Chapter 8 - The Grand Entrance
The Solmere Grand Ballroom was packed with hundreds of the world's most powerful elites.
News cameras were set up in the back, broadcasting the event live.
Arthur Vale stood at the grand podium, wearing a smug, triumphant smile.
He tapped the microphone, bringing the massive room to a respectful silence.
"Ladies and gentlemen, shareholders, and friends," Arthur began, his voice dripping with fake sorrow.
"We have faced a tragic year with the loss of my beloved sister, Victoria, and my dear niece, Charlotte."
Fake sympathetic murmurs rippled through the wealthy crowd.
"But the Solmere Empire must endure," Arthur declared, raising his voice.
"Today, as the sole remaining Vale, I am officially taking full ownership and stepping in as CEO."
He raised a golden pen, preparing to sign the legal transfer document on the podium.
Before the pen could touch the paper, the massive oak doors of the ballroom slammed open with a thunderous crash.
The noise echoed like an explosion.
Every head in the room snapped toward the entrance.
Charlotte Vale stood in the doorway, framed by the bright lights of the hallway, wearing her blood-red suit.
Liam Sterling and Elias Thorne flanked her, backed by a dozen heavily armed private security agents.
Arthur dropped his golden pen, his jaw falling open in absolute shock.
The blood drained from his face as if he had just seen a ghost.
Gasps, screams, and frantic whispering erupted from the crowd.
The news cameras instantly swiveled, zooming in on the woman believed to be dead.
Charlotte walked slowly down the center aisle, her heels clicking loudly against the hardwood floor.
She did not break eye contact with her terrified uncle.
"Hello, Arthur," Charlotte said, her voice amplified by a microphone Liam had handed her.
"I heard you were giving away my company."
"I decided I needed to object in person."
Arthur gripped the edges of the podium, visibly shaking.
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"This is an imposter!" Arthur screamed into his microphone, panic overtaking his logic.
"Security! Arrest this woman immediately!"
