Chapter 4 - The Grand Announcement
"Gladly," I replied, looking directly at my furious father. "But I think I’ll stay for the grand announcement."
Claire scoffed, rolling her eyes in absolute disgust. "Whatever. Just stand in the back where you belong so you don't ruin the photos."
She completely dismissed me, turning on her silver heel and walking gracefully toward the center of the ballroom. The string quartet immediately transitioned into a triumphant, uplifting melody. The waiters paused their service. The fifty wealthy guests, investors, and family members turned their attention to the golden child.
Claire stepped up to a microphone stand adorned with white orchids. She tapped it gently, offering the crowd a flawless, camera-ready smile.
"Thank you all for being here at Meadowgate," Claire began, her voice echoing smoothly through the ballroom speakers. "For the past three years, my luxury event company has transformed this historic estate into the premier wedding destination in the state. And tonight, I am thrilled to announce our next massive step."
My parents clapped loudly from the front row, beaming with unadulterated pride.
"We are officially expanding," Claire announced triumphantly. "I have just finalized a massive, six-hundred-thousand-dollar commercial credit facility. With this capital, my company will be purchasing a second estate, making us completely unstoppable."
The crowd erupted into applause. Claire basked in the adoration, looking like an absolute queen.
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"And I couldn't have done it without my incredible parents, who trusted me to use Meadowgate as the collateral to secure this massive loan," Claire smiled, raising her champagne glass.
👉 The guests raised their glasses to toast the young visionary, completely unaware that the heavy wooden doors at the back of the room were about to swing open.
