Chapter 16 - THE SHOWDOWN AT CAPITAL HALL
At 11:55 AM, the grand ballroom of the Capital Plaza Hotel was packed with hundreds of journalists, news cameras, political donors, and high-society elites.
On the grand stage, flanked by American flags and massive digital displays, stood Arthur Sterling. He wore a crisp blue suit, radiating confidence and power. To his right stood Margaret Vance, dressed in a sleek black dress, her face pale but fixed in a rigid smile. Beside her stood Vanessa, wearing a heavy layer of makeup to hide the bruises from the previous night, trying her best to look like a grieving, dignified heiress.
Arthur stepped up to the podium, flashing a polished smile for the flashing cameras.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Arthur’s voice boomed through the speakers. "Today is a day of unity, progress, and strength. In light of recent tragic personal events, the Vance and Sterling families have decided to combine our visions. I am proud to announce the creation of the Sterling-Vance Global Consortium!"
The crowd applauded politely, camera flashes lighting up the room like lightning.
"Furthermore," Arthur continued, leaning into the microphone, "we honor the memory of young Daniel Vance, who has tragically gone missing following a corporate crisis. We promise to carry his legacy forward—"
BANG!
The massive double doors at the back of the ballroom were thrown open so violently that the sound echoed like a cannon shot through the room.
The applause died instantly. Hundreds of heads turned toward the entrance.
Standing in the doorway, framed by the bright sunlight of the foyer, was Daniel Vance—alive, uninjured, wearing a sharp black suit.
Beside him stood Emily Reed, holding her head high, dressed in an elegant navy dress, her eyes shining with absolute fearless authority.
Behind them stood Special Agent Marcus Vance and a dozen armed Federal Marshals.
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"The rumors of my death," Daniel’s voice echoed powerfully across the silent room without the aid of a microphone, "have been greatly exaggerated."
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