Chương 6 - the plaza gala
Three weeks later, the grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel on Fifth Avenue was illuminated by giant crystal chandeliers and filled with Manhattan's highest society. Billionaires, corporate titans, and media executives in formal tuxedos and designer gowns clinked champagne glasses as classical music filled the air.
Tonight was the annual Kane Enterprises Global Gala—the most prestigious corporate event of the year.
Standing near the grand marble staircase in a custom black tuxedo was Adrian Kane, his towering broad frame and commanding presence drawing the eyes of every guest in the room.
Walking down the stairs beside him was Claire. She looked breathtakingly beautiful in a floor-length emerald green silk gown, her long brown hair styled in soft glamorous waves, her fair skin glowing under the warm lights.
Walking between them, holding both of their hands, was six-year-old Mia. She wore an elegant pale-yellow silk party dress with a big yellow bow in her hair, her small yellow shoes stepping proudly against the carpet.
Julian Sterling stood near the main bar with three senior board members, his face turning an angry shade of red as he watched the three of them enter together.
Sterling stepped directly into their path, holding a champagne glass, his voice dripping with condescension. "Adrian, is it custom now to bring house guests and illegitimate children to the company's high-stakes donor gala?"
The surrounding high-society guests fell into dead silence.
Adrian didn't raise his voice. He stepped in front of Claire and Mia, his gray-blue eyes locking onto Sterling with lethal, dark intensity.
"Watch your tongue, Sterling," Adrian said, his deep voice echoing through the silent ballroom like a thunderclap. "You are speaking to my fiancée... and my daughter."
Gasps of absolute shock erupted from the gathered billionaires and media reporters!
Mia stepped out from behind Adrian's leg, holding her stuffed elephant, looking up at Julian Sterling with clear, fearless hazel eyes. "And Elephant says you're not invited to my birthday party!"
Laughter broke out softly among several senior board members in the back row.
Sterling's face went sheet-white with pure humiliation as two federal officers in dark suits stepped into the ballroom, holding an official arrest warrant signed by the District Attorney.
"Julian Sterling!" the lead officer announced loudly. "You are under arrest for grand corporate embezzlement, wire fraud, and illegal offshore extortion!"
May you like
Federal officers clicked heavy steel handcuffs around Sterling's wrists, dragging the ruined chairman out of the Plaza ballroom in front of the entire Manhattan elite!
The gathered corporate leaders stood up as one, raising their champagne glasses in unanimous applause for Adrian Kane, Claire Bennett, and little Mia!
