Chapter 6 - The Council of SovereignsIn late October 2026, the grand ballroom of the Drake Hotel in downtown Chicago was packed to absolute capacity for the annual Grace Bennett Foundation Civic Gala.
Over three hundred prominent business leaders, supreme court justices, Marcus Vance, Bridget Colton, and close friends gathered around white-linen tables set up along the stone patio, enjoying fine food, vintage wine, and live acoustic music.
Standing at the main presentation podium, wearing a dark navy wool suit, holding her private black notebook, was ten-year-old Grace Bennett.
Her clear, resonant voice carried cleanly through the high-fidelity speakers:
"One year ago, I watched my mother face the dark in silence," Grace announced to the quiet room, her hazel eyes shining with absolute pride. "And I learned that true courage isn't about hiding... it's about holding up the light until the truth is seen."
Grace held her glass of sunlit cider high under the glittering crystal chandeliers.
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"To my mother, Claire Bennett!"
"To Claire!" the entire room echoed in a warm, triumphant chorus, three hundred crystal glasses clinking together under the open sky.
