Chapter 25
To quash the toxic rumors of corporate instability spreading across the financial papers, Brooke decided to launch a brilliant counteroffensive: she hosted a grand charity gala in the opulent main hall of the Vance-Hale Tower. Hundreds of guests from the ultra-wealthy elite, senators, and the most powerful tycoons were in attendance. Crystal chandeliers sparkled, reflecting the ultimate luxury, while fine champagne sloshed to the tune of soothing classical music.
Brooke stood at the center of attention, radiant and powerful as a goddess of war in a deep crimson silk evening gown that hugged her perfect curves. She offered professional diplomatic smiles, exchanging sharp pleasantries, but her mind was actually functioning like a supercomputer, scanning for targets. She knew the Black Lotus wouldn't pass up this opportunity to test her strength.
Through a micro-earpiece hidden under her bun, Cole reported in a steady voice: "All security cameras are scanning guest faces with the most advanced biometric software, cross-referencing with the Interpol database. One anomalous target detected."
About an hour later, as the party reached its peak, Brooke broke away from the crowd, champagne glass in hand, and gracefully stepped out onto the East balcony—the only secluded corner of the ballroom, where the darkness merged with the night wind. Waiting there was an unfamiliar man with silver-streaked hair, wearing an expensive black wool coat that exuded elegance but deadly danger.
He introduced himself as a European venture capitalist, backing the former CEO currently sitting in jail. Brooke immediately laid her cards on the table, not mincing words, calling him out explicitly as an envoy of the Black Lotus.
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The man didn't flinch. He smiled, placing an intricately engraved, pitch-black metal card on the stone railing. He issued a warning in a deep, raspy voice: Garrett was the only key holding the dark secrets, the bloody deals detailing how Marcus Vance had trampled over the law to build this empire. If Brooke didn't drop the charges and let Garrett go, the Black Lotus would release the documents, permanently destroying the Vance family's reputation.
Brooke's eyes flashed with a cold, furious light. She whispered, her voice like the hiss of a sword drawn from its scabbard: "My father has no secrets that I don't know, and I won't hesitate to bury anyone, including your organization, if you dare try to dig them up." She gave a subtle hand signal. Instantly, four of Vance's most elite bodyguards emerged from the shadows, weapons drawn, blocking the man's only exit.
