chapter15
Chapter 15: The Ambush
Two days before the scheduled proxy vote, the city hosted its annual Philanthropic Gala at the Grand Atrium. It was mandatory attendance for anyone who was anyone in the financial sector.
Leo arrived alone.
He stepped onto the red carpet wearing a perfectly tailored midnight-blue tuxedo. The paparazzi immediately descended, cameras flashing violently, reporters shouting questions about the hostile takeover and the smear campaigns.
Leo did not hide his face. He did not rush past them. He walked with a slow, deliberate, unbothered grace, offering polite, enigmatic smiles, completely ignoring the bait.
Inside the lavish ballroom, the elite of the city watched him closely. They were waiting to see if the young heir would crack under the immense pressure.
Julian Sterling spotted him from across the room. Smelling blood, Julian purposefully strode across the marble floor, a glass of champagne in his hand, a malicious smirk plastered on his face.
"Leo!" Julian called out loudly, drawing the attention of dozens of nearby executives. "I'm surprised you showed up. I figured you and your mother would be busy packing your offices."
The ambient chatter of the ballroom died down. A circle of spectators quietly formed around them.
Leo turned. He looked at Julian. He didn't look at him with hatred, or fear, or anxiety. He looked at him with profound, chilling pity.
"Good evening, Julian," Leo said, his voice carrying perfectly in the quiet room. "I came because I support the charities funded tonight. Why did you come?"
Julian scoffed, stepping closer, attempting to physically intimidate the younger man.
"I came to enjoy the last few days of the Calderon name meaning anything in this city," Julian sneered. "After Friday, you'll be just another rich kid with no real power. How does it feel knowing the empire your mother built is going to be sold off for parts?"
Leo took a slow sip of his sparkling water.
"You misunderstand the nature of our empire, Julian," Leo said, his voice a low, terrifyingly calm rumble. "You think power is something you can steal by manipulating proxy votes and lying in the press. But true power cannot be stolen. Because true power is not an asset. It is character."
Julian's smirk faltered for a fraction of a second.
Leo stepped one inch closer, lowering his voice so only Julian could hear.
"Enjoy your champagne, Julian," Leo whispered. "Because it is the last drink you will have before the house of cards you built on your employees' pensions collapses on your head."
May you like
Julian’s face drained of all color, turning a sickly, translucent white.
Leo turned his back on the paralyzed man and walked away, his dignity acting as an impenetrable shield.
