The thunderous applause echoing through the magnificent auditorium still reverberated as Blair descended the stage with measured steps. Her heart pounded rapidly, but this time not from fear—rather from the courage she had finally grasped. She had shown herself to the world. Not as Finn Harrison's ex-wife. Not as a woman who was assumed to merely ride on Jonathan Evans' coattails.
But as Annabelle Spencer.
Behind the stage, Jonathan waited for her. As Blair approached, he said nothing at first. He simply gazed at her deeply before finally speaking softly, "You were extraordinary."
Blair managed only a weak smile. "I'm afraid the entire world will hate me."
"If the world hates you for being yourself, then let me be the only place where you can feel safe," Jonathan replied, his voice ste
