Chapter 12 - The Entrance
Carter paused beneath the chandelier so photographers could capture him and Vivien together.
Vivien wore silver sequins.
Her hand rested possessively on his arm.
Guests glanced toward Serena.
Some looked embarrassed for her.
Others looked excited by the scandal.
Carter enjoyed both reactions.
He crossed the ballroom and stopped in front of his wife.
“You wore blue.”
“My mother chose it.”
Vivien looked Serena over.
“It’s dramatic.”
“So is arriving with another woman while still married.”
A nearby investor heard the remark and turned away awkwardly.
Carter lowered his voice.
“Do not ruin tonight.”
Serena’s expression remained calm.
“You no longer need my help with that.”
He gestured toward a table near the ballroom wall.
“Your seat is there.”
Serena looked at the head table.
Her name card had been removed.
Vivien’s name occupied the place beside Carter.
Charles watched from across the room.
He could have intervened.
He did not.
Serena walked toward the center of the ballroom instead.
Carter followed.
“What are you doing?”
“Standing.”
“You are attracting attention.”
“You entered with your mistress.”
Vivien stepped between them.
“Carter has a speech to give.”
Serena looked at her.
“He should enjoy it.”
A stage manager approached Carter and whispered that the presentation was ready.
Carter moved toward the platform.
Before climbing the steps, he took a microphone.
“Ladies and gentlemen, before we celebrate the future, I need to address a personal transition.”
Serena heard several guests inhale.
Carter looked directly at her.
“For some time, my wife has struggled with the demands of this life.”
Vivien stood beneath the stage, pretending concern.
Carter continued.
“Serena and I have mutually decided to separate.”
Whispers spread through the ballroom.
Serena had never agreed to the announcement.
Carter knew that.
He expected her to cry, run, or protest.
Instead, she lifted her phone.
Upstairs, Thomas received the signal.
The recall process began.
Carter smiled at the audience.
“I ask that you respect Serena’s privacy as she begins a quieter chapter away from the company.”
Serena touched CONFIRM.
Two billion dollars left the company-controlled reserve.
Every executive phone in the ballroom vibrated simultaneously.
The music stopped.
Charles looked at his screen.
May you like
His face changed.
👉 Carter had just announced that Serena was leaving with nothing, while every financial officer in the room received proof that she had taken back the money keeping his empire alive.
