Chapter 4 - The False Crown
The ballroom was draped in gold and white.
Chandeliers glittered above the heads of the city's wealthiest. Crystal glasses clinked. Soft jazz echoed through the massive hall.
I wore a stunning, backless crimson dress.
Garrett had tried to convince me to wear black. "For mourning," he had said.
I told him I was done mourning.
He looked nervous but thrilled, adjusting his bow tie every five minutes. He had brought Melissa, of course. She was standing across the room, pretending to be a regular employee, but exchanging knowing, smug glances with him.
"You look beautiful tonight, Claire," Garrett said, putting an arm around my waist. "Your father is going to make the announcement right after dinner."
"I know," I smiled. A real, genuine smile. It unsettled him.
Dinner was a grand affair. People whispered as they looked at us. The brave, grieving parents.
When the dessert plates were cleared, my father tapped his glass with a silver spoon.
The room fell dead silent.
William Sterling stood up. He looked powerful. Untouchable.
"Ladies and gentlemen," my father’s voice boomed through the microphone. "Thank you for coming. As you know, my family has suffered an unimaginable loss this month. My grandson, Ethan."
A collective murmur of sympathy washed over the crowd.
"In times of tragedy, you learn who you can rely on," my father continued, looking directly at Garrett.
Garrett puffed out his chest, adjusting his jacket. He was practically vibrating with excitement.
"I have run Sterling Global for thirty years," my father said. "And I have decided it is time to pass the torch. I need a successor. Someone with integrity. Someone who values family."
Garrett stood up, ready to walk to the stage.
"Which is why," my father said, his voice dropping an octave, "I am dissolving the executive board, freezing all company assets, and stepping back to oversee a massive internal purge."
Garrett froze halfway out of his chair.
The crowd gasped.
May you like
"Wait, what?" Garrett whispered, his face turning pale.
"Furthermore," my father continued, staring holes into Garrett. "I have invited some special guests tonight. The FBI."
