Chapter 1 – The Name That Stopped the Wedding
Arthur's phone was already ringing before anyone in the ballroom found their voice.
Daniel stepped forward, forcing a smile.
"Arthur, put the phone away. She's emotional."
Arthur didn't even glance at him.
"My apologies, Mr. Brooks," he said calmly. "I no longer take orders from this family."
The words landed like a hammer.
Daniel frowned.
"What are you talking about?"
Emily slowly turned toward the guests.
Her torn wedding gown brushed against the polished marble floor, but her posture remained flawless.
"I never asked Arthur to work for my fiancé," she said quietly.
"I asked him to watch him."
The ballroom erupted in confused whispers.
Daniel laughed.
"Watch me? Emily, have you lost your mind?"
Before she could answer, Arthur lowered his phone.
"He'll be here in three minutes."
Daniel folded his arms.
"Who?"
Emily met his eyes.
"The man who built everything you thought you owned."
The massive ballroom doors slowly opened.
Every conversation stopped.
An elderly man entered, followed by attorneys, executives, and private security.
No one introduced him.
They didn't have to.
Every business leader in the room immediately stood.
Daniel's face turned pale.
May you like
He whispered a name he never imagined hearing.
"Grandfather Carter..."
