Chaoter 27.
Natalie walked away and gave Marcus a quick wink.
Julia caught it and leaned closer. “Wow. She must have a crush on you. She really took your side.”
Marcus only smiled without answering.
The old woman stepped forward and apologized sincerely for accusing him. Others followed and offered their apologies too. The tension that had filled the hall slowly dissolved and people returned to their
drinks and conversations.
Julia exhaled. “Phew. What was Jordan even thinking, accusing you like that?”
Marcus shrugged. “I really don’t know.”
Just then an announcer stepped onto the stage. He adjusted the microphone and his voice boomed across the hall, drawing everyone’s attention.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we hope the party has been going well for you all. As you know, the Langstone annual gathering is not just for celebration but for connection. It is a night where elites meet, where new partnerships are born, and where opportunities are created.”
People turned fully toward the stage, listening with interest.
He continued, “Tonight, like every year, Mr. Edward Langstone will also announce the company he will be partnering with for this year.”
A ripple of excitement passed through the crowd. This was the real reason the party was famous. Edward Langstone was the most powerful businessman in the city and whoever he chose instantly rose
to another level.
The announcer smiled broadly. “And now, ladies and gentlemen, the host of the night. Please welcome Mr. Edward Langstone!”
The hall erupted into loud applause. People clapped and cheered as cameras were raised high. Then Edward Langstone walked in with calm authority, smiling and waving at everyone. His presence alone commanded attention. He moved with confidence and grace and people parted slightly to give him a clear path.
He stepped onto the stage and gestured for everyone to calm down.
“Thank you, thank you,” he said warmly. “You people will make me start believing I am a celebrity.”
Laughter filled the room.
He greeted a few familiar faces, made a light joke that made the crowd laugh again, and then his expression grew slightly serious.
“Well, before we get to the main highlight of tonight, I actually have a very big announcement to make.”
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Marcus smiled to himself. He knew what was coming. His father wanted to announce his return and present him to everyone. He imagined how shocked Julia would be. He even wished Jessica was still
around to witness it.
Edward raised his hand slightly. “Now, don’t be too surprised. I present to you, my-”
Toom!
A loud crack cut through the air.
Edward’s head jerked violently and a spray of blood burst out. His eyes widened in shock as his body stiffened unable to finished the statement.
For a split second the hall froze.
Natalie’s scream tore through the silence. “Father!”
Edward collapsed backward as blood spilled everywhere!.
Screams exploded everywhere.
“what the fuck is that!”.
“What just happened!”.
Marcus’s heart slammed in his chest. His mind went blank for half a second before his body reacted. He moved forward instinctively, trying to rush toward the stage.
Toom!
Another shot rang out. This one shattered a glass panel nearby. The explosion of glass sent sharp fragments flying. One of the shards struck Julia’s arm and she screamed.
“My hand, Marcus, my hand!”.
Marcus immediately turned back and grabbed her, pulling her down. He covered her with his body.
“Stay down!” he shouted. “Everyone stay down! Turn off the lights! Turn off the lights!”.
Another man shouted, “There is a sniper!”.
Panic spread like wildfire. People dropped to the floor. Chairs toppled. Glasses broke. Some crawled blindly. While others screamed for help.
Toom!
Another bullet hit something hard across the hall. The sniper won’t stopped.
Just then, someone near the walls switched the hall light off, while even others broke the chandeliers, now everything was dark.
People where screaming.
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Marcus held Julia tightly against the ground. He could feel her shaking.
“Don’t move,” he whispered. waited a seconds, and there was no any shot again, which indicate they shooter has stopped.
At that moment, Marcus recalled something.
He haad seen a slight movement from the building across the compound some moment ago. A faint shift near the rooftop edge. It flashed in his mind now with sharp clarity.
That was where the shots came from.
“Shit,” he muttered.
He turned to Julia. “Don’t come out until the guards say so.”
She nodded quickly. “Where are you going?”
Marcus didn’t answer. He was already moving.
He rushed out, pushing everyone. Once outside the hall, he broke into a full sprint across the compound toward the other building.
He reached the corner that led into the side yard of the building and slowed slightly, pressing his back to the wall before peeking around.
Just as he believed.
Two figures were there.
They had already packed up. A long case was slung over one of their shoulders. They were moving quickly, ready to leave.
Marcus stepped out.
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