Chapter 4 - The Perfect ToastBy eight o'clock, the ballroom was overflowing.
Arthur climbed onto the stage.
The crowd applauded.
He raised his glass.
“Tonight isn't about wealth,” he said. “It's about what we choose to do with it.”
Caroline stood beside him.
Her smile returned.
Arthur looked at her affectionately.
For one heartbreaking moment, he looked like a man who trusted his wife completely.
Elena watched from the edge of the room.
Her hand rested near the encrypted phone hidden inside her vest.
Arthur lifted the decanter.
The room became silent.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said, “to a better future.”
He began pouring.
Caroline's eyes brightened.
Just slightly.
Almost imperceptibly.
But Elena saw it.
The billionaire raised the glass toward his lips.
May you like
And then—
Elena moved.
Related Stories
Chapter 5 - The Shattered GlassThe sound of breaking crystal exploded through the ballroom.
Chapter 6 - The VideoElena held the phone high.
Chapter 7 - The Mask FallsCaroline's perfect composure collapsed.
Chapter 8 - The Federal DragnetThe ballroom doors suddenly exploded open.
Chapter 9 - The Last EscapeCaroline suddenly ran.
Chapter 10 - The InterrogationHours later, Caroline sat beneath fluorescent lights inside a federal interrogation room.
