Chapter 9: The Gala of Greed
The night of the final acquisition arrived. The Grand Harbor Hotel hosted an exclusive black-tie gala where Julian was set to sign the contract transferring the ocean sanctuary to global developers.
The ballroom was filled with elite investors, press, and city officials. Julian stood at the podium, exuding charming confidence, while Victoria stood off to the side, looking pale and nervous.
“Tonight,” Julian announced, holding a golden pen above the contract, “we usher in a new era of coastal commercial development, honoring the memory of my late wife, Evelyn.”
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Cameras flashed. Investors clapped. Julian lowered the pen to the paper.
Then, the heavy double doors at the back of the ballroom swung open.
