Chapter 10 - The Confrontation at the Gala
The ballroom was a kaleidoscope of diamonds, champagne, and false laughter. But to Victoria’s eyes, the room was a slaughterhouse. Thick, ethereal threads of crimson light trailed from the chests of the wealthy guests, pooling upward toward a raised VIP dais at the end of the room.
Sitting on a velvet throne at the center of the dais was Arthur Sterling—known to Victoria as Julian. He looked no older than thirty-five, impeccably dressed in a bespoke tuxedo, his skin glowing with unnatural health. He was sipping from a crystal glass filled with a dark, viscous liquid that wasn't wine.
When the doors opened, Arthur’s eyes locked instantly onto Victoria. The string quartet stopped playing mid-note. The ambient noise of the party died away as Arthur raised a hand, commanding the attention of the room without uttering a word.
"Well, well," Arthur’s voice echoed through the sound system, smooth and dripping with arrogance. "I never thought I'd see the day the watchdog left her kennel. Ladies and gentlemen, allow me to introduce Victoria. She manages my old... estate."
The crowd murmured, parting like the Red Sea as Victoria and Elena walked down the center aisle.
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"You are in violation of the Absolute Balance, Julian," Victoria spoke, her voice carrying effortlessly without a microphone, chilling the room by ten degrees. "You have forged debts, consumed unauthorized proxies, and corrupted the Register. I am here to close your account."
Arthur laughed, a hollow, terrifying sound. "Close my account? My dear Actuary, I haven't just cheated your little ledger. I bought out the Board of Directors."
