Chapter 6 - The Gala at the Plaza
On Monday evening, the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was a spectacle of blinding luxury and high-society arrogance.
Massive crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over hundreds of wealthy guests, city politicians, corporate titans, and prominent media journalists. Flashbulbs went off every few seconds as photographers captured images of Arthur Montgomery holding court near the main stage, wearing a ten-thousand-dollar tuxedo, sipping champagne, and laughing heartily with his investors.
Beside him stood Chloe. She looked radiant, wearing a sparkling emerald-green silk gown, her hair styled in soft waves, her diamond engagement ring flashing under the bright stage lights. She smiled warmly for the cameras, posing as the perfect, elegant socialite daughter.
To the public, this event was announced as an exclusive "pre-wedding celebration and charity announcement." But everyone in the room knew the unspoken truth: it was Arthur Montgomery’s public display of power—a staged event where the prestigious Vance family was expected to bow down and reaffirm their allegiance to the Montgomery empire.
At 7:45 PM, the heavy double doors at the back of the ballroom opened.
A quiet murmur swept through the crowd as Julian and I walked into the room.
Julian looked sharp and formidable in a dark suit, his posture straight, his expression calm and unreadable. I walked beside him, wearing an elegant silver evening gown that matched my silver hair, carrying a small black clutch bag.
When Chloe saw us from across the room, a smirk of absolute triumph crossed her red lips. She leaned over and whispered something into her father's ear.
Arthur Montgomery smiled smugly, straightening his bowtie as he watched us approach the VIP section near the stage.
"Eleanor! Julian!" Arthur called out loudly, making sure nearby reporters heard his warm, patronizing greeting. "So glad you could make it! I was beginning to think you might miss our special moment!"
"We wouldn't miss this for the world, Arthur," I said smoothly, offering a polite, icy smile.
Chloe stepped up to Julian, trying to place her hand gently on his chest for the photographers nearby. "Darling... I'm so glad you brought your mother. I know how difficult the last few days have been for her, but I forgive her for everything."
Julian didn't flinch. He simply caught her wrist in mid-air, preventing her from touching his suit, and slowly lowered her hand back down to her side.
"Keep your hands to yourself, Chloe," Julian said, his voice so quiet and dangerous that only she could hear it.
Chloe’s smirk flickered for a fraction of a second, but she quickly recovered, tossing her hair back haughtily. "Still stubborn, I see. Well, you have five minutes to get on stage with my father. The reporters are waiting. Remember what my father promised if you don't make the apology convincing."
"Don't worry, Chloe," I whispered, leaning in close so my silver hair touched her ear. "The truth will be extremely convincing."
At 8:00 PM, Arthur Montgomery stepped up to the podium on stage. The room fell silent as the bright television broadcast cameras focused on him.
"Distinguished guests, members of the press, ladies and gentlemen," Arthur began, his loud, charismatic voice echoing through the sound system. "Tonight, we gather to celebrate the upcoming union of two of this city's most prominent families—the Montgomerys and the Vances!"
The crowd applauded politely. Arthur raised his hands, beaming with pride.
"Tonight is about unity, success, and family," Arthur continued, smiling down at Chloe, who stood at the side of the stage looking like a pristine princess. "And to demonstrate that unity, I would like to invite my future son-in-law, Julian Vance, and his mother, Mrs. Eleanor Vance, to join us on stage to share a very special statement."
The flashbulbs erupted in a frenzy. The crowd turned toward us, clapping loudly.
May you like
Julian looked at me. I nodded silently.
Together, we stepped up the carpeted stairs onto the main stage.
