Chapter 12 The Gala Trap

The grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel was filled with bright lights, expensive music, and the low chatter of hundreds of wealthy guests.

The Vane family was hosting their annual charity gala, but everyone in the room knew the real reason for the party.

It was a celebration of their upcoming business expansion, a massive move designed to establish their dominance over the New York shipping industry.

The heavy crystal chandeliers hanging from the ceiling cast a bright, warm glow over the entire space, reflecting off the polished floors and the diamond jewelry of the guests.

Julian Vane stood near the center of the room, holding a glass of sparkling champagne. He wore an expensive gray suit, and a proud, confident smile was plastered across his face.

Beside him stood his father, Thomas Vane, along with several high-ranking members of the Vance family—their powerful new business allies.

They were surrounded by a circle of wealthy investors who were all laughing and nodding along to Thomas Vane's words.

"The Sterling Group will not survive the week," Julian said to the Vance executives, his voice full of dark satisfaction.

He took a small sip from his glass, his eyes scanning the crowd. "Vivienne has been running around trying to fix her lines, but she has no money left.

Tonight, we show everyone that her family’s time is officially over."

"Make sure the press is ready, Julian," Thomas Vane added, his voice low and serious as he looked toward the entrance.

"When she walks through those doors, I want every reporter to see her desperation. Public image is everything on Wall Street.

Once the media shows her looking weak, her remaining partners will pull out by tomorrow morning."

"Do not worry, Father," Julian sneered, his smile widening. "I have a special trap waiting for her. She will beg us to buy her company before the night ends. She has no options left."

Outside the grand entrance of the hotel, a sleek black car pulled up smoothly to the curb. The valet quickly opened the back door, and Ares stepped out first.

He wore a perfectly tailored black suit that Natasha Romanov's top designers had prepared for him.

The fit was flawless, accentuating his broad shoulders and powerful frame without needing any flashy accessories or bright colors.

He stood tall under the streetlamps, his face calm and unbothered. He turned around naturally and offered his hand to Vivienne.

Vivienne took his hand and stepped out of the vehicle. She wore a simple, elegant dark gown that fell smoothly to her feet, moving gracefully with every step.

Her hair was styled perfectly around her face, but her hand was slightly cold against his palm, revealing the deep tension she was keeping inside.

"Are you ready for this?" Ares asked softly as they walked up the wide steps toward the main glass doors.

Vivienne let out a slow, quiet breath, her eyes fixed on the bright lights inside the lobby. "Julian wants to destroy me tonight, Ares.

The Vanes invited every major investor in the city. If they announce their alliance with the Vance family publicly while I look cornered, it is over."

"They can announce whatever they want," Ares said, his voice entirely steady, carrying a weight that instantly made Vivienne feel grounded.

"An alliance built on paper means nothing when the ground beneath them starts to shift. Walk inside with your head up. Remember the bag on your table."

Vivienne looked at him, the memory of the ten million dollars in cash flashing through her mind. She nodded slowly, her posture straightening as she placed her hand firmly through his arm.

The moment they entered the main building, a large group of reporters and photographers gathered near the entrance line.

Flashlights blinked rapidly, creating a blinding wall of bright white light that popped against the dark walls of the entryway.

The media had been tipped off hours ago by the Vane family, fully expecting to capture a shot of a stressed, broken, and defeated Vivienne Sterling.

They had their microphones raised, ready to shout aggressive questions about bankruptcy and corporate failure.

Instead, the cameras caught something entirely different.

Vivienne walked past the flashing lights with absolute grace, her chin held high and a calm, confident expression on her face. There was no trace of panic or worry in her eyes.

Beside her, Ares moved with a quiet, powerful presence that immediately caught everyone's attention.

The sleek black suit made him look incredibly sharp, like a true king hiding in plain sight. He did not look away from the flashing lights, nor did he look bothered by them.

He simply walked forward with a cold, smooth stride.

The reporters stopped shouting their questions for a moment, completely stunned by how magnificent and powerful the couple looked together.

The rapid clicking of the cameras was the only sound left in the hallway. The whispers started instantly among the wealthy guests who were arriving near the door.

Vivienne did not look like a woman whose company was failing; she looked like a queen entering her own palace, completely backed by the silent power of the man beside her.

Ares kept his arm steady for her as they moved past the press line, his eyes scanning the grand ballroom floor.

He saw the raised platform at the front of the room where the Vane family was standing, completely unaware of the wealth Vivienne now held.

Farther back, near the dark balcony shadows, a familiar figure with bright red hair gave Ares a slow, respectful nod. Natasha Romanov was already in position, her dark eyes glittering under the dim lights of the corner.

Vivienne took a deep breath, her grip tightening slightly on Ares's arm as they finally walked onto the main ballroom floor, drawing the eyes of the entire room.

"The press is going to watch our every move now. Julian is already looking this way."

"Let them watch," Ares said softly, his voice low and dangerous as a calm smile touched his lips. "They are about to see a very good show."