Chapter 68 - The Confrontation at the Glass Pavilion
Richard’s smile did not waver. Instead, it broadened, a cold, sickening glint of amusement flashing in his eyes.
"In fact," Richard continued smoothly into the microphone, raising his glass directly toward the rear of the ballroom, "my prodigal son has traveled across frozen seas to witness this historic ascension. Please, welcome Alexander Vance."
A collective gasp swept through the assembly of billionaires. The sea of tuxedos and ballgowns parted like the Red Sea, leaving Alexander and Elena standing isolated in the center of the polished floor.
Alexander did not flinch. With measured, deliberate steps, he walked down the aisle of staring elites, his eyes locked onto his father. Elena moved seamlessly toward the perimeter, using the distraction to slip behind the marble pillars toward the master data terminal.
"Father," Alexander spoke, his voice ringing clear and steady without the aid of a microphone. "You threw a grand party for a man who is already bankrupt."
Richard chuckled, stepping down from the stage, his hands casually tucked into his trouser pockets. "Bankrupt? Alexander, look around you. The men and women in this room control thirty percent of the sovereign liquidity of the Western Hemisphere. Archibald Sterling was a clumsy pawn who couldn't control his own ambition. Julianna was a vain, disposable instrument. But you... you were my finest creation."
"You destroyed my life," Alexander said, stopping ten paces away. "You manufactured a false war, threatened the woman I loved, and forced me to abandon my family for a shadow."
"I forged you!" Richard snarled, the velvet mask of civility slipping for a fraction of a second, revealing the monstrous sociopath beneath. "You were weak! You were ready to abandon the Vance legacy to play house in a suburban garden! I needed you hardened. I needed you ruthless. And look at you now—you crossed an Arctic death trap, broke through the Citadel, and stood before me. You are finally worthy of the name Vance."
"I am nothing like you," Alexander replied coldly. "And I brought you a gift from mother."
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At that exact second, the massive crystal chandeliers above them flickered once, twice, and died.
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