Chapter 5 - The Gala at the Drake
Two days later, the annual Chicago Real Estate Developer's Gala was held in the grand ballroom of The Drake Hotel.
The room was a glittering sea of tuxedo-clad billionaires, city council members, and high-society journalists.
I walked into the hall wearing a tailored Italian tuxedo, with Maya walking beside me.
We had spent the previous afternoon shopping. Maya was dressed in a simple, elegant dark emerald gown, her hair styled neatly, her posture erect and proud. She looked every inch an heiress—a striking spitting image of her father, Arthur Vance.
Across the room stood Richard Sterling, holding a glass of vintage champagne, surrounded by a crowd of eager investors.
"Are you ready for this, Maya?" I whispered as we stepped onto the marble floor.
"I've waited eight years for this, Daniel," she replied, her voice firm, unshakeable, and quiet.
We walked straight toward Richard's circle.
As we approached, Richard turned around, a broad, practiced smile spreading across his silver-haired face. "Daniel! My boy! I was wondering when you’d arrive! The lawyers have the Lakefront Plaza contracts ready for our signing ceremony tonight!"
"Good evening, Richard," I said smoothly. "Before we sign, there’s someone I’d like you to meet."
Richard shifted his gaze to Maya. His smile remained polite for a fraction of a second—and then his eyes locked onto her face.
The color drained from Richard Sterling’s skin so fast he looked like he had seen a ghost. His champagne glass wobbled slightly in his hand.
"Richard," I said, watching his every reaction like a hawk. "This is Maya. My daughter’s new tutor."
"Maya..." Richard stammered, his voice dropping an octave. "Maya... who?"
"Maya Vance," she said clearly, her voice echoing across the immediate circle of investors. "Arthur Vance's daughter."
The surrounding conversation paused. Several older developers in the circle exchanged startled glances.
Richard cleared his throat frantically, forcing a laugh that sounded utterly hollow. "Arthur’s daughter? My goodness... I... I thought you and your mother moved to California years ago! What a remarkable surprise!"
May you like
"It wasn't a surprise to your legal team, Mr. Sterling," Maya said, her voice completely calm. "They liquidated my father’s educational trust fund at St. Jude Academy six months ago. You signed the authorization personally."
The silence in the circle turned deafening.
