Chapter 13 - The Gala Trap
"Director Sterling," Lily said smoothly, forcing her voice to remain flat and calm despite the racing beat of her heart. "I didn't hear you come in."
"I was just dropping off some corporate documents for Arthur," Sterling replied, walking closer with slow, deliberate steps. He stopped right beside the heavy mahogany desk, his gaze lingering on the stack of art books hiding her father's journal. "You look remarkably like David, you know. He had that same stubborn, questioning look in his eyes right before his world fell apart."
"My father was an honorable man," Lily said, holding his gaze without flinching. "And the people who framed him are finally paying for what they did."
Sterling chuckled softly, a dry, cold sound. "Justice is a comforting fiction for the young, Lily. In the real world, power simply shifts hands. Victoria was foolish; she let her personal grudges blind her. But some of us prefer efficiency." He took a sip of his water, his eyes locking onto hers. "Arthur is old and soft. He thinks a piece of paper and a warm home can protect you from the tempest that is coming. Make sure you don't get caught in the crossfire."
Without another word, Sterling turned on his heel and walked out of the library, leaving behind a heavy, threatening silence.
Two days later, despite the growing tension, the annual Vance Foundation Summer Charity Gala proceeded as scheduled at the Grand Plaza Ballroom in downtown Manhattan. The event was held to honor David Miller’s memory and officially announce the establishment of the Miller-Vance Trust for underprivileged children. The hall was filled with hundreds of high-society figures, politicians, and reporters.
Lily wore an elegant navy blue silk gown, with Ethan in a matching suit holding her arm proudly. Arthur stood at the podium, delivering a powerful speech about redemption and truth. But Lily’s eyes never stopped moving across the crowd. She spotted Sterling sitting at the front table, checking his watch every few minutes.
At exactly 9:15 PM, as Arthur was about to conclude his speech, the massive crystal chandeliers flickered twice and died. The ballroom was instantly plunged into pitch-black darkness. Panic erupted through the crowd as women shrieked and heavy footsteps echoed across the marble floor.
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"Lily! Ethan!" Arthur’s voice boomed out over the din, but it was cut short by the sound of breaking glass and heavy thuds.
"Ethan, hold my hand!" Lily shouted, reaching out in the dark. She felt Ethan’s small hand clutch hers, but suddenly a heavy, gloved hand slammed over her mouth, pulling her violently backward into the shadows of the service hallway.
