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Chapter 35: Sabrina
🕑 Added 2024-11-28 15:22:11 +0000 UTCAs expected by Margaret and Josh, the purchase of $3 million in war bonds claimed the top spot for the evening.
Because of this, Josh, who had initially been a mere background figure, became the center of attention at the gala. Guests flocked to engage with him, and even individuals like John Leibler, the mayor, and the senator, who had previously not paid much attention to him, made their way over.
Those aware of Josh's relationship with Margaret began to view him in a new light.
Initially, many assumed Josh to be nothing more than Margaret's kept lover. But to their surprise, it turned out he was a "big fish" in his own right — or so they believed. Aside from Margaret, Josh, and the bank representative collecting the checks, no one knew that the funds were actually Margaret's contribution.
Most of the attendees would never have guessed that Margaret, of all people, would spend such an enormous sum for a mere lover. After all, it wasn’t $30,000 or $300,000 — it was $3 million. For many attendees, that sum exceeded their total net worth.
Even someone as familiar with Margaret as John Leibler found it hard to believe.
“Margaret, you didn’t have to go this far,” Josh whispered to her, finally free from the endless stream of guests.
“But isn’t this the best outcome?” Margaret smiled warmly. “I don’t run a business, so this title doesn’t mean much to me. But it’s different for you. After tonight, your name will be known throughout Chicago, and perhaps even across many parts of the country. This will greatly benefit you in setting up factories and businesses. If you ever decide to enter politics, this will be a valuable asset.”
Looking at Margaret’s thoughtfulness, Josh felt deeply moved.
However, at that moment, some commotion arose in the venue.
Josh and Margaret noticed John Leibler leaving the gala in a hurry, accompanied by a group of people.
This unusual exit sparked a wave of whispers among the guests.
Though the gala's central figures were the mayor, the senator, and the military representative from the fundraising organization, as the host, John Leibler leaving early was strange.
“Excuse me, but do you know what’s going on?” Margaret asked a waiter.
“Sorry, ma’am, I don’t know either,” the waiter replied with a shake of his head.
Sensing the odd atmosphere, someone from the fundraising organization quickly stepped in to calm the crowd.
“Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Leibler had to attend to a personal matter and left early. There’s no need to worry. Tonight’s gala has been a great success, and we thank Mr. Josh Kahn and all of you for your contributions. Let’s raise our glasses…”
As the situation settled, Josh noticed that Emery, the lawyer who had been with John Leibler earlier, also left the venue discreetly, his expression tense.
Josh had no idea what was happening, but it didn’t concern him.
After staying for another half hour as guests gradually departed, Josh and Margaret also decided it was time to leave.
Just as they stepped outside, a figure was about to collide with Margaret. Fortunately, Josh reacted quickly, stepping in front of her.
The individual, who appeared small in stature, fell to the ground from the impact. Josh, on the other hand, was unharmed.
The person quickly got up and began apologizing repeatedly.
“I’m sorry, sir. I’m very sorry!”
It was then that Josh and Margaret noticed the individual was a young woman dressed in a maid’s uniform, likely one of the Leibler staff. Her head was bowed, obscuring her face, but she appeared to be around Josh’s age.
“No problem. Are you hurt?” Margaret asked kindly, her voice full of concern.
Hearing Margaret’s gentle tone, the maid finally looked up.
“Audrey Hepburn?” Josh blurted out upon seeing her face.
The maid’s resemblance to the future Hollywood icon, Audrey Hepburn, was striking.
However, the young woman appeared confused. “Sir, are you speaking to me? My name isn’t Audrey Hepburn; it’s Sabrina Fairchild. You must have me mistaken for someone else.”
Josh froze in embarrassment. Mistaken identity?
Wait. Suddenly, it dawned on Josh: If Margaret was a character from a movie, then perhaps this Audrey Hepburn lookalike could be from a film, too?
Before Josh could think further, a sharp pain shot through his waist. He turned to see Margaret looking away, feigning innocence.
'So, all women know this trick?' Josh thought wryly.
“Sorry, I must have made a mistake,” Josh apologized to Sabrina.
“It’s alright, sir. It’s my fault for bumping into you both,” Sabrina said, nervously adding, “If it’s okay, may I leave? I have something urgent to attend to.”
“Of course,” Josh replied, stepping aside.
“Thank you, sir. Thank you, ma’am,” Sabrina said before rushing into the hall.
“Who is Audrey Hepburn?” Margaret asked as soon as Sabrina was out of earshot.
“What’s the matter? Jealous?” Josh teased.
“Hmph, why would I be jealous? You’re not even mine,” Margaret retorted.
A few moments ago, she had been calling him “dear,” and now he was “not hers.” How quickly things change.
“Don’t be mad. I’ll explain,” Josh said with a half-truth. “She’s a Dutch girl I met when my family was fleeing during the war. She’s about my age, but after the war began, I lost contact with her. That girl earlier just looked a lot like her.”
This explanation seemed to soften Margaret’s attitude.
“Sorry, darling. I didn’t mean to bring up bad memories,” she said, her tone now full of sympathy.
With this, the small misunderstanding regarding Sabrina faded away.
However, as Josh and Margaret made their way home, the sight of speeding police cars and road checkpoints made them uneasy.
“Officer, what’s going on?” Josh asked a policeman at a checkpoint, slipping him a $20 bill as a “tip.”
Tempted by the money and reassured by Josh and Margaret’s high-end car and attire, the policeman leaned in and whispered, “The Leibler Jewelry Company was robbed. Their vault was hit—losses are estimated to be in the millions.”
Josh and Margaret exchanged shocked glances.
No wonder John Leibler had left the gala early.
As the police car lights flashed in the distance, an image of the nervous lawyer Emery sneaking out of the gala crossed Josh’s mind.
