Chapter 5 - The Gala of Shadows
The Plaza Hotel ballroom in Manhattan was a blinding storm of silk, diamonds, and champagne. The air tasted of expensive perfume and quiet power. Hundreds of high-profile figures—politicians, CEOs, media moguls, and foreign diplomats—milled beneath crystal chandeliers, completely oblivious to the war playing out in the shadows around them.
Rosa walked alongside Marcus, wearing an elegant emerald evening gown provided by Sebastian. Though her heart pounded against her ribs like a trapped bird, her gaze remained sharp, scanning the ornate architectural moldings, light fixtures, and lapels of the staff.
"Stay relaxed," Marcus whispered in her earpiece. "You belong here tonight."
Across the ballroom, Sebastian and Victoria were standing with Arthur Vance. Arthur was a silver-haired man in his late fifties, wearing an immaculate tuxedo, exuding warmth and charm as he greeted wealthy donors.
"Sebastian, Victoria, my dear," Arthur said smoothly, sipping his champagne. "You both look radiant. Victoria, have you considered the paperwork I forwarded regarding the Hudson Yards trust transfers? The board is getting anxious."
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"We're looking over it tonight, Arthur," Sebastian replied, his smile sharp enough to cut glass. "In fact, we're expecting a final transmission that will clarify everything."
Arthur’s smile flickered for a fraction of a second—a subtle tightening around his eyes that Rosa caught from across the room.
