Chapter 5 - THE EMBASSY DINNER
The grand hall of the Vance estate was transformed into a masterpiece of black-tie elegance.
Crystal chandeliers gleamed above tables draped in navy velvet. Waiters in white gloves circulated with champagne trays, serving elite guests: city council members, high-profile developers, and executive board chairs from across the tri-state area.
And, of course, the entire Vale family arrived in full force.
Veronica Vale walked through the front doors looking like a queen returning to her court. She wore a emerald-green silk gown and held her chin impossibly high. Beside her were the same aunts, uncles, and cousins who had sat at my dining table five days earlier.
They had arrived expecting a total surrender. Veronica believed she had backed me into a corner with the fake prenuptial loophole, and Adrian had convinced her that I was desperately trying to buy their forgiveness by hosting this lavish party.
“Look at her,” Veronica whispered loudly to her sister as they walked down the grand staircase. “She’s throwing money around to impress us. She knows she made a mistake flipping that table.”
Adrian walked up to his mother, handing her a glass of Dom Pérignon. “Keep it low key, Mom. She hasn't signed the joint liquidity paperwork yet. We need her relaxed tonight.”
“Relaxed?” Veronica smirked. “She’s practical. She realizes a girl without family backing can’t survive in high society. She needs the Vale name to legitimize her grandfather's corporate holdings.”
I watched them from the upper balcony, sipping a glass of iced water. Marcus stood beside me in a sharp tuxedo.
“All guests have arrived, Miss Vance,” Marcus murmured. “The media reps from the Financial Chronicle and the City Journal are positioned in the lounge as requested.”
“Are the documents prepared?” I asked.
“In your private office upstairs,” Marcus confirmed. “Along with the live feed connection to the main projector in the ballroom.”
“Good,” I said. “Let’s give Veronica the spotlight she’s been dying for.”
I descended the grand staircase. The crowd parted, murmurings of admiration echoing through the hall. I wore a backless silver silk dress that caught the light like liquid armor.
Veronica met me at the foot of the stairs, a faux-warm smile plastered on her face.
“Maya, darling!” she announced loudly enough for nearby CEO guests to hear. “What a magnificent evening! You truly know how to put on a show. I must admit, after our little... miscommunication on Tuesday, I was worried you didn't value family structure.”
“Oh, I value structure immensely, Veronica,” I said smoothly, smiling for the cameras that flashed nearby. “In fact, tonight is all about structure. And accountability.”
“Wonderful!” Veronica beamed, turning to face the room. “Adrian, bring everyone together! I believe it’s time for a toast!”
The room grew quiet as Adrian stepped up beside his mother, tapping a spoon against his glass.
“Everyone, attention please,” Adrian said, beaming with unearned pride. “Tonight, we celebrate unity. We celebrate the merging of two great families—the Vales and the Vances. My mother, Veronica, would like to say a few words.”
Veronica stepped forward, soaking in the attention like dry earth soaking up rain.
“Thank you, Adrian,” Veronica began, her voice echoing through the microphone system. “As the matriarch of the Vale family, I have always believed in strong values, tradition, and discipline. When my son married Maya, I knew we had a duty to guide her, to shape her, and to bring her into our fold. Tonight, we mark the official consolidation of our family's shared future...”
She paused, expecting applause.
Instead, I stepped forward and took the microphone gently from her hand.
“Thank you, Veronica,” I said into the mic, my voice calm, icy, and carrying to every corner of the room. “That was a beautiful speech about family, discipline, and consolidation. But since we’re talking about transparency, I think there’s something everyone in this room should see first.”
Veronica frowned, a nervous twitch pulling at her cheek. “Maya, what are you doing? This isn't the time—”
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“Oh, it’s the exact time,” I smiled.
I nodded toward the back of the room. The grand projector screen rolled down over the velvet curtains.
