Chapter 33 - The Grand Regency Gala
The Grand Regency Hotel ballroom was a breathtaking spectacle of crystal chandeliers, cascading floral arrangements, and glittering evening wear. Hundreds of Chicago’s most prominent civic leaders, philanthropists, and business executives mingled smoothly beneath the vaulted ceilings, sipping champagne and listening to the soft strains of a live classical string quartet.
Standing near the VIP reception area, Josiah wore a bespoke black tuxedo, his posture rigid and commanding. Beside him stood Willow, radiating absolute elegance in an emerald-green silk gown that caught the amber light of the chandeliers.
"Everything is in position," Marcus murmured quietly into the discreet comm-link tucked inside Josiah’s collar. "Sector one, two, and three are secure. The catering staff is entirely our team. Awaiting your signal."
"Hold position," Josiah replied under his breath, his dark eyes scanning the crowded room with predatory precision.
At 8:30 PM, the lights in the ballroom dimmed slightly, signaling the beginning of the keynote presentations. Willow stepped up to the elevated stage, greeted by warm, thunderous applause from the hundreds of guests in attendance. She stood at the podium with absolute poise, her blue eyes scanning the room as she began to speak about the foundation’s mission to empower families and build unbreakable communities.
As Willow spoke, Josiah’s eyes caught a subtle movement near the rear service doors of the ballroom. Three men in high-end tuxedo rentals slipped through the entrance, their posture too rigid, their eyes scanning the room with tactical alertness rather than casual celebration.
Leading them was Alexei Rostov, his silver hair slicked back, a cold, predatory smirk playing on his lips. He reached inside his jacket, his hand closing around the grip of a suppressed firearm.
May you like
Alexei raised the weapon, taking direct aim toward the stage where Willow was speaking.
Time seemed to slow down to a crawl.
