Chapter 6 - The Dinner Party TrapOne week later.
The grand dining hall of Sterling House was set for a formal gala. Crystal chandeliers cast a brilliant, sparkling glow over the long mahogany table, where silver platters, vintage wines, and twelve of Boston’s most elite socialites sat in rigid, glittering splendor.
Serena Vale sat to the immediate right of Adrian Sterling, flashing her most dazzling, manufactured smile as she touched his sleeve.
“Adrian, darling, you’ve been so distant this week,” Serena cooed, leaning in close. “You really should stop letting work consume you. By the time we’re married, we’ll delegate all these tedious hotel logistics to family—like your cousin Blake.”
Across the table, Blake Sterling—a slick, arrogant man in a tailored tuxedo—nodded smugly, raising his champagne flute. “Hear, hear, Adrian. Family first. After all, corporate stability is about trust.”
Adrian sat perfectly still, cutting his steak with clinical precision. He didn't look at Blake. Instead, his eyes drifted past the candles to the end of the table, where Maya stood quietly against the wall, wearing her crisp maid’s uniform, holding a silver tray of sparkling water.
Maya met Adrian’s gaze and gave a single, almost imperceptible nod.
It was time.
Adrian set his knife and fork down with a sharp, echoing clink. The entire table fell instantly silent. All eyes turned toward the CEO of Sterling Hotels.
“Family first,” Adrian repeated softly, a cold, dangerous smile touching his lips. He picked up his wine glass. “That’s a fascinating sentiment, Blake. Tell me... does your definition of family include embezzling four million dollars from our procurement accounts through shell companies?”
May you like
Blake’s glass slipped from his hand, shattering against the mahogany table, sending red wine splattering across his white linen napkin.
“A-Adrian? What on earth are you talking about?!” Blake stammered, his face turning the color of curdled milk.
