Chapter 9: The Lion’s Den**
Friday evening arrived with dazzling decadence. The grand ballroom glittered under massive crystal chandeliers as hundreds of elite investors, politicians, and socialites filled the hall.
Clara looked radiant in an emerald silk gown, walking beside Julian as he operated his motorized chair through the crowd. The contrast was striking: the delicate, luminous young woman attending to the silent, broody billionaire in the black tailored tuxedo.
"Look at them," Victoria sneered from across the champagne fountain, whispering to a board member. "She’s playing the devoted bride, but we all know she’s just waiting for the inheritance."
Julian remained unbothered, exchanging polite nods with senators and corporate partners while subtly synchronizing his smart watch with Dr. Morales’s server link.
"The audit sync has started," Julian murmured to Clara as they paused near the terrace doors. "Raymond just went to the second-floor library with his laptop."
"I'll retrieve the drive from Dr. Morales near the kitchen," Clara whispered.
Julian gripped her hand, his dark eyes intense with concern. "Clara, stay alert. The moment you have the drive, meet me at the library landing. Do not confront Raymond alone."
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"I won't. Trust me," she said, giving his fingers a reassuring squeeze before slipping gracefully into the crowd.
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