Chapter 7 - The Grand Entry
The Grand Imperial Ballroom was filled with the city’s upper crust: corporate executives, politicians, and socialites sipping vintage champagne beneath glittering crystal chandeliers. At the head of the grand staircase stood Victoria Vance, clad in an extravagant feathered gown, smiling stiffly as she greeted guests while concealing her fraying nerves.
Diego stood near the stage, sipping scotch, nervously checking his watch every thirty seconds.
"Mother, where is this representative?" Diego muttered under his breath, stepping beside Victoria. "The stock is plummeting. If the Sterling conglomerate doesn't publicly confirm their refinancing plan tonight, the bank freezes our accounts at midnight."
"Smile, Diego! The cameras are watching!" Victoria hissed through gritted teeth. "The Sterling Group agreed to send their chief representative. When they walk through that door, we show deference, we sign the restructuring agreement, and we survive. We will deal with that wretched Elena later."
At precisely nine o'clock, the ballroom doors swung wide open.
A collective hush swept through the room like an icy wind. Four armed personal bodyguards in immaculate suits formed two parallel lines at the entrance. Then, a tall, imposing man walked forward, his stride commanding absolute silence.
"It's Arthur Sterling..." someone in the crowd whispered in awe.
"He never attends private galas! What is he doing here?" another gasped.
Diego’s heart hammered against his ribs. He immediately straightened his tie, plastering on the most charming smile he could summon, and stepped forward to greet the legendary tycoon.
"Mr. Sterling! What an extraordinary honor," Diego gushed, offering a hand. "On behalf of Vance Logistics, we are eternally grateful for your presence—"
Arthur walked straight past Diego’s outstretched hand as if he were made of glass.
The billionaire stopped at the bottom of the grand marble stairs, turned around, and extended his arm toward the entrance.
Through the arched doorway, a woman stepped into the light. She wore a tailored, floor-length midnight-blue dress that elegantly accentuated her delicate form and baby bump. Her hair cascaded in flawless waves, her skin glowed with pure elegance, and around her neck gleamed the unmistakable black diamond heirloom.
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Diego froze. His champagne glass slipped from his fingers, shattering across the polished floor.
"Elena...?" Victoria choked out, her face draining of every drop of color.
