Chapter 5 - Reclaiming the Name
Six months later.
The grand ballroom of the Ritz-Carlton in Dallas was bathed in soft, elegant light. It was the annual Sterling Foundation Gala, celebrating millions of dollars raised for pediatric medical research—a foundation I had personally restructured and taken over as Chairwoman.
I stood near the entrance, wearing a breathtaking emerald silk gown, my hair cascading down my shoulders in perfect waves. For ten years, I had stood slightly behind Jack, letting him take the credit, letting him be the star while I managed the background. Tonight, I was the event.
The media cameras flashed as I walked down the step, greeting hospital executives, philanthropists, and city officials.
"An incredible turnout, Ms. Sterling," Gerald smiled, walking over with a glass of wine. "The board is thrilled. We've raised more tonight than we did in the last three years combined."
"Thank you, Gerald. For everything," I said sincerely.
As the orchestra began to play a beautiful, sweeping waltz, a tall, distinguished man with warm brown eyes and a kind smile approached our table. It was Dr. David Vance—no relation to Jack, ironic as the name was—the brilliant chief of pediatric surgery who had actually been working all night saving lives on the evening my marriage ended.
May you like
"May I have this dance, Chairman Sterling?" David asked, offering his hand with a genuine, respectful gallantry that made my heart give a soft, familiar flutter.
I looked at his hand, then up into his honest, clear eyes. "I'd love to, David."
