Chapter 5 - The Betrayal at the Gala
The wooden door splattered into splinters as men wearing night-vision goggles and tactical gear swarmed into the room.
"Run!" Clara shrieked, grabbing Julian and Lily.
They darted into the hidden servant passage behind the bedroom fireplace—a secret escape route Clara had discovered years ago. They tumbled down a spiral staircase in total darkness, emerging into the underground parking garage beneath the estate.
Clara threw the kids into her vintage convertible, fired up the engine, and smashed through the garage gates just as gunshots shattered the rear windshield!
For three days, Clara, Julian, and Lily went off the grid, hiding in a cheap motel on the outskirts of the city. But Clara knew hiding wasn't enough. The only way to save her son was to make him impossible to disappear again.
The following Friday was the Sterling Annual Philanthropy Gala—the biggest high-society event of the decade, broadcast live to millions of viewers worldwide. Every major news network, politician, and billionaire was in attendance at the Grand Regency Hotel.
Victor Sterling stood on the brightly lit stage, dressed in a sharp tuxedo, addressing the glittering audience. "Tonight, as CEO of Sterling Global, I am proud to announce our new ten-billion-dollar green energy initiative..."
Suddenly, the massive LED screens behind Victor flickered and turned to static.
The heavy oak doors at the back of the ballroom slammed open!
Clara walked down the center aisle in a stunning red dress, holding hands with Julian—who was dressed in a matching boy's tuxedo—and Lily. Dozens of security guards rushed to intercept her, but Clara pulled out a remote control and pointed it at the ceiling projection system.
The giant screens flashed to life, displaying high-definition photos of the real DNA test, medical records of Julian's abduction, and audio recordings of Victor's secret phone calls with illegal syndicates!
The ballroom erupted into sheer pandemonium! Flashbulbs blinded the room as reporters scrambled to capture the scene.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Clara’s voice echoed through the microphone system. "Meet Julian Sterling! The boy his father sacrificed for corporate greed, resurrected from the dead!"
Victor stood frozen on stage, his face turning crimson under the spotlight. Reporters swarmed the stage, thrusting microphones into his face.
"Mr. Sterling! Did you orchestrate your own son's abduction?" "Is it true you used blood money to build this empire?"
Just as the media frenzy reached its peak, Damon—Victor's brother—stepped up to the main podium. He smiled smoothly, looking directly at the live broadcast cameras.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please remain calm," Damon announced coldly. "My sister-in-law is clearly suffering from severe psychological trauma. But since she wants the truth out... let us tell the whole truth."
May you like
Damon clicked a button on his presenter clicker.
HOOK / CLIFFHANGER: The grand screens changed again, displaying a certified birth certificate and hospital video from eight years ago. Damon looked directly at Clara with a sadistic grin: "Julian is indeed Victor's biological son... but Clara, he is NOT YOUR SON!"
