Chapter 7 - The Setup
The annual Whitmore Foundation Charity Gala was the most prestigious event in New York high society.
Held at the grand ballroom of a luxury hotel, it was the perfect venue for Victoria Whitmore to parade her immense wealth and power.
Hundreds of politicians, celebrities, and business moguls were in attendance, drinking expensive champagne under crystal chandeliers.
Victoria stood at the front of the room in a sparkling silver gown, graciously accepting condolences for her son’s sudden "disappearance."
"We are doing everything we can to find Daniel," she lied smoothly to a concerned senator.
Outside the hotel, a fleet of black vans quietly pulled into the loading dock, completely unnoticed by the valet staff.
Daniel stepped out of the lead vehicle, dressed impeccably in a custom tuxedo that fit his broad shoulders perfectly.
Emily walked beside him, looking breathtaking in a deep emerald gown that Marcus had procured for her.
She held her head high, the shadows under her eyes hidden by expert makeup, projecting the absolute confidence of a billionaire's wife.
"Are you ready for this?" Daniel asked, offering his arm to her.
"I have been ready for eleven months," Emily replied, taking his arm tightly.
Marcus and a dozen heavily armed private security contractors formed a protective wedge around the couple.
They bypassed the red carpet and entered through the kitchen doors, moving with military precision.
Daniel knew the hotel’s layout flawlessly, having purchased the building three years prior.
He directed his tech team to infiltrate the hotel's audiovisual control room, overriding the main systems.
May you like
Tonight, his mother was going to put on a show for the city.
But Daniel was going to be the one directing the grand finale.
