Chapter 6 - THE POISONED GALA
The storm was unrelenting as Nathaniel’s armored Mercedes G-Wagon tore through the iron gates of the estate, hydroplaning across the slick asphalt of the Hudson River Parkway.
Clara sat in the passenger seat, gripping the dashboard with white knuckles while dialing Marcus on the speakerphone.
“Marcus! Are you awake?” Clara shouted over the roar of the engine.
A groggy, raspy voice came through the car speakers. “Miss Clara... boss... I’m sorry. They hit me with a taser from behind. But I tagged the SUV’s rear bumper with a military GPS transponder before I went down.”
Nathaniel’s eyes flashed toward the dashboard navigation screen. A flashing red beacon was moving rapidly north toward an abandoned private estate on the bluffs of Garrison, New York.
“He’s not going to the airport,” Nathaniel said, swerving the vehicle through a tight mountain turn. “He’s heading to the old Reed family manor in Garrison. That’s where the annual Founders’ Society Gala is taking place tonight.”
“A gala?” Clara asked, bewildered. “In the middle of a kidnapping?”
“Julian is hosting three hundred high-society investors tonight to announce his hostile takeover of Reed Global,” Nathaniel explained, his jaw set in stone. “He brought the children there as leverage. If I show up and make a scene, he will claim I’ve lost my mind from grief, have me arrested on psychiatric grounds, and assume legal guardianship of Eli in front of the entire board.”
“He doesn't know we have the full recording,” Clara realized, holding the titanium thumb drive tightly in her palm. “He thinks Vance destroyed the evidence.”
“Exactly,” Nathaniel replied. He reached over with his right hand and covered Clara’s trembling fingers. His touch was warm, solid, and reassuring. “Clara, listen to me. When we get there, Julian’s private security will be guarding every door. You need to stick close to me. No matter what happens, I will protect you and Sophia with my life.”
Clara looked at the powerful billionaire beside her. The cold, distant employer had vanished entirely; in his place stood a man willing to burn down his entire empire to protect those he loved.
“We protect each other, Nathaniel,” Clara said softly.
Twenty minutes later, the massive Gothic stone silhouette of the Garrison Manor loomed against the stormy sky. Valet attendants in black tuxedos were parking luxury sedans, while champagne flutes sparkled through the two-story glass ballroom overlooking the Hudson River.
Nathaniel parked the SUV in the shadows near the service entrance. He checked the magazine of his pistol, slipped it beneath his tailored suit jacket, and looked at Clara.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
Clara smoothed down her simple navy dress, her eyes blazing with unwavering resolve. “Let’s tear his empire down.”
They slipped through the catering entrance unnoticed, weaving past busy waiters carrying silver trays of caviar and champagne. From the service corridor, Nathaniel’s sharp eyes spotted Julian standing on the raised mahogany dais in the main ballroom, holding a microphone, surrounded by corporate directors and flashing cameras.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Julian’s voice boomed across the crowded room, dripping with false solemnity. “It is with a heavy heart that I announce my brother Nathaniel’s official medical leave of absence from Reed Global. In his absence, and for the sake of young Eli’s future, I will be assuming the role of Chief Executive Officer.”
The room erupted into polite applause.
Just then, Clara’s gaze locked onto a doorway near the backstage VIP lounge. Two private guards stood outside, and through the glass transom, she saw Sophia’s yellow dress.
“Nathaniel,” Clara whispered, pointing toward the lounge. “They’re in the VIP suite.”
Nathaniel nodded grimly. “Get the children out. I’ll handle the board.”
“What about the evidence?” Clara asked.
May you like
Nathaniel took the thumb drive from her hand and pressed a fierce, lingering kiss to the back of her knuckles. “Watch the screens, Clara. This ends tonight.”
---
