Chapter 8 - The Executioner’s GalaTo completely destroy a matriarch who operates in the shadows, you must drag her into the blinding light and strip her of her illusions of power in front of the entire world.
The following evening, the Sterling Consortium was hosting its annual Sovereign Wealth Gala at the Plaza Hotel. It was an ultra-exclusive event, packed with international billionaires, Wall Street investors, and the global media. Evelyn intended to use the night to quietly celebrate my impending bankruptcy.
I did not hide in the dark. I arrived looking like absolute, terrifying supremacy.
I stepped out of the armored Maybach wearing a sweeping, backless gown of liquid-sapphire silk. Julian walked beside me in a razor-sharp Tom Ford tuxedo, radiating the lethal, protective energy of an executioner awaiting the word.
The ambient chatter in the grand ballroom died down instantly as the heavy doors swung open. The sea of billionaires parted for us in stunned, breathless silence.
Evelyn stood at the center podium, holding a crystal glass of champagne. When she saw me walking down the center aisle, her confident, mocking smirk widened. She thought I was here to surrender.
"Claire," Evelyn announced into the microphone, ensuring the room heard her triumph. "How civilized of you to join us. I assume you brought the signed transfer documents?"
"I don't carry deeds for things I own, Evelyn," I said smoothly, stopping precisely three feet from the stage. My voice projected with crystal-clear, freezing authority.
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"Security! Remove her," Evelyn snapped, her composure cracking.
"I wouldn't do that," Julian rumbled, stepping forward. "The perimeter is currently surrounded by federal agents."
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