Chapter 5: The Heavy Oak Doors
Ten agonizing minutes passed. The tension in the room was thick enough to cut with a knife. Julian had retreated to the open bar, clearly trying to distance himself from Vivian to save face with his wealthy colleagues.
Then, the commotion began at the front entrance.
The two event security guards stationed by the grand double doors suddenly stepped back, looking flustered. A second later, the heavy oak doors were pushed open with such force that they hit the wall stops with a echoing thud.
The jazz band, which had nervously started playing again, abruptly stopped.
Through the doorway walked an older, distinguished man with silver hair and sharp, piercing blue eyes. He wore a perfectly tailored charcoal suit, his presence projecting an immense, quiet authority that instantly commanded the room. He was flanked by three serious-looking men in dark suits, who moved with the sharp, coordinated discipline of elite private security.
Whispers immediately broke out among the wealthy guests, spreading like wildfire.
"Is that...?"
"That's Arthur Vance. The CEO of Vance Holdings."
"What is he doing here? He wasn't on the guest list."
Julian nearly dropped his drink. He recognized the man instantly. Arthur Vance was a self-made billionaire, a titan of industry known for his ruthless business acumen and his intense privacy. Men like Julian spent their entire careers trying to get a five-minute meeting with someone of Vance’s caliber.
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Arthur’s cold gaze swept over the luxurious hall, ignoring the socialites and politicians entirely. His eyes locked onto the pregnant woman standing alone in a rumpled blue dress.
The ice in his expression melted into pure, protective warmth.
