Brothers and sisters, we will not let this one small moment destroy our great cause. This demonstrates that the voices we fight for are disrupting some people's comfort. But we're not here to remain silent; we're here to move forward."
The cheers began to resurface, although the passion that had previously burned had diminished slightly. Ivy stared out at the throng, trying to maintain control of the situation despite her terror. But beneath her resolute glare, there was a flash of realization: more people were poised to crush her dreams. Ivy sighed and collected herself before speaking. Despite her tattered clothes, she emanated a strong authority.
She glanced squarely at the audience and raised her voice, which echoed across the back row. "People of New York, look! See what we're up against! Today, we witness the presence of those who want to stop the change, those who are afraid of the strength we are creating together. They arrive with threats, insults, and violence. Remember this: violence is only used by people who have nothing else to say."
Ivy's voice became stronger. "I stand here today not for myself but for all of you: for women who need to be heard, for children who need a better future, and for our minority brothers and sisters who have been ignored for far too long. I will not back down simply because there are others who want to end our struggle!"
The cheers erupted again. Ivy raised her hands, seizing the air, as if urging everyone in the room to join her. "Together, we are stronger. They can stone us and abuse us, but we shall persevere. We shall go forth and obtain what we deserve. Because justice and kindness are not privileges; they are the rights of every citizen in our country!"
The audience erupted in clapping and enthusiastic cheers, receiving her with almost irresistible energy. Ivy grinned as she saw her followers get more animated. What had once been a humiliating incident had transformed into a force to contend with.
***
Ivy sat in a little chair in the dressing room, looking at her reflection in the mirror. Her hands trembled, not from fear but from the wrath she was fighting to control. She took off her high heels and calmed her rapid breathing. She mumbled to herself, and the sound echoed only in the little room. "Nikolai? Cassy? Did you mail them? Or are they simply too fearful of change?"
Ivy frowned, searching for an opening in her head. "If it's them, they need to know I won't back down. Not this time."
She bit her lip, recalling the angry expressions in the audience. "Or are the discordant voices simply terrified to witness a woman on stage? They are afraid of seeing someone like myself speak up for the individuals they perceive to be weak."
She paused for a minute, peering at the mirror of her eyes, which had darkened but remained solid. "But I can't falter. This is the stage I've mastered, the battlefield I've battled on for years. Regardless of who is behind this, they will never drag me down."
Ivy took a big breath, rose up, and changed clothing in a calmer manner. Her ambivalence persisted, but she felt that her desire and resolve outweighed any threat hiding behind the scenes.
After dressing, Ivy stepped out of the back room, her smile faultless as she greeted the swarm of supporters who had waited patiently for her. She greeted them with a nod and a modest wave, ensuring that everyone felt her strength and confidence. She walked quickly to his car, which was waiting by the stage.
Her demeanor became serious as soon as she sat down and locked the door. Ivy grabbed her cell phone and dialed the number she had memorized. The ringing lasted briefly before being picked up on the other end.
"Tiber," she said quietly but firmly, "I need your help."
"Hmm, what happened?" Tiber's speech was contemplative and peaceful.
"Earlier in the campaign, a group of people showed up and attempted to disrupt my event. They hurled rotten eggs onto the stage and yelled horrible things. I wonder who they were and who sent them."
Ivy pinched her lip, recalling the angry stares she'd witnessed in the crowd earlier. "I don't want that to happen again."
Tiber was silence for a time on the other side before responding in a deep, enticing voice. "I will take care of it. I will find out who is behind this. They'll regret attacking you."
"Thank you, Tiber."
Ivy breathed a sigh of relief, though her mind was still filled with question marks and worry. Staring out the car window, she put another smile on her face, ready for whatever came next.
***