Chapter 7 - THE GALA OF LIES
The Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was a glittering sea of tuxedoes, diamond necklaces, and champagne flutes. Manhattan's elite had gathered to celebrate the impending multi-billion-dollar merger between the Vance Group and the Sterling Syndicate.
Arthur Vance stood near the center stage, wearing a tailored Italian tuxedo. He smiled warmly at politicians, CEOs, and journalists, sipping his champagne. To the world, he was a grieving father and husband whose family had been tragically targeted by a criminal.
"Mr. Vance!" a female reporter called out, pushing a microphone toward him. "Is there any update on the search for your wife and son Julian? Have the police found the abductor?"
Arthur pulled out a handkerchief, dabbing his eyes with practiced sorrow. "The police are working around the clock. I am heartbroken. I only hope that poor, confused young man doesn't hurt my family. I am offering two million dollars now for any information leading to their safe return."
The crowd murmured with sympathy.
Suddenly, the heavy golden doors at the back of the ballroom swung open.
The laughter and chatter slowly died down. Guests turned to look.
Walking down the velvet carpet, escorted by six tall, intimidating security guards wearing the crest of the Sterling Syndicate, was Eleanor Vance.
She wore a breathtaking crimson evening gown, her hair swept up elegantly, stepping into the room like a queen returning to her throne.
Beside her walked Julian, wearing a crisp tuxedo.
And on her other side walked Leo. Cleaned up, his hair styled, wearing an identical tuxedo to Julian’s. Standing together, the two boys were impossible to distinguish. The entire room gasped in collective shock.
"What is the meaning of this?" Arthur gasped, dropping his champagne glass. It shattered against the marble floor.
"Arthur," Eleanor's voice echoed through the high-ceilinged ballroom as she stepped toward the stage. "You told the world we were kidnapped. But as you can see, we are perfectly fine."
"Eleanor..." Arthur stammered, his face turning gray. "You... you've been brainwashed by this imposter!"
"He is not an imposter, Arthur!" Eleanor shouted, her voice cutting through the silent room like a blade. "He is Leo Vance! My son! The son you stole from my arms fifteen years ago!"
The crowd broke into frantic whispers. Camera flashes began to explode like lightning across the room.
"Security! Arrest them!" Arthur yelled frantically, pointing at Leo. "He's a trespasser! He's dangerous!"
"Don't move," Marcus Sterling stepped out from the shadows near the stage, flanked by his own legal team. "My security controls this room tonight, Arthur. And I think we all want to hear what Mrs. Vance has to say."
Julian stepped forward, pulling a small silver flash drive from his pocket and handing it to the technician running the massive LED screen behind the stage.
"What are you doing?!" Arthur lunged toward Julian, but two of Marcus's guards blocked him, pinning his arms behind his back.
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"Showing the world who you really are, Dad," Julian said coldly.
The massive LED screen behind the stage suddenly flickered to life.
