Page 4 of Stolen Trophy


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I see the snakes, the jealousy, and cruel nature of some people as they poke and prod, like the man before me, Charles Wentworth IV. He’s wealthy due to his family. They own many training stables across the country, but don’t let that fool you. He could do with that training himself. “Yes, I heard this charity was important to you.” He grins, and when his eyes narrow with malice, I know his next words are going to be inappropriate. “Is it because you were poor and starving as a child and now feel some rich guilt?”

Chaz tries to field it for me, but I lay a hand on his chest to silence him. I let a bit of sass leak into my voice, unwilling to be ashamed of where I came from or why I am doing this.

“You’re right—it is dear to my heart for that very same reason. I know how hard it is to be poor, how you won’t ever know where your next meal comes from, or know what it’s like to go to school in dirty clothes. I know what it feels like when there is no support and no one cares.”

A crowd gathers as I give him a kind yet withering smile.

“I am here tonight to raise money for those who can’t, and to take it from people—such as yourself, Charles—who have an ungodly amount of money they are willing to throw away for good PR.” I wink, and people laugh. He doesn’t. After all, he knows I wasn’t joking. “I am here to fight for those who cannot fight for themselves, and yes, I feel rich person guilt, even though I worked my ass off day and night to get to where I am. Nothing was handed to me, not even a name I could use. I am here because I never gave up, and now it’s my chance to help those who need it and to be the support I never had. Is that really so bad, Charles? I’m sure there is something” —I run my eyes across him, then his brand-new trophy wife, the third this year after all the cheating scandals— “you are passionate about, after all. That is all this is—passion for change, passion to help. Now, if you will excuse me, I have a speech to prepare for.” I smile at those gathered and slip away as he huffs.

I can’t just punch the rich bastards. It’s not like where I came from. No, here, you have to hurt them with thinly veiled insults and accusations, all while donning a fake smile.

Sometimes, I still want to just punch them.

I lead Chaz to the back, where I wait to go on stage. He holds me and waits with me until I push him away. “Go take your seat. I’ll be okay,” I promise. “I just need a minute.” He still looks unsure, so to reassure him, I press up on my toes and kiss him softly, tasting his soft moan. “Go.” I laugh as I step back.

“Tease.” He grins as he walks backwards. “Kill them with your epicness.” He strides out the door, leaving me alone for the first time tonight.

Turning from view, I draw in a deep breath and roll my shoulders.

Tonight is the night my life changes. I can feel it.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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