Chapter 3 - The Secret Deal
The giant screens above the stage flickered to life, displaying a bright audio waveform.
Julian's voice immediately echoed through the massive speakers, completely clear and incredibly cruel.
"The stupid old man suspects nothing, and the daughter is too weak to fight back," Julian's recorded voice sneered.
The guests gasped collectively, turning their horrified eyes toward the stage.
Then, Camilla's voice responded on the recording, dripping with venomous greed.
"Just marry my useless daughter tomorrow, get the final signatures, and we will split the offshore funds fifty-fifty," the recorded Camilla said.
The bride, standing near the altar, let out a piercing scream of pure heartbreak.
She looked at her mother in absolute disgust, realizing she had been sold like a cheap piece of property.
Camilla raised her hands defensively, backing away from the glaring eyes of the high-society guests.
"That audio is completely fabricated, it is artificial intelligence!" Camilla shouted, trying to save her shattered reputation.
Richard turned slowly to look at his new wife, his eyes burning with absolute, murderous rage.
"You were plotting to steal my money with him?" Richard growled, taking a threatening step toward Camilla.
Elara watched her terrible family tear themselves apart with absolute, unbothered calm.
"There is no honor among thieves, Father," Elara reminded him sharply.
Richard suddenly stopped, a desperate, frantic look crossing his sweaty face.
He reached inside his tuxedo jacket and pulled out a folded piece of thick, heavy parchment paper.
"It does not matter what they planned, because I still hold the original bearer bonds," Richard declared triumphantly.
He unfolded the paper, revealing a massive, incredibly complex corporate seal at the bottom.
"These bonds grant me total, unquestionable ownership of the entire hotel chain, regardless of the frozen digital accounts," he explained loudly.
Vance stepped forward to intervene, but Elara held up her hand to stop him.
She walked slowly toward her father, her high heels clicking rhythmically against the marble floor.
She reached out and gently took the heavy paper from his trembling hands.
Elara examined the golden seal for a few seconds before letting out a soft sigh.
"You really are a fool, Father," Elara whispered, holding the paper up to the light.
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"What are you talking about, that is the genuine seal!" Richard yelled frantically.
Elara smiled coldly and ripped the priceless document right down the middle.
