Chapter 6 - Kidnapped in Plain Sight
"Maxwell," Richard Vance said, his voice forced and tight as he stepped off the stage, flanked by four burly security guards. "I didn't expect you tonight. And... who is this lovely young lady?"
"You know exactly who she is, Richard," Max said, his voice carrying across the quieted room. Several reporters leaned in, sensing a massive scoop. "She’s the daughter of Julian Carter. You remember Julian, right? The partner you had murdered."
A collective gasp echoed through the ballroom.
Vance laughed nervously, though his eyes were murderous. "Maxwell, you’ve clearly had too much to drink. Julian's death was a tragedy, but it was ruled a suicide. Please, let my men escort you out before you embarrass yourself further."
"I don't think so," Lily spoke up, her voice clear and strong. She pulled out her phone, which was connected to the gala’s main projector screen via a secure Bluetooth override Max had coded on the drive over. "This is the real-time audio log from Mr. Foster's mansion. Listen to your own security team talking about 'retrieving the asset' and 'killing the billionaire' on your orders."
A voice recording began to play over the ballroom's massive speakers. It was Thomas's voice, clear as day, discussing Vance’s orders to eliminate Max and capture Lily.
The crowd erupted into chaos. Investors began whispering furiously. Reporters scrambled to get closer.
"Turn that off!" Vance roared.
In the confusion, two of Vance’s undercover operatives grabbed Lily from behind, slamming a cloth over her mouth. Max lunged forward, but a heavy blow to his ribs from a security guard knocked him to his knees.
By the time Max looked up, Vance and his men were dragging Lily toward the service exit.
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"Max!" Lily’s muffled scream cut through the panic.
Hook: Max lay on the polished floor, coughing up blood as the love of his life's memory—and his only chance at redemption—was dragged into the dark. But Max wasn't done. He had one card left to play.
