Chapter 7: The Rival Event
Scene 1: An Unexpected Threat
Setting: A bustling café where Ava and Ethan meet for a planning session. Ava's phone buzzes with a notification, and her face pales as she reads it.
Ava, muttering:
"You've got to be kidding me…"
Ethan, looking up from his laptop:
"What now?"
Ava slides her phone across the table. It's a news article announcing a rival charity event scheduled for the same night as their gala, hosted by a high-profile celebrity.
Ethan, reading aloud:
"'Star-studded Winter Gala to Benefit Local Arts.' Really? The same night?"
Ava, frustrated:
"And it's not just anyone—it's Natalie Monroe. She's basically a social media magnet. If she's hosting, half our guest list will ditch us for her."
Ethan, smirking despite himself:
"I'll admit, it's a bold move. But we're not backing down."
Ava, glaring:
"Easy for you to say. You're not the one who promised Mrs. Whitman this would be the most successful gala in the charity's history."
Ethan, leaning forward:
"And we still can. We just need to step up our game. If Monroe wants a showdown, we'll give her one."
Scene 2: Damage Control
Setting: The charity's office. Ava and Ethan assemble their team to brainstorm ideas to counter the rival event.
Ava, addressing the group:
"We need to refocus our marketing. Emphasize the cause, not just the event. People need to see why this gala matters."
Ethan, cutting in:
"True, but let's be real—most of our donors are drawn to exclusivity and glamour. We need to outshine Monroe's party."
The team exchanges uneasy glances as Ava and Ethan debate. Finally, Chloe speaks up.
Chloe:
"Why not do both? Highlight the cause and make it clear that our gala will be the event of the season. Double down on the storytelling and the star power."
Ethan, nodding approvingly:
"Not bad, Chloe. We can start by leveraging our existing sponsors to bring in more VIPs."
Ava, reluctantly agreeing:
"Fine. But we're not losing focus on the scholarships. That's the heart of this event."
Scene 3: A Strategic Move
Setting: A luxury hotel bar. Ethan arranges a meeting with a high-profile influencer, Jade Sinclair, who's known for her charitable work and massive following.
Jade, sipping her cocktail:
"You want me to attend your gala and help promote it? What's in it for me?"
Ethan, smiling confidently:
"Your image as a philanthropist gets a boost, and you'll be associated with a cause that actually changes lives. Plus, you'll get to upstage Natalie Monroe."
Jade raises an eyebrow, intrigued.
Jade:
"Upstage Monroe, huh? Tempting. But I'll need more than promises."
Ethan leans in, lowering his voice.
Ethan:
"Name your terms. We'll make it worth your while."
After a moment of consideration, Jade agrees, and Ethan texts Ava with the good news.
Ethan's text:
"Sinclair's in. Get ready to rewrite the guest list."
Scene 4: Rallying the Troops
Setting: A late-night strategy meeting at Ava's apartment. The tension from earlier has eased, and Ava and Ethan are working in sync, bouncing ideas off each other.
Ava, reviewing the revised marketing plan:
"This could actually work. Sinclair's influence will draw attention, and the new sponsorship tiers might attract more high-profile donors."
Ethan, smirking:
"See? I told you we've got this."
Ava, smiling slightly:
"Don't get cocky. We're not out of the woods yet."
Their moment is interrupted when Ava's phone buzzes with another notification—this time, a social media post from Natalie Monroe, showcasing a sneak peek of her event's lavish decor.
Ethan, glancing at the post:
"Alright, Harper. Time to pull out all the stops. Let's show her who's boss."
Ava, determined:
"Let's do it."
Scene 5: The Press Conference
Setting: A grand hall where Ava and Ethan hold a press conference to promote the gala. The room is packed with reporters, and cameras flash as they take the stage.
Ava, addressing the crowd:
"This gala isn't just about a night of glamour—it's about changing lives. Every dollar raised will go toward scholarships for underprivileged students, giving them the opportunity to build a brighter future."
The reporters applaud, but one of them raises a question.
Reporter:
"How do you plan to compete with Natalie Monroe's event on the same night?"
Ethan steps in smoothly.
Ethan:
"We're not competing. We're focused on what matters—making a real difference. And we believe that's something our guests will appreciate more than a flashy party."
The crowd murmurs approvingly, and Ava glances at Ethan, surprised by his sincerity.