Chapter 7 - The Voice of Authority
On the flight deck of the USS George H. W. Bush, Admiral Caldwell stood perfectly still as the arrogant voice blasted through his earpiece. His face remained an impenetrable mask of military discipline, but his blue eyes were terrifyingly cold.
"Mrs. Vance," Caldwell spoke, his deep, commanding voice echoing with decades of absolute authority. "My name is Vice Admiral Arthur Caldwell, United States Navy, Retired."
At the country club, Evelyn froze. The champagne flute halfway to her mouth completely stopped. The imposing, powerful title hit her like a physical blow. She suddenly felt very small in her expensive champagne-colored dress.
"Admiral?" Evelyn stammered, her arrogant tone instantly evaporating. "I... I'm sorry, I thought you were the caterer. Is something wrong with Natalie? Has she been hurt?"
"Your daughter is perfectly fine, Mrs. Vance," Caldwell replied coldly. "She is currently standing on the flight deck of a nuclear aircraft carrier, preparing to take command of five thousand sailors and billions of dollars in military assets. She is making history today."
Evelyn’s jaw dropped. "Command? I... she just told me she was getting a ribbon."
May you like
"She told you she was being promoted to Captain," Caldwell corrected her, his voice slicing through her pathetic excuses. "You chose to interpret that as an inconvenience to your afternoon brunch."
👉 How will Caldwell expose the massive financial secret hiding behind Cassidy's wedding?
