Chapter 12 - The Black Tie TrapSix months later.
The grand ballroom of the Plaza Hotel in New York City was filled with soft orchestral music, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and three hundred of high society's most prominent figures.
The inaugural gala for the Arthur & Mia Sterling Foundation was in full swing.
Mia stood near the grand glass staircase, wearing a stunning floor-length emerald silk dress, her dark hair swept up in an elegant vintage style. Beside her, Victor looked exceptionally handsome in a fitted black tuxedo, his shoulder fully healed, his presence commanding respect throughout the room.
"You look breathtaking, Mrs. Sterling," Victor whispered softly into her ear as they clinked champagne flutes.
Mia laughed gently, leaning her shoulder against his. "And you look like you’d rather be wearing a tactical vest."
"Occupational hazard," Victor smirked softly, sweeping his sharp eyes over the crowd. "Old habits die hard."
Suddenly, a young security officer approached Victor, leaning in to whisper nervously into his ear. Victor’s expression instantly tightened, the relaxed warmth disappearing behind a mask of intense alert.
"What is it, Victor?" Mia asked, her smile fading.
"We have a security breach at the private estate in Westchester," Victor said quietly, keeping his voice below the noise of the orchestra. "Someone bypassed the perimeter sensors ten minutes ago."
Mia’s hand froze around her champagne glass. "Tommy... Tommy is at the estate with Dr. Elena and the guards!"
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"Stay here with the federal agents, Mia," Victor ordered instantly. "I’ll take the rapid response team."
"No!" Mia snapped, setting her glass on a passing tray. "I am not sitting in a ballroom while my son is in danger! We go together!"
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