Chapter 8 - The Grand StaircaseThe ballroom was breathtaking.
Three hundred guests.
Politicians.
Investors.
Journalists.
Industry leaders.
Everyone waited for the engagement announcement.
Vanessa stood at the top of the staircase.
Richard Sinclair stood beside her.
She smiled into the microphone.
“Tonight marks the beginning of a new era.”
Adrien entered the ballroom.
Maya walked beside him.
The room changed instantly.
Whispers exploded.
“Isn't she a housekeeper?”
“Why is she with Adrien?”
“What's happening?”
Vanessa's smile froze.
“Adrien.”
He stopped beneath the chandelier.
She raised the microphone.
“Darling, you're late.”
Adrien looked up.
“No.”
His voice was calm.
“I'm right on time.”
Vanessa's eyes narrowed.
Behind Adrien, Arthur connected a secure transmitter.
The massive screen behind the staircase went black.
Then changed.
Bank records appeared.
Offshore accounts.
Shell corporations.
Forged signatures.
Secret transfers.
The room fell silent.
Then chaos erupted.
Vanessa stared at the screen.
“No.”
May you like
Adrien looked at her.
“Yes.”
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