The champagne crystal caught the afternoon light as I adjusted my tie one final time. The Cloud Peak Hotel's grand ballroom buzzed with conversation from New York City's most influential families. Today's celebration would mark more than just Victor Reed's miraculous recovery.
"The miracle doctor must be extraordinary," a woman's voice drifted from nearby. "To cure Master Reed after three years of suffering."
"I heard even the city's top physicians had given up hope," another replied.
I recognized several faces from the business pages. The Zhao family patriarch stood near the entrance, his son Marcus beside him. The Chen family had claimed an entire corner of the ballroom. Everyone who mattered in New York City was here.
"Ethan Hayes." The voice was sharp, commanding.
I turned to see a young man approaching, his expensive suit tailored to perfection. His face was handsome but carried an arrogance that marked him immediately as trouble.
