Chapter 8: The Night of the Rival Events
Scene 1: A Rocky Start
Setting: The gala venue, elegantly decorated and buzzing with last-minute preparations. Guests begin to arrive in glittering attire, but the atmosphere is tense. Ava paces near the entrance, clutching her clipboard, while Ethan surveys the room with his usual calm confidence.
Ava, muttering to herself:
"Where's the press? They were supposed to be here an hour ago."
Ethan, appearing beside her:
"They'll come. Relax. You're going to give yourself a stroke before the night even starts."
Ava, glaring at him:
"Easy for you to say. Half our VIP list is probably at Monroe's event right now."
Ethan, smirking:
"Not all of them. Look."
He nods toward the entrance as Jade Sinclair steps out of a limo, dazzling in a designer gown. Cameras flash as she poses briefly before entering, immediately drawing attention.
Ava, exhaling in relief:
"Okay, that's something."
Ethan:
"It's more than something. Sinclair's social posts about this place are already trending. The buzz will bring people in."
As if on cue, more prominent guests begin to arrive, and the energy in the room picks up.
Scene 2: The Unexpected Twist
Setting: Midway through the evening. Ava is checking on the silent auction table when Chloe rushes up to her, looking panicked.
Chloe, whispering urgently:
"Monroe's event just announced they're live-streaming a surprise celebrity performance. It's all over social media."
Ava, tightening her grip on her clipboard:
"Of course she'd pull something like this."
She storms off to find Ethan, who's charming a group of donors near the bar.
Ava, pulling him aside:
"We're in trouble. Monroe's got a live-streamed performance, and it's stealing our thunder."
Ethan, unfazed:
"So we steal it back."
Ava, narrowing her eyes:
"Do you have a plan, or are you just saying that to sound cool?"
Ethan, grinning:
"Both. Give me fifteen minutes."
Scene 3: Ethan's Gambit
Setting: A backstage area of the gala. Ethan makes a call to one of his contacts—a famous local musician who owes him a favor.
Ethan, on the phone:
"I know it's last minute, but if anyone can pull this off, it's you. We'll give you the stage, the spotlight, and all the credit."
The musician agrees, and Ethan quickly sets things in motion. When he finds Ava again, she's frantically reviewing the evening's schedule.
Ethan:
"Cancel whatever you've got planned for 9:30. We're about to steal the show."
Ava, skeptical:
"You'd better not be bluffing, Cross."
Scene 4: The Showstopper
Setting: The main stage. Ava and Ethan step up to thank the attendees, with Ethan subtly building anticipation.
Ethan, addressing the crowd:
"Before we move on to the next part of the evening, we have a surprise. Tonight's about creating unforgettable moments, and we've got just the thing to make this night truly magical."
The lights dim, and the musician Ethan called takes the stage, launching into a breathtaking acoustic performance. The audience is captivated, phones come out to record, and the energy in the room shifts entirely.
Ava, watching from the side of the stage, whispers to Ethan:
"I can't believe you pulled this off."
Ethan, smirking:
"Never underestimate me, Harper."
Scene 5: A Quiet Victory
Setting: The gala, later that night. The event is winding down, and guests are buzzing about the surprise performance. Ava and Ethan find a quiet moment on the balcony overlooking the city.
Ava, finally smiling:
"You were right. We pulled it off."
Ethan, leaning against the railing:
"'We'? Pretty sure I deserve most of the credit."
Ava, rolling her eyes but laughing softly:
"Don't push it, Cross."
They share a rare moment of peace, the tension between them replaced by mutual respect.
Ethan, after a pause:
"Admit it. You're glad we worked together on this."
Ava, looking out at the city lights:
"Let's just say… you're not as unbearable as I thought."
Their eyes meet, and for a moment, the rivalry dissolves completely.