Chapter 4 - THE GALA OF MASKS
The grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel glittered under twenty crystal chandeliers, reflecting off silk gowns, tuxedo lapels, and thousands of dollars in imported white roses. It was the social event of the season—the official engagement gala celebrating the union of Franklin Buchanan and Julianna Montgomery.
In the center of the room, string quartets played softly, and society columnists buzzed around the edges like dragonflies over a stagnant pond.
Yet, behind the glittering façade, the atmosphere was a ticking bomb.
Valerie stood near the service entrance, wearing a simple, elegant black dress that Eleanor had quietly insisted she borrow from the estate’s auxiliary wardrobe. She didn't want to be here. But Franklin had personally requested her presence earlier that afternoon, his face pale and grim after reading the dossier she had handed him in the study.
Across the room, Franklin stood beside Julianna, who beamed for the cameras, her diamond engagement ring flashing under the lights. But Franklin wasn't smiling. His jaw was clenched, his eyes fixed on the entrance where the double doors were about to open for the final toast.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the master of ceremonies announced into the microphone, tapping his glass with a silver spoon. “If I could have your attention for a moment as our host, Franklin Buchanan, toasts his future bride.”
Applause rippled through the ballroom.
Franklin stepped up to the microphone, lifting a crystal flute of champagne. He looked out over the sea of wealthy, expectant faces, then his gaze drifted across the room until it locked onto Valerie standing by the service doors.
He didn't smile. He gave a single, imperceptible nod.
“Thank you all for coming tonight,” Franklin’s voice boomed through the sound system, steady and cold as winter steel. “Before we celebrate the future of Buchanan Capital, there is a matter of truth that needs to be addressed in front of the people who matter most.”
Julianna’s smile faltered slightly. She leaned in, laughing nervously. “Oh, darling, save your romantic speech for the toast.”
Franklin ignored her. He reached into his tuxedo jacket, pulled out a thick manila envelope, and tossed it onto the podium with a sharp thud.
“Six months ago, I believed I was building a family,” Franklin said, his voice cutting through the silent ballroom like a razor. “I believed I was bringing stability into my daughters’ lives. But tonight, thanks to an extraordinary woman who values honesty over social polish, I learned the truth.”
The murmurs began rolling through the crowd like rising tide water.
Julianna’s face drained of color. “Franklin... what are you doing? Have you lost your mind?”
“I have never been clearer,” Franklin said. He turned his eyes directly to Julianna. “You staged my daughters’ disappearance last week to force me to move them into a boarding school. You laundered funds through my foundation to pay off your debts. And you have treated my children with a cruelty that makes me sick to my stomach.”
“That’s a lie! That maid planted those papers!” Julianna shrieked, her aristocratic composure shattering completely as cameras flashed blindingly in her face. “He’s delusional! Security, get her out of here!”
Before security could move, the heavy ballroom doors swung open.
May you like
A sharp, clear voice rang out across the silent hall.
“She’s not a liar, Daddy.”
