Chapter 5 - The Turn of the Tide
Evelyn walked away from the kitchen doors, her champagne gold dress trailing behind her like a mantle of royalty. The guests instinctively parted, clearing a wide path for her as she strode toward the center of the grand ballroom.
Nathan ran after her, his tuxedo jacket flapping open, all his previous elegance replaced by sheer panic.
“Evelyn, please! Look at me!” Nathan pleaded, reaching for her arm.
Two large security officers in dark suits stepped out from the crowd, instantly blocking Nathan’s path. They placed firm hands on his shoulders, holding him back effortlessly.
“Sir, keep your distance from Ms. Brooks,” the lead guard ordered sternly.
“She’s my wife!” Nathan screamed, struggling against the guards’ grip as high-society ladies gasped and covered their mouths. “Evelyn! Tell them! I’m your husband!”
Evelyn stopped near the head table—Table 1. She picked up the crystal glass resting at the center of the silk tablecloth and lightly tapped it with a silver spoon.
Clink. Clink. Clink.
The high-pitched chime echoed under the crystal chandeliers. Every eye in the room locked onto her.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Evelyn announced, her voice echoing with steady, decisive authority through the microphone on the podium. “Tonight was supposed to be a celebration of the Ashford Group’s anniversary. But as the majority shareholder and chief executive of Brooks Holdings, I have an official announcement.”
Eleanor rushed to the edge of the stage, her hands trembling as she looked up at Evelyn. “Evelyn! Stop! Don't do this! We’re family!”
Evelyn looked down at Eleanor with absolute coldness.
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“My family owns everything you stand on,” Evelyn whispered into the microphone.
👉 “And as of five minutes ago,” Evelyn continued, “Brooks Holdings has called in all outstanding debts owed by the Ashford Group.”
