Chapter 8
The red carpet rolled out across the grand entrance of the Grand Astoria was soon flooded with the flashing lights of paparazzi cameras and the chatter of Manhattan’s elite. Men in bespoke tuxedos and women draped in haute couture stepped out of sleek town cars and limousines, greeted by a phalanx of valets and attendants. Tonight, however, the security line was noticeably different. Sarah Chen stood near the revolving doors herself, personally overseeing the check-in process, ensuring that every guest—regardless of race, background, or notoriety—was treated with the exact same level of immaculate, respectful hospitality.
Inside the grand lobby, the air thrummed with the low murmur of conversation and the gentle strains of a live harpist playing classical arrangements of modern jazz. Maya descended the grand central staircase alone, her emerald-green gown trailing behind her like liquid silk. Every eye in the lobby turned upward as she made her descent. The whispers started immediately—a mix of awe, speculation, and the nervous chatter of board members who knew the ground beneath their feet had shifted dramatically over the last twenty-four hours.
As she reached the bottom of the stairs, Thomas Vance stepped forward with a strained, diplomatic smile, holding a glass of champagne.
"Maya, my dear," Thomas said, offering the glass with a slightly trembling hand. "The room is packed. Every major investor from London to Tokyo is waiting for the European expansion announcement. You look... stunning."
Maya declined the champagne with a polite tilt of her head, keeping her hands clasped lightly before her. "Thank you, Thomas. I'm glad to see our guests are arriving smoothly tonight. I trust Officer Miller’s departure and our updated security protocols haven't caused you too much distress?"
May you like
Thomas swallowed hard, his smile falteringly slightly. "Not at all, Maya. Just... unorthodox timing, that's all."
"Timing is everything in business, Thomas," Maya replied, her voice smooth and unyielding. "When you wait for a convenient moment to address corruption or bias, you've already lost the battle. Shall we go in? Our guests are waiting."
