Ava hurriedly dressed and went to the parlor, where her mom was seated.
"Mama," she called, "Is everything okay? You were supposed to start work today."
"Yeah, dear, but Mrs. Blackwood told me to go home. They're having a welcome party for Ethan, so she and her family are preparing. There's no need for me to be there today."
"Oh, really?"
"Yes, dear."
"But… why didn't Ethan invite me?" Ava asked, disappointment settling over her as a chill ran through her chest, and a wave of uneasiness pressed her down into the couch.
Her mom could already read her emotions.
"Oh, sweetheart, don't worry. You can still see him, or wait for him to visit you."
"But, Mama..."
"Shh, listen. These things don't work like that. He might not even know about the party. It's organized by his parents, not him, so they're the ones inviting people."
"So what should I do? I want to go, Mama."
"Alright, you can go. But you have to look good."
Mrs. Whitemore rummaged through her things, eventually pulling out a simple red gown from the bottom of a box. It was the dress her husband had first bought her, along with a pair of heels she hadn't worn in over twenty years.
Filled with excitement, Ava hugged her mom and gratefully accepted the dress. It was red—her favorite color. She dashed into her room, ironed the dress, polished the heels, and set everything aside for the party
---
Meanwhile...
"Ethan!" A familiar voice echoed in his ear.
"Yes, Mom," he murmured, half-asleep. He was exhausted from the trip back from school and had barely rested, having spent the time greeting and entertaining guests.
"Wake up! It's time to get ready for the party. Guests have already started arriving."
"I haven't even slept for 30 minutes. I'm exhausted."
"Come on, get up and freshen up right away. The maids will help you prepare. Where's Jespa?"
She called out across the house.
"Yes, Madam!" Jespa responded quickly, rushing over to her.
"I told you to keep an eye on Ethan. Make sure he's ready in 20 minutes. He should be at the venue greeting guests by now."
"Alright, Madam. I'll handle it," he assured her
"Good morning, Master," a deep voice echoed from the open door. "I hope you had a great rest," Jespa continued.
"Good morning, Jespa! I know my mom sent you, but I'm not a child anymore. I can take care of myself perfectly well, so please leave." Jespa was Ethan's personal guard and advisor, and he dared not go against Madam Margaret's orders.
"I'm sorry, sir, but I have to help you get ready on time, as instructed."
"So, what are you going to do? Bathe me? Carry me around like a toddler?" Ethan snapped, his voice filled with anger.
"I could do that, if necessary," Jespa murmured.
"What did you say?" Ethan barked.
"Nothing, sir! Sorry, sir," Jespa stammered, his voice shaky.
---
At the party
The party was scheduled to begin at 5:30 p.m. at the Harrington Luxe Lineage Multipurpose Company, one of the biggest brands in fashion and other industries in Harrington. It was founded by Mr. Lucas Harrington, who passed away three years ago from cardiac arrest. Since then, Margaret Harrington has been managing the company. Today, she is expected to officially pass the reins to Ethan Harrington, the only legal heir of the late Mr. Harrington.
Since Ethan's father died, his mother has controlled nearly every aspect of his life, including what he eats and where he goes. She even increased the number of bodyguards around him.
"Where is your brother?" Margaret asked sharply. "Why don't you call him, or do I have to become his babysitter now?" She let out a heavy sigh, rolling her eyes.
In case you're wondering, the speaker is Silvia Harrington, the only daughter of the Harrington family. Her radiant smile can light up a room. With smooth skin like porcelain, dark eyes framed by thick lashes, and long brown hair cascading down to her waist, she is the picture of elegance.
Silvia hadn't been happy with her mother since their father died. She blamed Margaret for neglecting him, accusing her of being selfish—though no one knew the full extent of what Silvia meant, except her.
"I won't permit you to talk to me like that!" Margaret ordered angrily.
"Mom, can you just stay away from me and stop treating Ethan like a child? It's not like you care—you just want to use him to stay in power."
"How dare you!" Margaret barked, her hand twitching with the urge to slap Silvia.
Just then, a server approached with drinks on a tray. Silvia grabbed a glass, raising it in a mocking, one-sided toast to her mother before walking away, a smile of triumph on her face. Angering her mother had become a game to her—one she enjoyed, and challenging Margaret was an opportunity she never missed.
Mrs. Harrington stood there, seething, barely able to contain her fury. But she quickly composed herself, forcing a smile as she continued to entertain her guests, though her eyes betrayed her inner turmoil.
Silence suddenly falls over the hall as Ethan makes his entrance into the party, looking like a billion dollars. Of course, he's strikingly handsome, with his chiseled features and a tailored suit that exudes quiet confidence as he moves from his car to the party. His polished demeanor softens slightly, a playful glint in his eye as he loosens his tie and unbuttons his collar, revealing a more relaxed, charming side. As he steps into the room, his natural charisma takes center stage, effortlessly commanding attention and drawing people in with his magnetic presence.
"OMG! Is that our new CEO?" exclaimed one worker.
"Jeez! I wish I could greet him or at least shake his hand!" said another excitedly.
"Aww, Melvis, take a good look at me. Do I even stand a chance?" asked a third.
"Stooop!" Melvis replied with a heavy sigh. "Do you not love your job? I don't have to remind you what Madam Margaret will do if she catches you throwing yourself at her son."
"Melvis, it hasn't come to that! I love my job, okay?" the third worker replied. As Madam Margaret's secretary, Melvis held a position of authority, and lower employees often feared what she might report back to Madam Margaret. After all, anyone who crossed her usually found themselves jobless the next day.
"You better watch your back, Wilde," Melvis added with a frown, clamping her mouth shut after the stern warning.
Then, Madam Margaret took the stage:
"Good evening, dear colleagues, CEOs, esteemed workers of Luxe Lineage Multipurpose Company, families, and friends. It is with great joy that I welcome you all to this special day. As we know, we are here to celebrate the return of my son from school. As you can see, he's grown, smart, and intelligent. And it is with pride that I announce him as the new CEO of Luxe Lineage Multipurpose Company."
The crowd cheered, and whispers spread among them before silence fell again. Then, the sound of heels clicking echoed through the crowd as someone approached the stage. Mrs. Blackwood leaned over and whispered into Madam Margaret's ear, "I think you forgot the engagement announcement."
"No, my dear friend, how could I forget? I was just saving it for a special moment," Madam Margaret replied with an assuring look and a slight smile.