Chapter 5 - The Gala of Wolves
The grand ballroom of the Vanguard Hotel was a sea of silk, diamonds, and toxic ambition. Marcus walked through the crowd, a glass of bourbon in his hand, his eyes darting frantically. He was looking for a rival tech CEO, a disgruntled former partner, or a Russian hacker.
He wasn't looking for her.
"You look stressed, Marcus."
The voice was smooth, cultured, and carried an undertone of chilling confidence.
Marcus spun around. Standing before him was a woman in a breathtaking, floor-length crimson gown. Her hair was styled perfectly, her posture immaculate. Around her neck rested a diamond collar that easily cost more than his remaining liquid assets.
It took Marcus three full seconds to recognize her. When he did, the breath was knocked out of his lungs.
May you like
"You," Marcus whispered, his face draining of color. "The waitress."
"Clara Hayes," she corrected, taking a sip of her champagne. "Arthur Hayes’s daughter. But you probably don't remember him. You were too busy stealing his life's work to ask about his family."
