Chapter 3 - Table Seventeen
Claire turned her head slightly, her gaze passing over the smirking faces on stage to rest on Table Seventeen, situated directly in front of the press riser.
Sitting at Table Seventeen was Mrs. Lorraine Whitaker—an eighty-year-old billionaire philanthropist and the primary benefactor of Harbor House. Lorraine was a legend in the city's highest circles; her word alone could fund or destroy any foundation in the state.
Lorraine wasn't laughing. Her sharp blue eyes were fixed entirely on Claire, holding a look of quiet understanding and profound respect.
Four years ago, before Daniel stripped Claire of her name and credit cards, Claire had quietly funded Harbor House from her own inheritance—an inheritance Daniel thought he had successfully drained through hidden shell companies during their bitter divorce.
What Daniel didn't know was that Lorraine Whitaker was not just a donor. She was the woman who personally managed the private trust Claire had created before ever marrying Daniel Sloan.
Claire looked back at Naomi, her eyes dropping the fear and filling with an unshakeable, ice-cold resolve.
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"No," Claire said in a steady, calm whisper that made Naomi pause. "I’m done serving their sentence."
👉 Keep reading to watch Claire make her iconic turn in front of the entire ballroom.
