Chapter 18 - The Gala Night
Two weeks later, the night of the Valentina Villaseñor Foundation Gala arrived.
The grand ballroom of the city’s most exclusive hotel was decorated with elegant white lilies and crystal chandeliers.
Hundreds of wealthy donors, politicians, and celebrities filled the room, laughing and drinking expensive champagne.
Diego stood near the entrance, wearing a perfectly tailored black tuxedo.
Marisol stood beside him in a breathtaking crimson gown.
But the true star of the evening was Valentina.
She wore a simple, elegant emerald dress.
She moved through the crowd with absolute grace, shaking hands, thanking donors, and speaking passionately about the children they were helping.
"She is magnificent," Marisol whispered, watching her daughter from a distance.
"She is exactly like her mother," Diego smiled, kissing Marisol’s cheek.
Despite the joyful atmosphere, Diego’s eyes were constantly scanning the room.
Marcus and a dozen heavily armed, undercover security guards were stationed at every exit.
They had not found any trace of Paulina Vargas in the system.
She was a ghost.
But ghosts always appeared when you least expected them.
"Mr. Villaseñor?"
Diego turned.
A young man, perhaps twenty years old, stood before him.
He was wearing a sharp suit and had a polite, disarming smile.
"Yes?" Diego asked cautiously.
"My name is Julian," the young man said, extending his hand. "I represent the Vanguard Investment Group. We are incredibly moved by your foundation's work. My employers would like to make a massive, anonymous donation tonight. Five million dollars."
Diego did not immediately shake his hand.
He had spent decades in the corporate world.
He knew that nobody gave away five million dollars without wanting something in return.
"That is extremely generous, Julian," Diego said. "But the Villaseñor Foundation likes to know exactly who we are partnering with. We do not accept blind money."
Julian’s smile remained perfect.
"My employer prefers privacy," Julian replied smoothly. "She believes true charity does not require a name attached to it."
"She?" Diego asked, his voice dropping slightly.
"Yes, sir," Julian nodded.
Before Diego could interrogate the young man further, the ballroom lights dimmed.
The orchestra stopped playing.
It was time for Valentina’s keynote speech.
"Excuse me," Julian said, stepping backward into the crowd. "I will let you enjoy your daughter's moment."
Diego watched the young man disappear into the sea of guests.
A deep, unsettling feeling twisted in his stomach.
May you like
He tapped the hidden earpiece in his ear.
"Marcus," Diego whispered. "I need a full background check on a company called Vanguard Investment Group. Right now."
