“We should head in, too,” Ximena said, motioning toward the entrance.
Zora lifted her gown slightly and followed her inside. Connor trailed behind them.
As they neared the main theater entrance, Zora leaned in and said, “Mom, go on ahead. I’m going to stop by the restroom.”
Ximena didn’t think much of it and went in alone, while Zora turned and threw Connor a look.
Lowering her voice, she said, “Connor,e here. I need to talk to you.”
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Without waiting for a reply, Zora walked toward the restrooms, veering off into a nearby service corridor. Connor hesitated–he’d promised Yasmin he was done with Zora–but curiosity got the better of him. With a sigh, he followed her inside and closed the door behind them.
“What do you want?” he asked sharply. “Aren’t you worried someone might see us?”
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He assumed she’d dragged him here for the usual reason–and if so, he wasn’t interested. One more scandalous photo, and his dad would break his legs.
Zora turned, her expression serious. “It’s not what you think. I have something important to tell you.”
Connor narrowed his eyes. “What kind of important?”
“I’m pregnant.”
She dropped the bomb like it was nothing, then waited for his reaction.
Connor’s face turned pale. “You… you’re pregnant? Whose is it?”
Zora’s face darkened instantly. “You heartless bastard. It’s yours!”
“Mine?” His expression twisted like he’d just swallowed a cockroach. “No way!”
He was way too young to be a father–not to mention he’d just patched things up with Yasmin. Now Zora was dropping this on him?
“You’re seriously not going to take responsibility?” Zora snapped, stepping forward, voice sharp. “What are you going to do if this gets out? Both of us will be ruined!”
Connor flinched under her anger and rubbed his face. “Okay, okay! Calm down, I’ll figure something out.”
After thinking for a moment, he offered, “How about this–you terminate it. I’ll help you get everything arranged.”
“What?” Zora shrieked. “You want me to get an abortion?”
“This kid can’t happen, Zora! I’m back with Yasmin! What do you expect me to do?”
It was the only solution he could think of–to end it quietly and avoid scandal. But Zora wasn’t having it.
“Absolutely not!” she hissed. “This is our child. You have one choice–break up with Yasmin and marry me!”
Connor felt his world crashing down. “You’re serious?”
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“If you don’t, I’ll go straight to your father and grandfather and ask if they want this child or not!”
It was the perfect threat. Connor’s worst nightmare was his father finding out. He was the only heir–if Zora went to them with this, there’d be no way out. He’d be forced into marriage, whether he wanted it <i>or </i>not.
“Okay, okay! Just give me a few days to sort this out, alright?”
“You have three days,” Zora said coldly. “I want an answer.”
Connor nodded stiffly. “Fine.”
They went their separate ways–Connor first, then Zora a few minutester.
She’d locked him in. No matter what happened, she was keeping the baby. She’d make sure she married into the Jackson family.
After dealing with Connor, she made another call. “Is everything in ce?”
The voice on the other end confirmed it.
Zora hung up with a smirk. “Perfect. Let the show begin.”
By the time she returned to the venue, nearly everyone had arrived. She located her mother and took her seat–second row, center.
Directly ahead, in the front row, were city officials and the 25 award recipients.
With just a slight turn of her head, Zora could see Caitlin and Sebastian sitting together, whispering to each other, clearly close and affectionate.
Zora clenched her fists.
Soon… Soon they’d all see who Caitlin really was.
Once everyone was seated, the host stepped on stage, announcing the start of the evening. The stage lights shifted, and the opening performance began.
From the mist–filled stage, Yates emerged.
The moment he began singing, the entire venue erupted in apuse.
No one could deny it–Yates was a born singer, a talent wasted on acting.
As he sang, the big screen behind him showed moving clips of real–life charity efforts–people uniting during disasters, frontline volunteers risking everything, heartwarming moments of selfless service.
The song and the footage fused into one breathtaking tribute to those who gave their hearts to the world.
When the opening act ended, the apuse/was thunderous. Yates bowed and left the stage.
The host returned, inviting a high–ranking official to deliver the opening remarks.
Itsted around forty minutes. Then finally it was time for the awards.
Each award was presented by a host alongside a respected industry figure. Thetter opened the envelope, reading the recipient’s name, followed by a heartfelt introduction from the host about their contribution to themunity.
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Winners were invited on stage to ept their medals, trophies, and certificates.
The ceremony moved along smoothly.
Then came the 20th award–Caitlin and Sebastian.
The host smiled, voice full of admiration. “Now, please wee to the stage our model phnthropic couple–Mr. Sebastian Vanderbilt and Caitlin!”
Thunderous apuse followed as Sebastian took Caitlin’s hand and led her onto the stage.
Standing together, the two were the picture of grace and elegance–an embodiment of the perfect match.
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“As we all know, Mr. Vanderbilt and Caitlin have dedicated years of service to charitable causes. Their efforts in disaster relief and support for impoverished areas have touched countless lives.”
The host turned to the audience. “Now, let’s take a look at some of the remarkable work they’ve done over the years.”
Everyone’s eyes turned to the giant screen.
Zora held her breath, eyes locked on the screen.
Come on…
y it…
The moment it ys, Caitlin’s carefully crafted image would shatter.
The truth would be exposed.
The world would finally see her for what she really was.
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AD