The morning sun cast long shadows over the sprawling Maryland estate as Arnold leaned back in his chair, deep in thought. Luna stood beside him, a tablet in hand, her voice steady as she read the latest updates.
"We've confirmed it," Luna said. "Peter Malfoy is the one pulling the strings behind the rival organization. He's been using his family's influence and wealth to sabotage Sinclair operations."
Arnold's expression hardened. "Peter Malfoy," he muttered. "The same arrogant fool who tried to flaunt his wealth at the shopping mall?"
Clara and Catherine, seated nearby, exchanged glances.
"He's been targeting you from the shadows," Clara said. "But we have enough evidence to prove his involvement."
Arnold leaned forward. "If he thinks he can intimidate me, he's mistaken. Let's turn this to our advantage. We'll expose him for what he is—at the right moment."
Arnold decided to host a grand business gala to showcase the luxury resort's potential and attract investments. The event would also serve as a platform to expose Peter Malfoy's schemes to Maryland's most influential figures.
The venue, the Baltimore Metropolitan Grand Hall, was a testament to luxury and sophistication, fitting for the high-profile guests Arnold planned to invite. Luna coordinated the logistics, while Clara and Catherine worked on promoting the event and securing media coverage.
"We'll make this the most talked-about event in Maryland," Clara said confidently.
On the night of the gala, the Baltimore Metropolitan Grand Hall shimmered with opulence. Maryland's elite arrived in sleek cars, greeted by the glow of chandeliers and the hum of anticipation.
Arnold stood near the entrance, dressed in a tailored navy suit, his presence commanding. Steven greeted the guests alongside him, his charm putting everyone at ease.
As the crowd swelled, Peter Malfoy made his entrance, his smug expression giving away his intention to disrupt the evening. He approached Arnold, a forced smile on his face.
"Quite the event, Sinclair," Peter said. "But don't you think you're overreaching? Maryland isn't as welcoming as you might think."
Arnold returned the smile, his tone calm. "Overreaching? Not at all. This gala is just the beginning."
Peter chuckled darkly. "We'll see how long that confidence lasts."
Arnold took the stage, the room falling silent as he addressed the audience.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, "tonight is about more than just investment. It's about vision. Our luxury resort in Maryland is a symbol of progress, sustainability, and community growth."
A visual presentation followed, highlighting the resort's eco-friendly design, job creation potential, and its promise to boost Maryland's economy. The audience was captivated, murmurs of approval spreading through the hall.
"This isn't just a project," Arnold concluded. "It's a commitment to Maryland's future."
The applause was thunderous, and several investors immediately expressed interest.
As the gala continued, Peter made his move. His men planted fake documents among the promotional materials, falsely claiming that the resort was causing environmental harm.
A reporter, tipped off by Peter, confronted Arnold in front of the guests.
"Mr. Sinclair," the reporter said, holding up the forged documents. "What do you have to say about these allegations? They claim your resort is destroying Maryland's natural resources."
The room fell silent, all eyes on Arnold.
Arnold remained composed. "These claims are baseless," he said. "And I can prove it."
He gestured to Clara, who stepped forward with a tablet. The screen behind Arnold lit up, displaying the results of an independent environmental audit.
"This audit, conducted by a third-party organization, confirms that our project adheres to the highest environmental standards," Clara explained.
The guests murmured in approval, and the reporter, flustered, retreated.
Arnold turned his gaze to Peter, who stood frozen in place. "If you're going to spread lies, Peter, at least make them convincing."
Arnold wasn't finished. He returned to the stage, his tone sharp but controlled.
"While we're on the topic of transparency," he began, "I believe it's time to address a pressing issue affecting Maryland's business community."
The audience leaned in, curious.
Arnold gestured toward the screen, where Luna displayed a series of incriminating documents and images.
"These are records of illegal activities orchestrated by the Malfoy family," Arnold said. "Bribery, intimidation, and corruption—practices that have undermined Maryland's growth for years."
The evidence was damning: bank transactions linked to bribes, contracts obtained through threats, and photos of Peter meeting with corrupt officials.
Catherine stepped forward, holding a thick folder. "These documents will be submitted to the authorities tonight. We will not allow this corruption to continue."
The room erupted in outrage. Several prominent figures publicly denounced the Malfoys, announcing their decision to cut ties with the family.
"This is unacceptable," one businessman said. "I won't associate with such dishonesty."
Others followed suit, some even vowing to take legal action.
Peter, his face pale and furious, stormed toward Arnold. "You think you've won?" he hissed. "This isn't over."
Arnold met his glare with icy calm. "Oh, it's over for you, Peter. The Malfoy name will be remembered, but not for the reasons you hoped."
As the gala wound down, Arnold's resort project had secured overwhelming support, with investors eager to back it.
Outside the hall, Peter's car was swarmed by reporters demanding answers about the evidence against his family.
Meanwhile, Arnold, Steven, Catherine, and Clara left in a convoy of luxury cars, their victory sealed.
"Tonight was a turning point," Steven said as they drove away.
Arnold nodded, his expression resolute. "Maryland is ours now. And anyone who stands in our way will learn that Sinclair doesn't falter."
The night had ended with a resounding triumph, but Arnold knew this was just the beginning. The road ahead would be challenging, but with his allies by his side, he was prepared for whatever came next.