Chapter 4 - The Diamond Gala
The night of the gala was freezing, with a sharp wind blowing off the Atlantic.
The Sterling estate was illuminated like a palace, with luxury cars lining the long, winding driveway.
Music and laughter echoed across the manicured lawns, masking the dark reality of the people hosting the party.
I was dressed in a crisp white catering uniform, my hair pulled back tightly under a black cap.
I slipped through the shadows near the gardener's shed, just as Mateo had promised.
Marcus was parked a mile down the road in an unmarked van, monitoring the radio frequencies.
Clara was safe in the van, guiding me through an earpiece.
"Okay, Mom, I'm looking at the blueprints," Clara's voice crackled softly in my ear.
"Take the service stairs behind the kitchen. It bypasses the main hall completely."
I picked up a tray of empty champagne flutes to blend in and kept my head down.
As I passed the grand ballroom, I caught a glimpse of Victoria Sterling.
She was draped in emeralds, laughing loudly and accepting compliments from the city's elite.
Julian was standing near the bar, looking arrogant and completely untouchable in his custom tuxedo.
My blood boiled, but I forced myself to keep moving.
I reached the service stairs and climbed to the second floor.
The west wing was eerily quiet compared to the roaring party below.
"Mateo just looped the cameras," Marcus's voice chimed in. "You have exactly fifteen minutes, Eleanor."
I approached the heavy oak doors of Julian's study.
My hands were shaking slightly, not from fear, but from the sheer weight of what I was about to do.
May you like
I entered the passcode Clara had given me: Julian's own birthday.
The lock clicked green, and I pushed the door open, stepping into the lion's den.
