Chapter 12 - THE INVITATION TO THE GALATwo weeks later, the most exclusive charity gala of the season took place at the Grand Imperial Hotel downtown. Billionaires, politicians, and high-society elites mingled under massive crystal chandeliers, sipping champagne and celebrating the miraculous recovery and return of young Leo Sterling.
Arthur stood near the edge of the ballroom, wearing a sharp tuxedo, keeping a protective hand on Leo’s shoulder. Leo was laughing with a group of children near the dessert table, looking happier and healthier than he had in years.
"You look tense, Mr. Sterling," a smooth, cultured voice chimed in from behind.
Arthur turned sharply. Standing there was a striking woman in an emerald-green silk gown. Her hair was swept back into an elegant chignon, and her eyes sparkled with an unnerving, knowing intelligence. She wore a diamond choker that caught every ray of light in the room.
"I don't believe we've been introduced," Arthur said coldly, his posture stiffening.
"Evelyn Vance," she said with a faint, polite smile, extending a slender hand. "No relation to your corporate lawyer, I assure you. Though I must say, it's a miracle seeing your son looking so well after enduring... such difficult domestic circumstances."
Arthur didn't take her hand. Instead, his eyes narrowed as he registered the last name and the chilling cadence of her voice.
"Vance," Arthur repeated slowly. "Julian Thorne’s defense attorney in his very first corporate embezzlement case five years ago. You vanished from public practice right after Julian went to prison."
Evelyn chuckled softly, stepping closer so her voice wouldn't carry over the orchestral music. "Law is such a tedious profession, Arthur. People like Julian are merely instruments. Pawns played on a very large board. You thought cutting off Victoria and locking away Julian meant the game was over?"
"If you have something to say, say it," Arthur warned, his voice a low, threatening growl.
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Evelyn reached into her evening clutch, pulling out a heavy, cream-colored envelope sealed with a black wax stamp—the exact seal of The Vanguard Foundation.
"Game two has just begun, Mr. Sterling," Evelyn whispered, sliding the envelope across the cocktail table. "And this time, your entire empire is the wager."
