The flashes started before the car had even fully stopped in front of the red carpet.

Photographers waited eagerly at the main entrance of the luxurious Montgomery Hotel, illuminated by spotlights and buzzing with members of the elite. Joseph Montgomery's charity dinner wasn't just a social event.

It was a political chessboard disguised as a gala.

The car door opened slowly.

First came August Montgomery, flawless in his tailored dark suit, his cold gaze and carefully bored expression alr