Chapter 25 - THE GALA AT THE METROPOLITAN
The annual Manhattan High Society Charity Gala at the Metropolitan Museum of Art was the premier event of the season.
Julian arrived wearing a bespoke black tuxedo, accompanied by his sister Claire in an elegant blue evening gown.
Reporters snapped endless photos as the billionaire siblings walked up the iconic red carpet steps under heavy security.
Inside the grand hall, high-profile executives, politicians, and celebrities mingled amidst ancient Egyptian artifacts.
Suddenly, the crowd parted near the main entrance as an elderly silver-haired gentleman stepped into the ballroom.
Lord Alistair Croft walked with an silver-tipped cane, his cold blue eyes scanning the room until they landed directly on Julian.
Julian stood his ground, holding a glass of sparkling water as Croft approached him with an arrogant smile.
"Julian... you look remarkably like your late father," Croft remarked, his voice smooth and dripping with artificial polite charm.
"Lord Croft," Julian acknowledged coldly. "I heard you finally decided to return to American soil after twenty years."
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"I came back to reclaim what was stolen from my family, my boy," Croft whispered, leaning in closer.
***
