Chapter 6 - The Grand Announcement
The following afternoon, the Sterling Estate looked like a fortress preparing for a massive siege.
Dozens of news vans were parked along the sweeping circular driveway.
Reporters from every major network stood on the lush green lawns, holding microphones and practicing their lines.
Inside the grand foyer, Arthur was standing in front of a giant gilded mirror, adjusting his expensive silk tie.
Lily stood beside him, wearing a beautiful, custom-made blue velvet dress that made her look like a true princess.
The silver necklace with the rose pendant rested perfectly against the dark fabric.
"Are you scared, little one?" Arthur asked, looking down at her nervous face.
Lily shook her head, grabbing his large hand and squeezing it tightly.
"Not when I am with you, Grandpa," she answered bravely.
Arthur felt a surge of incredible pride swell in his chest.
She had her mother's undeniable courage and his own unyielding strength.
"Alright," Arthur said, turning toward the massive wooden double doors that led to the balcony overlooking the press.
"Let's go show the world who the real boss is."
The doors swung open, and the roaring sound of a hundred reporters shouting questions hit them like a wave.
Camera flashes exploded constantly, blindingly bright against the afternoon sun.
Arthur stepped up to the podium, keeping Lily safely tucked slightly behind him.
He raised a single hand, and the entire crowd instantly fell dead silent.
"Ladies and gentlemen of the press," Arthur began, his voice booming clearly through the microphones.
"For twenty-five years, my family has lived under a dark, heavy shadow of grief."
"But today, the light has finally returned to the Sterling family."
He reached back and gently pulled Lily forward to stand right beside him.
"I would like to formally introduce you to my biological granddaughter, Lily Sterling."
"As of this morning, all legal documents have been finalized and officially signed."
"Lily is now the sole and exclusive heir to the entire Sterling corporate empire."
The reporters erupted into pure chaos, shouting over each other to get a better quote.
"Mr. Sterling! What about Eleanor?" one reporter screamed from the front row.
"Will she remain on the board of directors?"
Arthur leaned into the microphone, a cold, dangerous smile playing on his lips.
"Eleanor has been entirely terminated from all positions within my company," Arthur declared loudly.
"Furthermore, she is currently under severe investigation for massive corporate fraud."
While the reporters furiously typed away on their phones, nobody noticed a dark figure slipping past the garden gates.
Marcus wore a standard caterer's uniform, carrying a large tray of empty champagne glasses to blend in perfectly.
He confidently walked through the bustling kitchen and slipped quietly up the back service stairs.
The security guards were all focused on the front lawn, completely ignoring the empty upper floors.
Marcus pulled a pair of thick leather gloves from his pocket and slipped them on.
He slowly walked down the long, carpeted hallway toward Lily's massive bedroom.
He quietly opened her door and slipped inside, hiding in the dark shadows behind her massive wardrobe.
He pulled a small, incredibly sharp syringe filled with a deadly, untraceable toxin from his pocket.
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All he had to do now was wait for the little princess to return to her room alone.
The press conference outside continued, completely unaware of the deadly snake hiding inside the castle.
