Chapter 17
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The Grand Aster ballroom was just as opulent as I remembered. Massive crystal chandeliers cast a warm, golden light over the sea of wealthy donors, philanthropists, and advocates. Waiters in crisp white uniforms carried silver trays of champagne, and the air was filled with the low hum of polite conversation. Maya walked beside me, her posture impeccable, radiating a quiet authority that drew respectful nods from the crowd. She was no longer the frightened heir of the Vance empire; she was a sovereign woman who had dismantled a corrupt dynasty.
We found our table near the front of the stage. Noah arrived shortly after, having ensured Clara was safely asleep at home. He kissed Maya’s cheek and offered me a warm smile.
"The sitter says Clara demanded three bedtime stories, but she is finally out," Noah laughed, taking his seat.
"She negotiates like a lawyer," Maya chuckled, leaning into him.
Before I could reply, a tall, impeccably dressed man approached our table. He had sharp, calculating eyes and a smile that did not reach them. He looked to be in his late fifties, carrying an aura of aggressive entitlement that immediately set my nerves on edge.
"Maya Vance," the man said, his voice smooth and overly familiar.
"It’s Maya," she corrected instantly, her tone polite but lined with steel. "I don’t use the Vance name."
"Of course. My apologies," the man said, though he didn't look apologetic. "I am Elias Thorne. I represent a private equity consortium based in Geneva. I was hoping we could discuss the legacy assets of Meridian Industrial Group."
"Meridian operates under independent management," Maya replied smoothly. "I do not make executive decisions for the company."
May you like
"Yes, officially," Elias smiled, leaning slightly closer. "But we both know your restored trust holds the quiet voting power. And Julian left behind a few... shadow debts that the courts missed. Debts owed to my clients."
I felt a cold chill run down my spine, but Maya did not flinch. She simply looked at him with absolute, unshakeable calm.
