The gala buzzed with an uncomfortable silence, broken only by the clinking of glasses as Aurora Vance – or rather, Emily Thorne – watched Richard and Stella's faces contort from shock to fear.
"Emily? How… how are you here?" Stella stammered, her voice thin. "You were… you were supposed to be in jail."
Aurora let out a soft, chilling laugh. "Did you truly believe that a fabricated accusation could hold me forever, Stella? Some chains are meant to be broken." Her gaze, sharp as daggers, then shifted to Richard. "And you, Richard. My dear fiancé. Vance Industries isn't looking too healthy these days, is it?"
Richard found his voice, laced with a forced bravado. "What are you talking about? Vance Industries is thriving! You wouldn't know anything about it, coming from... wherever you came from."
"Oh, but I do," Aurora purred, stepping closer. "Phoenix Holdings has been closely monitoring your every move. Your recent failed merger with 'Titan Tech,' the dwindling stock prices, the rumors of insolvency... it all sounds rather familiar, doesn't it, Richard? Much like how Thorne Industries fell."
A cold sweat broke out on Richard's forehead. He had been trying desperately to secure new investments, but every deal seemed to mysteriously fall through. He never suspected it was Emily, now Aurora, systematically sabotaging him.
"This is none of your business, Aurora," he spat. "Stay out of my affairs."
Aurora tilted her head, a dangerous glint in her eyes. "Oh, but it is my business. Phoenix Holdings has a keen interest in acquiring struggling companies. And yours, Richard, is quite the prize. Especially since it was built on the ashes of my father's legacy."
Before Richard could retort, Aurora's assistant, Mr. Hayes, a man whose stern demeanor rivaled hers, appeared beside her. "Ms. Vance, Mr. Vance seems... indisposed. Perhaps we should discuss the acquisition at your earliest convenience? Say, tomorrow morning at 9 AM?"
Aurora smiled, a cold, elegant gesture that sent shivers down Richard's spine. "Perfect. I look forward to watching you squirm, Richard. It's been a long time coming."
She turned, leaving Richard and Stella gaping in her wake, the whispers of the elite now filled with palpable fear and anticipation. Emily Thorne had returned, and she was no longer a victim. She was the predator.