Chapter 5
Forced to smile under the piercing gaze of powerful politicians and corporate elites, Elena walked beside Arthur into the blinding brilliance of the main reception hall. The contrast between the dark, menacing confrontation in the ballroom and the glittering superficiality of the gala was sickening. Crystal flutes of champagne were passed on silver trays by attentive waiters in matching black-and-white attire, while a string quartet played a delicate classical arrangement from a raised balcony.
Arthur’s fingers remained locked around Elena’s bare arm, a silent, painful reminder of the stakes. Every step felt like walking a tightrope suspended over an abyss. "Keep your eyes down and your mouth shut," Arthur muttered under his breath as they approached a group of influential bankers clustered near the base of the grand staircase.
"Good evening, Mr. Vance," the lead banker greeted, raising his glass in a polite toast. "And Miss Vance, you look absolutely stunning tonight. That shade of blue suits you remarkably well."
"Thank you, Mr. Henderson," Elena replied, managing a calm, composed tone that surprised even herself. She kept her posture immaculate, drawing upon years of etiquette training designed precisely for this kind of high-society theater.
Arthur laughed softly, a rich, baritone sound that drew approving nods from the surrounding men. "Elena is merely overwhelmed by the turnout tonight. Young minds are so easily impressed by the grand machinery of our industry."
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Elena felt a surge of hot rebellion rise in her chest, but she suppressed it instantly. She knew that making a scene here would only play directly into Arthur’s hands, allowing him to paint her as unstable and erratic to the most powerful witnesses in the city. Instead, she offered a polite nod, excusing herself under the guise of fetching a glass of water from the terrace bar.
As she slipped away from the tight circle of men, she noticed one of Arthur’s guards shadowing her from a discreet distance, weaving effortlessly through the crowd of dignitaries. The man’s dark suit blended seamlessly into the evening attire of the guests, but his watchful eyes never left her. She needed to lose him, and she needed to find a secure terminal before midnight to upload the ledger files.
