Arthur and Chloe had talked their way past security at the Apex Gala. I could picture him flashing his Pendelton Tech business card until someone got tired of arguing.
Chloe's dress was brighter than anything else in the ballroom, and her laugh kept turning heads. Arthur's suit was immaculate. Together they moved from face to face, looking for an investor who would still listen.
They paused longest beside guests from venture funds. Arthur offered a handshake and his practiced founder's smile. Most gave him a few seconds, glanced toward the nearest exit, and moved on.
Arthur spotted me near the grand staircase.
I was speaking with Julian Sterling, my family's oldest friend and the CEO of Sterling Capital. My floor-length gown was deep sapphire silk, and the Vance family jewels rested at
