I Paid My Wife $150,000,000 To Divorce Me So I Could Marry My Ex—3 Years Later, One Photo Of Her Flower Shop Exposed The Dark Secret I Left Behind! / Chapter 67 / 100

Chapter 67 - The Lion’s Banquet

The Grand Ballroom of the Villa de l'Ombre was a monument to untrammeled wealth and unbridled arrogance. Enormous crystal chandeliers dripped from gilded ceilings, casting golden light over two hundred of the world's most influential financiers, oligarchs, and political brokers. Champagne flowed in rivers of vintage crystal, while a string quartet played softly in the corner of the marble terrace overlooking the black waters of the lake.

Alexander and Elena walked up the sweeping grand staircase arm in arm.

Elena’s presence was commanding. The velvet gown clung to her with royal poise, her neck adorned with an antique diamond choker that concealed a miniature signal relay. Beside her, Alexander moved with lethal calm, his sharp tuxedo contrasting the cold, predatory intensity in his dark eyes.

They presented the platinum plaques at the inner security threshold. The scanner beeped twice.

*GUEST VERIFIED: STERLING TRUST / DELEGATE ACCESS.*

"Welcome to the Genesis Unveiling, Monsieur," the security captain bowed slightly, waving them through.

As they stepped into the grand hall, the murmurs of high society washed over them. Across the room, standing beneath an enormous oil painting of the Vance family crest, stood Richard Vance.

He looked younger than his seventy years, his silver hair impeccably styled, a bespoke charcoal suit accentuating his tall, aristocratic frame. He held a flute of champagne, laughing cordially with the Swiss Federal Banking Commissioner.

"He looks comfortable for a dead man," Elena whispered, her arm tightening slightly around Alexander’s.

"He won't be for long," Alexander murmured. "Keep moving toward the library access terminal on the east wing. I’ll draw his eyes."

Before Elena could take two steps, the string quartet ceased playing. The master of ceremonies stepped to the center podium, tapping a silver spoon against his crystal glass.

"Ladies and gentlemen, honored trustees of the Sovereign League," the speaker announced, his voice filling the hall. "Please raise your glasses. Returning to lead us into a new era of unassailable financial dominion... the Chairman of the Vance Dynasty: Richard Vance."

A polite, thunderous applause rippled through the room. Richard stepped onto the podium, smiling with warm, grandfatherly benevolence.

"Friends," Richard began, his deep voice carrying the effortless authority of a king. "Three years ago, I orchestrated my own disappearance to test the structural integrity of our global foundation. Tonight, the trial ends. The assets have been consolidated. And within moments, the sole heir to this legacy will be brought before this council."