Sebastian's PovLocation: THE GRAND AURORA HOTEL Staff moved briskly across the ballroom, adjusting crystal centerpieces, polishing wine glasses, and making last-minute changes to the seating arrangements.The scent of fresh white orchids lingered in the air.At exactly six-thirty, I stepped into the ballroom.Conversations died almost instantly."Good evening, Mr. Hale.""Evening, sir.""Everything ready?" I asked."Yes, sir."I swept my gaze across the room.Round tables dressed in black linen, gold cutlery and towering floral arrangements.The stage stood beneath a massive LED backdrop displaying tonight's theme.ARTS, WEALTH & ARCHITECTUREExactly as I wanted.My eyes caught a waiter adjusting a centerpiece."It's crooked."The waiter froze. "I'm sorry, sir."He straightened it immediately. I nodded once. "Better."Perfection wasn't an obsession. It was a standard."Mr. Hale." Nathan, my executive assistant, appeared beside me with his tablet.I stood still, my hands tucked in my
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