Chapter 8 - The Gala of Reckoning
The morning of July 15th arrived with an overcast sky that hung over the city like a grey velvet curtain.
Inside the Grand Ballroom of the Silver Lake Plaza Hotel, the atmosphere was electric. Reagan and Carter had spared no expense for the Apex Vanguard Merger Gala. Hundreds of wealthy investors, city council members, and journalists stood around ice sculptures, drinking champagne and celebrating the transition of Dennis Logistics into a global conglomerate.
Reagan stood at the center of the stage, her emerald dress replaced by a stunning diamond-encrusted black gown. She smiled radiantly as Carter adjusted his microphone, preparing to take the podium.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Carter announced, his voice booming through the sound system. "Today, on what would have been my late stepfather’s 60th birthday, we don't just celebrate his memory. We celebrate the future. With the final signing of the voting shares, Apex Vanguard officially takes the helm."
He reached for a gold fountain pen, a large leather-bound contract resting on the podium before him.
"I wouldn't sign that paper just yet, Carter," a voice rang out from the back of the ballroom.
May you like
The music stopped. The chatter died instantly.
Every head in the room turned toward the heavy double doors at the entrance. Walking down the center aisle, dressed in a sharp, tailored navy suit that Maya had secured for me, was me. And beside me, walking slowly but with his head held high, leaning on a polished cane, was Camden Dennis.
