Chapter 7: Infiltrating the Lion’s Den
The Metropolitan Grand Ballroom was a spectacle of champagne flutes, velvet drapes, and diamond jewelry. Hundreds of socialites, executives, and politicians gathered to celebrate the public launch of Sterling BioTech’s new luxury wellness line—Eleanor’s vanity project designed to replace Arthur’s affordable medicine initiative.
Backstage, amid the chaos of caterers and AV technicians, a young woman wearing a server’s black uniform and an embroidered cap moved unnoticed past security.
With Julian’s remote assistance jamming the wireless security cameras in three-minute intervals, Maya reached the master AV control room on the second mezzanine.
Inside, a solitary technician was monitoring the massive LED projection screens above the main stage. Before he could turn, Samuel tapped him on the shoulder, displaying a private investigator badge and a cold stare.
"Take a coffee break, son," Samuel said quietly. "For your own safety."
The technician swallowed hard and slipped out the back door.
Maya sat before the broadcast console. Her hands shook, not with fear, but with adrenaline. On the main floor below, the orchestra stopped playing. The room went dim as a spotlight focused on the center podium.
Eleanor stepped forward, radiating power and arrogance in a midnight-black designer gown.
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"Welcome, distinguished guests," Eleanor’s amplified voice echoed across the chandelier-lit hall. "Tonight, we honor the legacy of my late husband, Arthur Sterling, by taking his vision into a profitable, modern future."
"Not his vision, Eleanor," Maya whispered, sliding the flash drive into the main broadcast deck. "Yours."
