Chapter 19 - The Gala Ambush
With Eleanor in custody and Miller singing like a choirboy under federal interrogation, Victor Cross’s empire began cracking at the seams. State and federal authorities executed twenty-four simultaneous search warrants across three states, seizing shipping manifests, private servers, and freezing over a hundred million dollars in hidden assets.
To celebrate the massive public anti-corruption initiative, the State Bar Association hosted its annual Founders Gala at the historic Grand Bellevue Hotel in the city. Arthur Vance, as the architect of the multi-jurisdiction task force that dismantled the Sterling-Cross network, was the guest of honor.
Claire stood beside her father on the mezzanine overlooking the grand ballroom. She wore an emerald-green silk gown that cascaded gracefully over her slender frame, completely concealing the faint surgical scars on her ribs. Her head was held high, her diamond earrings catching the crystal chandeliers above.
Lily was safe at Vance Ground, under the watchful protection of Frank and four armed guards, but Claire could not shake an electric prickle of unease at the back of her neck.
"You look stunning, Claire," Arthur said, holding two glasses of sparkling cider. "Your mother wore that exact shade of green to my first appointment hearing."
"Thank you, Dad," Claire murmured, scanning the sea of tuxedos and evening gowns below. Hundreds of judges, prosecutors, politicians, and social elites were mingling, laughing, drinking champagne. "It’s too quiet, Dad. Cross is a cornered animal. A man like that doesn't let federal marshals dismantle his life without striking back."
"Cross is on the run, Claire," Arthur assured her, though his eyes remained vigilant, tracking the perimeter security team. "His private jet was grounded at Teterboro two hours ago. Federal marshals have an active perimeter around his Manhattan penthouse."
Just then, Daniel rushed up the mezzanine stairs, his face pale and sweat glistening on his forehead. He ignored the pleasantries, stepping directly between Arthur and Claire.
"Arthur, we have a catastrophic problem," Daniel whispered urgently.
Arthur set his glass down. "What happened?"
"The man they arrested at the Manhattan penthouse wasn't Victor Cross. It was a decoy," Daniel breathed. "And the port security manifests we seized from Crestview Maritime? There was a second shipment logged forty-eight hours ago that didn't go through the Delaware river docks."
Claire grabbed Daniel's arm. "Where did it go, Daniel?"
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Daniel looked up, terror in his eyes. "It was addressed to the Grand Bellevue Hotel's private catering service. Signed for by a delivery driver using the name Arthur Vance."
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