The whispers in the crowd rose to a roar.

Several guests began pulling out their phones, taking photos of the screen and recording the audio.

Eleanor looked around the room, realizing she was losing control of her audience.

“Security!” she screamed, her composure entirely shattered.

“Get them out of here!”

“Arrest them for trespassing!”

Two security guards in dark suits moved toward the stairs leading up to our balcony.

Ethan didn’t move.

He kept his eyes locked on his father.

“The police have already been notified,” Ethan said.

“And the district attorney has the full database.”

Richard’s face went from pale to a dark, furious red.

He took a step toward the edge of the stage, pointing a finger up at Ethan.

“You think you can beat me?” Richard shouted.

“I own this city’s legal system!”

The crowd gasped at his sudden outburst.

It was the final confirmation they needed.

The elegant, philanthropic mask had slipped completely.

Before the security guards could reach us, the heavy glass doors of the atrium main entrance burst open.

A gust of cold winter air swept into the warm room.