Chapter 9 - The Sterling Gala
The annual Global Energy Council Charity Gala at the Seattle Opera House was the most exclusive event of the year. The red carpet was lined with international politicians, tech moguls, and billionaires dressed in custom tuxedos and glittering diamond gowns.
Arthur Sterling stood near the grand entrance, smiling warmly for the cameras, holding a glass of champagne as he greeted the city’s elite. At seventy years old, he radiated an aura of untouchable power and aristocratic charm.
Then, the heavy brass doors of the opera house swung open.
The murmur of conversation died instantly. Flashbulbs stopped flashing.
Elena Vance walked down the red carpet.
She wore a breathtaking, floor-length evening gown woven from iridescent dark-blue silk that shimmered like deep ocean water under the crystal chandeliers. Around her neck hung the Heart of the Tides—a legendary, five-hundred-carat blue diamond necklace that had belonged to the Vance family matriarch before it was stolen during the hostile takeover twenty years ago.
Behind her walked Aiden, dressed in a sharp tuxedo, carrying a thick leather briefcase.
Arthur Sterling’s face turned the color of ash. His champagne glass slipped from his fingers, shattering into a thousand sparkling pieces against the marble floor.
"Elena..." Arthur whispered, his voice trembling as he stepped back. "That's impossible..."
Elena stopped a few feet away from him, her amber eyes locking onto his with an expression of pure, unyielding judgment.
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"Good evening, Arthur," Elena said, her voice carrying effortlessly across the cavernous grand foyer. "I hear you've been looking for me. Well... I brought my own invitation."
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