Chapter 5 - The Trap Is Set
On the night of the grand oceanfront gala, the atmosphere inside the ballroom was electric. Wall Street executives, tech billionaires, and celebrity journalists filled the tables, sipping vintage champagne under the crystal chandeliers.
Julian walked through the crowd like a king, wearing his custom black tuxedo, arm in arm with Cynthia, who strutted arrogantly in her sparkling gold sequin gown.
Julian had spent the entire week bragging to reporters that Vance Global was about to be acquired by Apex Holdings, cementing his status as a self-made tech tycoon.
Sarah arrived thirty minutes late, intentionally walking in quietly through the side entrance. She wore a stunning strapless dark navy couture gown, her hair swept up in an elegant updo, carrying a single gold document folder under her arm.
When Cynthia spotted Sarah near the edge of the stage, she nudged Julian with her elbow, laughing nastily.
"Look who showed up, Julian," Cynthia sneered loudly enough for nearby guests to hear. "Your little domestic helper came to watch the big boys play. Did you give her permission to leave the kitchen?"
Julian smirked, strutting over to Sarah with an arrogant sneer. "What are you doing here, Sarah? I told you this event was strictly for high-net-worth individuals and corporate officers. You don't belong here."
"I brought the final acquisition documents, Julian," Sarah said calmly, holding up the gold folder. "You left them on the study desk."
Julian’s eyes gleamed with greedy relief. He assumed Sarah had finally buckled under pressure and signed the waiver surrender form.
"Good girl," Julian whispered, patting her cheek patronizingly. "I knew you'd fall in line eventually. Stay in the back and don't speak to anyone. Cynthia and I are taking the head table with Maxwell."
Julian turned on his heel and walked toward the stage, taking the microphone to address the crowd.
"Ladies and gentlemen!" Julian announced grandly. "Tonight, we celebrate the triumph of Vance Global! Before I sign the final papers with CEO Maxwell, I want to introduce my lovely partner, Cynthia, who helped me build this dream!"
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The crowd applauded politely, but Sarah slowly walked up the carpeted steps toward the podium.
👉 Read Part 6 to see the exact moment Sarah stepped up to the stage.
