Chapter 5 - The Uninvited Guest
The Grand Ballroom of the Drake Hotel was a sea of tuxedos, silk gowns, and champagne flutes. Crystal chandeliers cast a dazzling glow over four hundred of the city’s most powerful business leaders, politicians, and socialites.
At the center of the head table sat Michael, looking crisp and arrogant in a bespoke tuxedo, an expensive gold watch flashing on his wrist. Beside him sat Rachel, dripping in diamonds, wearing a crimson silk dress that demanded everyone’s attention.
They were laughing, clinking their glasses together as the board members offered their congratulations on the impending buyout.
“To the future of Sterling Global!” Michael announced into the microphone, standing up at the podium, raising his glass. “A new era of prosperity!”
The applause was deafening.
Suddenly, the massive double mahogany doors at the back of the ballroom swung open with a loud, resounding thud.
The music stopped. The applause withered away into confused whispers.
Walking down the center aisle was a woman in a backless, emerald-green silk gown. A diamond choker rested against her collarbone, her dark hair styled flawlessly, her head held high with undisputed authority.
Beside her walked Ethan Vance, looking striking in a charcoal suit, his broad shoulders relaxed, carrying a leather briefcase under his arm.
Michael’s glass slipped from his fingers, shattering against the wooden podium, champagne spilling across his polished shoes.
Rachel gasped, clutching the edge of the table, her face draining of all color until she looked like a corpse in a red dress.
“Evelyn...?” Michael stammered, his microphone picking up his trembling whisper, echoing through the silent ballroom.
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I stopped ten feet from the podium, offering my ex-husband a smooth, devastating smile.
“Good evening, Michael,” I said clearly, my voice carrying effortlessly through the room. “Did you really think you could sell my grandfather’s company without inviting the owner?”
