Chapter 1 - The Spark of Ruin
The crystal chandeliers of the Grandview Ballroom cast a cold, blinding glare over the tables laden with silver and orchids. Chloe adjusted the heavy pearls around her neck, her sparkly beige gown catching the light as she looked up at Margaret.
The older woman in the cream satin dress stood frozen, her pearl earrings catching the flicker of the candlelight. Chloe’s smile was thin, calculated, and dripping with malicious satisfaction.
“Go eat in the bathroom, Margaret,” Chloe said softly, her voice carrying easily across the hushed VIP section.
“You’re already used to cleaning up after everyone.”
Margaret’s jaw tightened. She did not blink. Her cold, serious expression did not waver, but her gaze shifted away slightly toward the heavy mahogany doors.
Nearby, Julian sat in his dark blue suit, completely absorbed in his black shirt and the glowing screen of his smartphone. He barely glanced up, secure in his delusion that his wealth was absolute and eternal.
Margaret turned on her heel, her stride brisk as she swept down the mirrored hallway. She raised her phone to her ear, punching a single speed-dial number with absolute precision.
“Put plan B into action,” Margaret said firmly, her voice steady and lethal.
“Tonight. Stop every transfer going to my son.”
Back in the ballroom, Julian’s phone buzzed violently against the mahogany table. He swiped a sleek black credit card across a portable card reader to finalize a high-stakes luxury acquisition, only for the terminal to flash a harsh, bloody red.
Julian stared at his phone in absolute shock as the balance dropped to zero across all accounts. Chloe’s triumphant smile faltered as she saw the sheer terror wash over Julian’s face.
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Before Julian could scream out in panic, the ballroom doors blew open with a deafening bang, revealing federal agents standing in formation.
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