The grand ballroom of the Pierre Hotel was a symphony of crystal chandeliers and clinking champagne glasses. The annual Vance Designs Gala was the architectural event of the season, a glittering masquerade of high society where millions of dollars in contracts were negotiated over hors d'oeuvres.

C

The VIP lounge on the mezzanine level overlooked the grand ballroom through a wall of tinted, soundproof glass. Inside, the room was dimly lit, furnished with plush leather sofas and a fully stocked mahogany bar.

Clara stood by the window, looking down at the hundreds of guests mingling below. She

The grand ballroom was packed. Three hundred of the most influential developers, investors, and architectural critics in the country were seated at round tables, murmuring in anticipation. At the front of the room, a massive digital projector screen displayed the glowing logo of Vance Designs.

Juli