Chapter 5 - The Gala of Reckoning
The Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel glistened under the glow of dozens of crystal chandeliers.
Gentle jazz played from a live orchestra on stage. Waiters in white tuxedos moved through the crowd of five hundred elite guests, serving champagne and beluga caviar. Flashbulbs popped continuously near the velvet entrance rope as high-society photographers snapped pictures of Manhattan's wealthiest families.
Nathaniel stood near the center of the room, holding a glass of vintage Dom Pérignon. He wore a midnight-blue Tom Ford tuxedo, smiling broadly as two senior board members congratulated him on his upcoming promotion.
"You've handled this tragic week with such grace, Nathaniel," one board member remarked. "We were so worried about Amelia after the news of her fall broke."
"Thank you, Richard," Nathaniel said, putting on a brave, somber face. "It has been an agonizing time for our family. But Amelia is resting, and the baby is stable. I am just focusing on supporting my father-in-law and stepping up to guide Vance Global through these turbulent times."
"A true family man," the board member beamed.
From the balcony overlooking the ballroom, Selena Drake stood behind a gilded marble pillar, sipping a martini. She wore a backless crimson silk dress, her diamond earrings catching the chandelier light. She looked down at Nathaniel and offered a subtle, conspiratorial nod. She believed that by midnight, Nathaniel would be named Vice Chairman, the foundation audit would be wiped clean, and her three-million-dollar payout would be wired to her Swiss account.
Suddenly, the jazz music stopped.
The heavy double doors at the main entrance of the ballroom swung open.
Conversations died down across the room as every head turned toward the doorway.
I walked into the ballroom, leaning gracefully on my father's arm.
I wore a floor-length emerald green velvet gown that draped beautifully over my dark hair and highlighted my glowing baby bump. My hair was styled in sleek, retro waves, and around my neck hung the Vance family diamond necklace—a piece reserved only for the matriarch of the family. I walked with my head held high, my posture regal, looking every bit like the heiress to a multi-billion-dollar empire.
Gasps of surprise echoed through the crowd.
"Amelia!" Nathaniel choked out, almost dropping his champagne flute. He scrambled through the crowd toward us, trying to force a joyful expression onto his pale face. "Darling! What are you doing here? The doctors said you needed rest!"
My father stepped forward, blocking Nathaniel from approaching me. "Amelia insisted on coming, Nathaniel. Tonight is a monumental evening for our family."
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Nathaniel swallowed hard, nervously adjusting his bow tie. "Yes... yes, of course! The Vice Chairmanship announcement!"
"Let us begin the presentation," Arthur said smoothly, moving toward the grand stage.
