Chapter 5 - The Master's Mandate
Ethan practically sprinted forward, pulling Vanessa alongside him, putting on his most polished executive smile. He held out his hand in eager greeting as the legendary billionaire approached.
"Mr. Hayes! What an absolute honor, sir!" Ethan said, his voice dripping with sycophantic praise. "We were just handling a brief security disruption, but everything is under control now. I am ready to accept the executive board's official seal—"
Mr. Hayes didn't even slow his pace. He didn't look at Ethan's outstretched hand. He walked right past Ethan as if the younger man were made of thin air.
Ethan’s hand hung in the empty space, his smile freezing instantly into a mask of total confusion.
The billionaire walked directly up to Elena. The cold, ruthless expression on his face dissolved into a look of deep, unconditional warmth and protective fierce devotion.
"You look stunning, my dear," Mr. Hayes said softly, reaching out to gently squeeze Elena's hand. "I apologize for the delay. The traffic from the helipad was unmanageable."
Elena smiled naturally for the first time all evening, relaxing her posture as she held her father's hand. "You're right on time, Dad."
DAD.
The word echoed through the silent ballroom like a thunderclap.
Vanessa dropped her champagne glass, the liquid splashing over her glittering dress, but she didn't even notice. Her mouth hung open in absolute horror.
Ethan turned around slowly, his face drained of every ounce of color, his knees suddenly feeling like lead.
"Dad...?" Ethan gasped, his voice cracking into a squeak. "Mr. Hayes... she's... she's your...?"
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"Elena Hayes," Mr. Hayes said, turning around slowly to face Ethan, his eyes turning cold as liquid nitrogen. "My only daughter, my sole heir, and the actual owner of ninety percent of the voting shares in this company."
👉 Read Part 6 to witness the total destruction of Ethan's corporate power!
