Chapter 3 - The Unseen Cage
Gasps erupted from the wealthy donors and politicians filling the grand ballroom.
Adrian froze halfway out of his chair, the smug smile completely vanishing from his face.
"Carter Industries has uncovered severe financial discrepancies within Dr. Vaughn's surgical department," Ethan's voice boomed through the speakers.
"Until a full federal audit is completed, no funds will be released, and the board will be restructured under my direct control."
Reporters scrambled for their phones, shouting questions as the gala dissolved into absolute chaos.
Adrian slowly sank back into his chair, his face turning a terrifying shade of pale.
He didn't look at Ethan.
He looked directly at me.
"What did you tell him?" Adrian hissed, his fingers digging into my thigh under the table.
"Nothing!" I choked out, tears of genuine panic stinging my eyes.
"I swear, Adrian, I had no idea he was going to do this!"
Before Adrian could drag me out of the room, heavy footsteps approached our table.
Four enormous men in sharp black suits surrounded us, cutting off any path to the exit.
Ethan walked down from the stage, stopping right behind my chair.
"Dr. Vaughn, my legal team requires you in the boardroom immediately," Ethan commanded.
Adrian stood up, trying to regain his dominant posture.
"I need to take my fiancée home first," Adrian countered, his voice dripping with venom.
Ethan shook his head, gesturing to the tallest man in a black suit.
"That won't be necessary," Ethan replied coldly.
"As my executive assistant, Ava's safety is a corporate priority during this hostile takeover."
Ethan placed a gentle, reassuring hand on the back of my chair.
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"Meet your new 24/7 executive security detail, Ava," Ethan said, completely trapping Adrian.
"They will not let you out of their sight for a single second."
