Chapter 2 - The Admiral's Toast
The entire ballroom went completely silent.
Not a single person moved, and not a single glass clinked.
My father’s arrogant sneer froze on his face like a cracked porcelain mask.
Damian blinked rapidly, utterly incapable of processing the words that had just echoed through the speakers.
The bride, Sarah, lowered her salute and smiled warmly at me.
She proudly announced to the stunned crowd that I was the youngest woman in history to achieve the rank of a four-star Admiral.
She listed my accomplishments, from leading classified strike groups to commanding the most powerful naval fleet on the planet.
Every single word she spoke was like a physical blow to my father’s ego.
I slowly stood up from my cheap folding chair in the forgotten corner of the room.
I picked up my glass of cheap wine and walked directly past my paralyzed brother.
I stopped right in front of Conrad Voss, whose face had turned the color of ash.
I looked at the man who had told me I would become nothing without his money.
I raised my glass to him, gave him a polite smile, and thanked him for the warm family welcome.
A few military officers scattered among the guests immediately stood up and raised their glasses in deep respect.
Slowly, the rest of the terrified ballroom followed their lead, standing up to toast the ghost they had just mocked.
I took a sip of my wine, savoring the absolute victory of this moment.
Julian rushed through the crowd, completely ignoring his grandfather, and threw his arms around me.
He hugged me so tightly I could feel his heart hammering wildly against my chest.
I whispered congratulations into his ear, telling him how proud I was of the man he had become.
Julian didn't say thank you.
He leaned in closer, his voice trembling with raw panic.
May you like
He whispered that he didn't invite me here just to humiliate our family.
He begged me to help him because someone in this hotel was planning to assassinate his new wife tonight.
