"The glass roof was breaking beneath his pregnant wife when Daniel finally reached the rescue door.

The Grand Ballroom of the Regent Hotel was a sea of dark suits, crystal chandeliers, and high-end champagne.

Over four hundred of California's wealthiest investors, hedge fund managers, and real estate tycoons sat at round tables, chatting quietly as classical violin music played through the surround-sound speakers.

At the front of the room stood a giant thirty-foot LED screen displaying the Vance Enterprises emblem: a gold stylized 'V' over a crown.

Victoria Vance stood backstage, wearing a breathtaking emerald green silk gown, her silver hair styled into an intricate tiara braid. She looked like royalty preparing to address her court.

Arthur Pendelton leaned in close to her. "Security reports clean perimeter checks. No sign of Julian, Marcus, or the girl. The police have units posted at every transit station within five miles."

"Good," Victoria said, adjusting her pearl necklace. "Julian was always a coward at heart. He’s probably crying in some motel in San Bernardino."

"It’s 10:00 AM, Mrs. Vance," the stage manager announced, holding a clipboard. "You’re on in thirty seconds."

Victoria took a deep breath, adjusted her posture, and stepped out from behind the velvet curtain into the bright spotlight.

The ballroom erupted into polite, dignified applause.

Victoria walked to the glass lectern in the center of the stage, resting her hands on the polished wood. She looked out at the sea of power and wealth, feeling the familiar, intoxicating surge of absolute control.

"Distinguished shareholders, partners, and friends," Victoria began, her voice smooth and commanding, carrying clearly through the room. "Today, as we celebrate forty years of Vance Enterprises, we look toward a future of unprecedented growth. Despite recent... tragic personal challenges within my immediate family, the core of this corporation remains unbreakable."

She pressed a button on the remote in her hand to bring up the annual revenue chart on the massive LED screen behind her.

The screen flickered.

Instead of the green financial growth charts, the giant thirty-foot screen went black.

A sharp static burst echoed through the high-end speakers, silencing the room instantly.

Victoria froze, her hand hovering over the remote button. "Technical team, fix the projection," she said smoothly into her microphone, maintaining a tight smile.

The screen flickered again.