Chapter 9 - The Poisoned GalaTo celebrate Lily’s official entry into the family, Arthur hosted a grand autumn gala at the manor, inviting the city's highest elite, media moguls, and political figures.
The grand ballroom glittered with silver decorations and towering floral arrangements. Lily stepped down the marble staircase wearing a simple white velvet dress, her silver heart locket shining against her chest. Beside her walked Arthur, proud and smiling.
The city elite, who had once sneered at the dirty child in the hotel dining room, now bowed and offered glowing compliments, eager to stay on Arthur Montgomery's good side.
Amidst the music and laughter, Julian put his plan into motion.
While Arthur was distracted talking with the city mayor, Julian signaled to a bribed catering staff member. A tiny droplet of an odorless, tasteless liquid was added to a glass of freshly pressed apple juice meant for Lily's table.
"Here you go, little princess," the waiter said smoothly, placing the glass on Lily's small table near the piano.
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Lily picked up the glass, raising it to her lips.
Across the room, Julian watched from behind a marble pillar, taking a slow sip of his champagne, waiting for the child to swallow the liquid that would cause a sudden, fatal "allergic reaction."
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