Chapter 2: The Secret Chairwoman
Nobody moved.
Nobody breathed.
The orchestra members stared in confusion.
Sophia looked at Ethan as if he had lost his mind.
"What are you doing?" she screamed.
"Get up!"
Ethan remained kneeling.
His hands shook.
"No."
Sophia laughed nervously.
"This isn't funny."
Ethan finally looked at her.
His expression terrified her.
Because she had never seen fear in his eyes before.
"Do you know who she is?"
Sophia rolled her eyes.
"A cleaner."
The woman quietly removed her cleaning gloves.
Then she reached into her pocket.
She handed Ethan a business card.
He immediately passed it to Sophia.
Sophia glanced down.
Then froze.
The card read:
EVELYN ASHFORD
Founder and Chairwoman
Ashford Global Holdings
Sophia's hands began trembling.
Ashford Global Holdings wasn't just another company.
It was one of the largest investment groups in the country.
Its assets were worth billions.
The company owned hotels, hospitals, technology firms, and real estate developments across multiple states.
And Ethan's company depended heavily on Ashford funding.
Victoria suddenly looked sick.
"No..."
Evelyn smiled slightly.
"Yes."
The older woman slowly walked toward the center of the ballroom.
Every guest watched.
"I spent six months visiting our properties anonymously."
Nobody spoke.
"I cleaned floors."
"I served food."
"I worked beside employees."
Her gaze swept across the crowd.
"Because I wanted to learn how ordinary people are treated."
Then her eyes settled on Sophia and Victoria.
"And today, I learned more than enough."
Sophia's knees nearly gave out.
Victoria tried to speak.
Nothing came out.
Evelyn turned toward Ethan.
"You recognized me."
He nodded.
"My father showed me your picture years ago."
Evelyn sighed.
"Then you know exactly what happens next."
Ethan closed his eyes.
Because he did.
Ashford Global Holdings had a strict principle.
Character before business.
Always.
And what had happened tonight revealed everyone's true character.
Especially the bride's family.
But the worst revelation was still coming.
May you like
Because Evelyn wasn't attending this wedding by accident.
She had been investigating someone.
