Chapter 14 - The Ballroom of Vipers
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The grand ballroom was a masterpiece of opulent distraction. Thousands of white orchids cascaded from the balconies, catching the light of three massive crystal chandeliers. Two hundred of Chicago's elite were already mingling, drinking vintage champagne and exchanging polite, meaningless pleasantries.
Politicians laughed with federal judges. Real estate moguls clinked glasses with tech billionaires. The string quartet played a lively, elegant symphony in the corner.
Richard and Eleanor moved seamlessly through the crowd. Eleanor accepted compliments on her red gown and her staggering diamonds with practiced, faux-humble grace. She was in her element, playing the role of the devoted, philanthropic future wife to absolute perfection.
Richard shook hands and smiled, his dark eyes constantly scanning the room.
He spotted Julian Vance almost immediately.
Julian was standing near the massive mahogany bar at the far end of the room. He wore an expensive tuxedo, holding a tumbler of bourbon, looking entirely too comfortable in a house he was actively plotting to steal.
As Richard and Eleanor passed by, Eleanor made brief, subtle eye contact with Julian. It was a fleeting glance—a smug, victorious smirk shared between two grifters who believed they had successfully conned the biggest mark of their lives.
Richard saw the exchange. His blood ran freezing cold, but his smile never wavered.
He caught the eye of Marcus, who was standing disguised as a sommelier near the main exit. Richard gave a single, slow nod.
The trap was engaged.
All around the ballroom, the "waitstaff" subtly shifted their positions. Men in white coats casually moved to block the grand double doors. Others positioned themselves strategically near the French windows leading to the terrace.
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With quiet, heavy clicks that were entirely masked by the lively music of the string quartet, the heavy brass locks on the main doors were engaged from the outside.
The two hundred most powerful people in Chicago, along with two very arrogant thieves, were now locked securely inside the ballroom. No one was leaving until Richard Sterling decided they could.
