Chapter 4 - THE THREAT AT THE GALAThe annual Silicon Valley Med-Tech Gala was held at the glass-domed conservatory overlooking the San Francisco Bay.
Over five hundred billionaires, venture capitalists, and tech moguls gathered beneath crystal chandeliers, celebrating Ellsworth Dynamics' upcoming $10 billion IPO.
Nathan walked into the ballroom wearing a tailored black tuxedo. Beside him, walking arm-in-arm, was Clarissa Vance. She wore a breathtaking sapphire-blue silk evening gown that accentuated her graceful posture, her dark hair styled in an elegant updo secured with silver pins.
Nobody recognized the former maid.
"You clean up remarkably well, Dr. Vance," Nathan whispered, leaning close to her ear, his hand warm against the small of her back.
"Don't get used to it, Ellsworth," Clarissa murmured back, a faint smile touching her lips. "I prefer grease and wire cutters to silk and champagne."
"You wear power very well," Nathan replied, his hazel eyes locking onto hers with intense, magnetic warmth.
Before Clarissa could answer, a smooth, arrogant voice interrupted them from behind.
"Well, well. Nathan Ellsworth. And... good heavens."
Julian Sterling—a sharp-faced man in his fifties with silver hair and a ruthless smile—stepped forward, holding a glass of scotch. Standing beside him was Dr. Aris Thorne, who had quietly resigned from Ellsworth Dynamics six hours earlier.
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Julian’s eyes widened with cruel delight as he recognized Clarissa.
"Clarissa Vance," Julian chuckled darkly. "I heard a rumor that Nathan had hired a disgraced convict to clean his floors, but I didn't think he’d be foolish enough to bring his trash to the head table."
