Chapter 5 - Shadows of the Past
The grand ballroom of the Grand Plaza Hotel was a sea of crystal chandeliers, flowing champagne, and high-society whispers. Flashbulbs blinded the guests as the city’s billionaires and power brokers mingled.
At the center of a VIP circle stood Patricia Carter and Victor Lang, looking smug as they spoke to a group of investors. Victor had a slight bandage near his temple from the shattered glass the night before, his expression dark.
Suddenly, the heavy double doors of the ballroom swung open. The ambient noise in the room plummeted as heads began to turn.
Evelyn walked in. She was stunning, wearing a breathtaking, midnight-blue silk gown provided by Nathan's personal stylist. Her hair was swept up elegantly, exposing her graceful neck, and her posture was regal. But what truly stopped the room was the man beside her. Nathan Brooks stood tall, dressed in a flawless custom tuxedo, his hand resting firmly on the small of her back as he guided her down the grand steps.
Patricia’s champagne glass nearly slipped from her fingers. Victor’s eyes narrowed into slits of pure fury.
“Look at them,” Nathan whispered to Evelyn, his voice low and private. “They’re terrified. Keep your chin up, Evelyn. You own this room.”
As they reached the floor, Patricia intercepted them, her fake smile stretched tight across her face to keep up appearances for the surrounding cameras. “Evelyn, darling,” she hissed under her breath. “What kind of stunt is this? And who is your companion? I see you’ve found another man to parasite off of.”
Before Evelyn could speak, Nathan stepped forward, his towering frame casting a shadow over Patricia. “Mrs. Carter. I believe we spoke on the phone. I’m Nathan Brooks. I suggest you keep your tone respectful, or the press over there will hear exactly how you treat your late husband's daughter.”
Victor Lang stepped into the fray, his voice gruff and menacing. “Brooks. You think because you’ve got a big name in shipping and tech you can interfere in my business? Evelyn owes me a contract. She signed a verbal agreement.”
“A verbal agreement under extreme duress and criminal coercion is null and void, Mr. Lang,” Evelyn spoke up, her voice echoing clearly, drawing the attention of several nearby board members. “I know about the embezzlement. I know you and Patricia have been bleeding my father's company dry. The court injunction was served to your offices two hours ago.”
Victor’s face flushed a deep, violent crimson. He took a threatening step toward Evelyn. “You ungrateful little—”
In a split second, Nathan moved, placing himself squarely between Victor and Evelyn. The sheer aura of menace radiating from Nathan made Victor freeze in his tracks.
“Lay a finger on her, or even raise your voice in her direction again, Lang,” Nathan said, his voice dangerously soft, yet carrying the weight of an absolute promise, “and I will personally ensure your entire real estate empire is liquidated by the end of the week. Try me.”
The confrontation attracted a swarm of reporters. Seeing the tide turn against them publicly, Patricia grabbed Victor’s arm, whispering frantically, before pulling him away into the crowd.
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Evelyn let out a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. She looked up at Nathan, her heart pounding with a mixture of thrill and deep gratitude. “We did it,” she whispered.
“We’re just getting started,” Nathan replied, his eyes reflecting the brilliant lights of the ballroom.
