Inside, the grand hall had been transformed: imposing floral arrangements with white orchids, champagne flowing from crystal fountains, a live orchestra playing soft jazz. The room was full of sharks. Julia moved among the crowd, shaking hands. “Julia, my boy!” trumpeted a hearty voice. Arthur Sterling, the man Julia needed to impress. Sixty years old, curly hair, a complexion like that of a former footballer. CEO of Sterling Industries.
“Arthur,” Julia shook his hand firmly. “A wonderful evening.” Arthur looked at Isabella and then back at Julia, frowning. “I thought Elara would come. I was really looking forward to meeting her. My wife greatly admires her charitable work.” Julia laughed nervously. “Her charitable work? Lately she’s mainly been gardening. No, she’s sick. She has migraines. Horrible. She’s Isabella, my creative director.”
Arthur smiled. He looked at Isabella—touching up her makeup with the reflection of a spoon—and then at Julia with a strange mixture of pity and suspicion. “I see. Well, the board of directors of the Aurora Group will send a representative tonight to supervise the signing. A special guest. Did you know that?”
Julia froze. “Aurora? Normally they only send lawyers. What are you?” “I don’t know,” Arthur said quietly. “But there are rumors that the president will come in person. No one has seen them. They say they own half of Manhattan.”
Julia felt an electric wave of excitement. If he impressed Aurora’s president, his power would be absolute. “I will make sure to capture them, whoever they may be.” “I’m sure you will,” Arthur said dryly, walking away.
Read more on the next page ⬇️⬇️⬇️
