Chapter 6 - THE RED CARPET AMBUSH
The Grand Horizon Ballroom was packed with hundreds of billionaires, celebrities, and top-tier journalists. Flashbulbs exploded like fireworks as high-society guests walked down the velvet red carpet.
At 7:30 PM, a sleek black limousine pulled up to the front entrance.
The door opened, and Elena stepped out. She wore an exquisite midnight-blue silk gown, dripping in sapphire diamonds. Beside her was little Leo, looking handsome in a custom toddler tuxedo, holding his mother’s hand with a proud smile.
The crowd of reporters went wild.
“Ms. Vance! Over here!” “Is it true you shut down Vivian Cross’s empire in 300 seconds?!” “Are you taking over as sole chairman of Vance Group tonight?!”
Elena smiled gracefully at the cameras, guiding Leo through the flashing lights and into the private VIP holding room on the second floor, guarded by two elite Vance security officers.
“Stay here with Uncle Marcus, okay Leo?” Elena kissed her son’s forehead softly. “Mommy has to take care of a quick matter downstairs.”
“Okay, Mommy!” Leo smiled, playing with his toy race car. “Good luck!”
Elena walked down to the main ballroom, where the elite guests were sipping champagne.
At 7:55 PM, Julian emerged from the shadows near the grand staircase, holding a black leather briefcase. He walked up to Elena with a triumphant smirk.
“You’re right on time, Elena,” Julian whispered sneeringly. “Do you have my check?”
Elena pulled a crisp white envelope from her clutch bag. “It’s right here, Julian. Fifteen million dollars. Signed and certified.”
Julian reached for it, but Elena pulled it back slightly.
“Before I give this to you,” Elena said, her eyes burning with intensity, “promise me you will walk out of Leo’s life forever. You will never approach him, speak to him, or claim to be his father ever again.”
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Julian laughed softly, a terrifyingly evil glint in his eye. “Oh, Elena… you poor, naive girl. Did you really think $15 million would satisfy me?”
Suddenly, the house lights in the massive ballroom dimmed. The giant LED screens on the main stage flickered, and a loud, static buzz echoed through the speakers.
