Chapter 10: The Gala
The Grand Hyatt ballroom was filled with hundreds of guests in black-tie attire. Crystal chandeliers cast warm light over tables covered in white linen. On stage, Eleanor Davis stood behind a dark wood podium, glowing under the spotlight in an elegant navy dress.
""Our children do not need coddling,"" Eleanor’s poised, confident voice echoed through the auditorium. ""They need structure. They need discipline. True love is the courage to enforce order upon chaotic minds.""
Applause rippled through the elite crowd. Eleanor smiled warmly, bowing her head in practiced modesty.
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From the technical booth high above the ballroom floor, Sarah plugged her laptop directly into the main AV projection system, bypassing the house security protocols.
""Signal locked,"" Sarah whispered into her earpiece to Jack, who stood near the side exit doors holding Lily’s hand. ""In three... two... one.""
