Chapter 2 - The Golden Boy's PartyInside the Grand Meridian Hotel’s opulent ballroom, crystal chandeliers glittered over a sea of wealthy socialites. Laughter, clinking champagne glasses, and classical string music filled the air. At the center of it all stood Preston Montgomery, basking in the praise of his mother's friends.
"Thirty-five thousand dollars for this venue alone, Preston?" cooed Elena, a wealthy family friend, resting a manicured hand on his arm. "Your mother is the luckiest woman in North Carolina. And where is your sweet little wife tonight? Locked away nursing some phantom pregnancy pains?"
Preston took a sip of his scotch, laughing dismissively. "Oh, Juliet? You know how dramatic she gets. Every time I want to have a night out, suddenly she's having a medical emergency. She'll learn. You have to train them not to ruin your social calendar."
His mother, Beatrice, beamed with pride, patting his cheek. "That's my boy. You've always had the ambition to rise to the top. A woman shouldn't hold back a man of your status."
Suddenly, the ballroom's heavy mahogany doors burst open with a deafening bang.
The music cut off instantly. Gasps echoed through the room as four heavily armed military police officers marched in, rifles lowered but ready. The crowd scattered in absolute terror, screaming and diving behind tables.
Preston choked on his scotch, his face draining of color. "What... what is the meaning of this? Do you know who I am? My father-in-law is a—"
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A sergeant stepped forward, grabbing Preston by the expensive lapels of his charcoal suit and dragging him effortlessly across the polished floor.
"Mr. Montgomery," the sergeant barked coldly. "General Hayes requests your immediate presence. Resistance is not an option."
