Chapter 6 - The Gala of Fools
To celebrate the "saving" of Sterling Investments, Preston threw a massive, opulent gala at the Plaza Hotel. It was a grotesque display of wealth. Champagne towers, ice sculptures, and the elite of the city dressed in thousands of dollars of silk and diamonds.
The anonymous CEO of Vanguard Holdings was the guest of honor. He had finally agreed to make a public appearance.
The ballroom hummed with anticipation. The wealthiest families in the state—architects, judges, surgeons, and old-money heirs—waited to meet the new king of Wall Street.
At 9:00 PM, the lights dimmed. A single spotlight hit the grand staircase.
Preston stepped up to the microphone, his chest puffed out. "Ladies and gentlemen, it is my absolute honor to introduce the visionary who saw the value in Sterling Investments. The CEO of Vanguard Holdings!"
Silence fell over the room as a figure stepped into the light.
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He was dressed in a tailored, midnight-blue Tom Ford suit. His posture was commanding. His gaze was like ice.
Julian Vance walked slowly down the stairs.
