Chapter 2 - The Red Carpet
The Maybach glided to a smooth halt in front of the city's most luxurious hotel.
Dozens of paparazzi were swarming the entrance, their camera flashes turning the night into blinding daylight.
I could see the elite of the city walking up the velvet stairs, dripping in designer brands and arrogance.
My father patted my hand gently before stepping out of the car first.
The moment the reporters recognized Arthur Vance, absolute chaos erupted on the street.
They shoved each other out of the way, screaming his name, desperate for a quote from the elusive billionaire.
My father ignored them all, turning around to offer me his hand.
When I stepped out of the vehicle in my diamond-studded crimson gown, the entire crowd fell dead silent.
Nobody recognized the pathetic, invisible wife of Julian Cross.
They only saw a breathtaking heiress arriving on the arm of the most powerful man in the country.
The whispers began instantly, sweeping through the crowd like wild fire.
We bypassed the security checkpoint, the heavy oak doors opening for us as if by magic.
The grand ballroom was a sea of crystal chandeliers, flowing champagne, and whispering socialites.
I spotted Julian immediately, standing near the center of the room with a smug smile on his face.
Chloe was clinging to his arm, showing off her cheap champagne-colored dress to a group of bored investors.
Julian was loudly boasting about his company, completely oblivious to the doom walking up behind him.
The master of ceremonies suddenly tapped the microphone, demanding the attention of the entire ballroom.
"Ladies and gentlemen, we are honored to welcome the shadow founder of the Apex Group, Mr. Arthur Vance!" the announcer boomed.
Julian's face lit up with greedy excitement, and he aggressively pushed his way to the front of the crowd.
He dragged Chloe along, desperate to be the first to shake hands with the billionaire.
Julian froze dead in his tracks when he finally saw who was holding Arthur Vance's arm.
His jaw dropped, his eyes darting frantically between my flawless makeup, my millions of dollars in diamonds, and my father's protective stance.
Chloe gasped loudly, her hands flying to her mouth in pure shock.
"Clarissa?" Julian choked out, his voice cracking loudly in the quiet room.
"What on earth are you doing here, and how did you steal that dress?" Chloe hissed venomously, stepping forward.
My father stepped between us, his presence radiating an icy, lethal threat.
"Speak to my daughter with disrespect one more time, and I will erase your existence from this city," my father warned her.
Julian turned as white as a ghost, his knees visibly buckling under the weight of the revelation.
"Your... your daughter?" Julian stammered, sweating profusely.
Before Julian could apologize, my father snapped his fingers, signaling a group of armed guards to seal the ballroom doors.
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"I am not just here to attend a party, Julian," my father announced to the terrified crowd.
"I am here to announce that Apex Group has officially initiated a hostile takeover of Julian Cross's entire enterprise."
