Chapter 8 - The Public Execution
The heavy oak doors of the Grand Ballroom slammed shut, locking the wealthy guests inside.
The music abruptly stopped, and an uncomfortable murmur rippled through the confused crowd.
Elena froze near the edge of the dance floor, clutching the stolen keycard tightly.
Julian stood on the main stage, his charismatic smile replaced by a look of sheer cruelty.
"I apologize for the interruption, but we have a murderer hiding among us tonight," Julian declared loudly.
Gasps of horror echoed from the elegant women and powerful men standing around Elena.
Julian pointed a single, accusing finger directly at her face.
"That woman brutally stabbed my hotel manager on the forty-second floor less than an hour ago," he lied effortlessly.
Two massive security guards immediately grabbed Elena by her arms, twisting them painfully behind her back.
"He is lying, he is the one covering up decades of corporate crimes!" Elena shouted desperately.
The crowd simply stared at her with a mixture of disgust and abject fear.
Julian walked slowly down from the stage, holding a small digital tablet in his hand.
"I have the security footage to prove it, and the police are already on their way," Julian announced.
He knew the local police chief was on his payroll, guaranteeing she would never see a fair trial.
Carter was nowhere to be seen, having vanished into the crowd to save his own skin.
Julian stepped close to her, lowering his voice so only she could hear.
"Your father died a disgraced criminal, and now you will share his exact legacy," Julian whispered maliciously.
May you like
Julian pulled a concealed handgun from his waistband and pressed it against her ribs.
"Now hand over my master keycard before I make this look like a suicide," he commanded.
