Chapter 7 - The Gala of Truth
The Pierre Hotel ballroom was a sea of crystal chandeliers, flowing champagne, and nervous Wall Street executives. Marcus stood near the front, a glass of Dom Pérignon in hand, with Chloe clinging to his arm like a designer accessory.
"I hear the new CEO is Vanguard's own flesh and blood," Chloe gossiped, her eyes darting around the room. "The mysterious heir. No one has seen her in years."
"Doesn't matter," Marcus said smoothly. "I'll charm her. In six months, I'll be her right-hand man."
The lights dimmed, and the low murmur of the crowd fell to a dead silence. Arthur Vanguard stepped onto the stage. The sheer presence of the man commanded absolute obedience. Marcus felt his palms sweat. This was the God of Finance.
"Good evening," Arthur's voice echoed through the sound system. "Belmont Financial has been a quaint institution. But Vanguard does not do quaint. We demand excellence, loyalty, and vision. To ensure this transition is handled with zero tolerance for incompetence, I am placing this subsidiary under the direct control of my sole heir."
Arthur turned toward the grand staircase at the side of the stage. "Please welcome the new CEO of Vanguard-Belmont, Clara Vanguard."
May you like
Marcus applauded enthusiastically, looking toward the stairs.
And then, his world stopped spinning.
