Chapter 2 - The Military Interruption
Brooke turned her back on the woman in the emerald green gown, thoroughly satisfied with her petty, cruel display of power. She adjusted her beige dress, ready to continue schmoozing with the billionaires in the room.
Suddenly, the ambient chatter of the dining hall fell completely dead.
The large, heavy wooden double doors at the entrance of the ballroom swung open with a violent, authoritative thud. Marching into the room was Colonel Mercer. The stern, hardened man in his late forties wore a flawless, dark blue military dress uniform, his chest heavy with rows of combat medals, a peaked cap perfectly positioned on his head. Two elite, heavily armed military police officers marched silently directly behind him.
Brooke’s arrogant sneer instantly morphed into a radiant, desperate smile.
Julian’s defense technology company was currently on the verge of bankruptcy, and Colonel Mercer was the key to securing a multi-million-dollar federal manufacturing contract. Brooke had spent the entire evening trying to corner the Colonel to secure a private meeting for her husband.
Brooke aggressively pushed her way past the white floral centerpieces, stepping directly into the Colonel's path.
"Colonel Mercer!" Brooke beamed, her voice dripping with artificial warmth and desperate charm. "We are so honored you could make it! Julian and I have a seat saved for you right at the front—"
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Colonel Mercer didn't even blink. He didn't slow his stride. He completely ignored Brooke’s outstretched hand, walking right past her as if she were completely invisible.
👉 Brooke was left humiliated in the aisle, entirely unprepared for exactly whose table the Colonel was marching toward.
