Chapter 3 - The Verdict of the BoardThe ballroom fell into an unnatural hush as the head judge, a venerable city planner named Arthur Vance, stepped up to the microphone with a heavy leather portfolio.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Arthur’s voice boomed across the hall. “Tonight, we evaluated twelve exceptional proposals ranging from commercial skyscrapers to public infrastructure. The competition was fierce. But architecture is not merely about how high a building reaches; it is about how safely it holds a community together.”
Ethan straightened his tie, assuming the customary pose of a victor. He had won this competition for the past three years running. His Horizon Spire design was projected to bring millions into the city’s tax coffers.
“This year,” Arthur continued, adjusting his glasses, “the board unanimously selected a project that redefines our city’s moral obligation to its most vulnerable citizens. By a score of seven to zero...”
Arthur paused, scanning the crowd.
“...the winner of the 2026 Chicago Municipal Architecture Contract is Haven House, designed by Maya Bennett.”
An explosion of sound erupted through the ballroom. Applause, gasps, and flashing camera lights converged on Maya. For a brief second, she stood frozen, the weight of a decade’s struggle lifting off her shoulders in a single breath.
Ethan stood paralyzed. Won? Against his forty-million-dollar commercial giant? A shelter for abused women?
He stepped toward the microphone, his face contorted in disbelief. “Wait. There’s a conflict of interest. Maya Bennett is married to Roman DeLuca—a man whose construction empire stands to benefit directly from city zoning laws! This is rigged! This whole thing is a farce!”
The room went dead silent. All eyes darted to Roman.
Roman slowly pushed off the mahogany pillar. He didn't rush. Every step he took toward the stage sounded like a gavel dropping in a courtroom.
He walked up the steps, bypassed Ethan entirely, and stood beside Maya at the podium. He took the microphone from the stand, his deep, gravelly voice cutting through the tension.
“The proposal was submitted anonymously under the designation Project 07,” Roman said calmly, his eyes fixed on the board members. “Furthermore, my company, DeLuca Construction, has officially rescinded all current bids on public municipal contracts for the next fiscal year. There is no conflict of interest, Mr. Cole. There is only superior design, and a city council that finally cares about human lives.”
May you like
Arthur Vance nodded firmly from the front row. “Verified and confirmed, Mr. DeLuca. The proposal won on absolute architectural merit.”
Ethan stumbled backward, bumping into the display table. His face turned an ash-grey as he realized the trap he had laid for Maya had completely swallowed him whole.
