Greg, a grumpy-looking bodyguard with a permanent scowl, met Ashley halfway into the hall and informed her that Mikael needed her presence. Ashley's heart hammered in her chest.
She looked ahead and saw Mikael already on the podium, a young guy setting the mic for him. She glanced at Lorenzo who offered her an encouraging nod.
"You've got this." he whispered, making Ashley's heart skip a beat.
"Thank you." she murmured, grateful for the encouragement which she needed at the moment, her anger towards him briefly forgotten.
She had been so caught up in the Harringtons' drama that she hadn't even noticed when the event had progressed this far.
"Good evening..." Mikael began. "After decades of building and growing numerous businesses and empires, I've come to realize that it's time for me to take a well deserved rest..."
A wave of nervousness crashed over Ashley as she navigated her way through the sea of people, and towards the six stairs stage.
She could sense Lorenzo trailing behind, and recalled he was still carrying her handbag. Her heart raced at the thought everything that had happened before that moment. How Lorenzo had defended her against the Harringtons, something no one had ever done before.
But it still didn't nullify the fact that hed used and dumped her in the past, disappearing for eight years.
Ashley couldn't understand what he wanted from her now or his connection to the Flynns.
"...I've worked tirelessly to create a legacy that will outlast me, so my companies need a capable hand to guide them into the future..." Mikael continued, pausing as Ashley reached the foot of the stage. He stretched out his hand which she accepted.
The stage was sleek and modern, elevated just enough to give one a clear view of the sea of faces watching them. The steps, covered in plush carpet, barely softened the weight of Ashley's uncertain footsteps as she climbed up, Mikael's steady hand guiding her forward.
"Are you ready, dear?" He asked her softly. She hesitated before nodding.
Ashley stood before the crowd, her heart hammering in her ribcage. The weight of the moment pressed against her chest, but she forced herself to breathe, steadying her nerves. The bright overhead lights cast a glow over the podium, making her feel exposed yet strangely powerful.
She could do this. She had to, for Vanessa. She encouraged herself.
Mikael's voice boomed, "...Please join me in welcoming my granddaughter, Ashley Flynn, the new CEO of Flynn Enterprises." The room erupted in applause, and Ashley's eyes silently scanned the crowd, searching for a familiar face.
The crowd seemed too much to handle, too intimidating. 'Deep breath. Deep breath.' she sang in her head.
And that was when she saw Lorenzo Grey again, standing by a corner. There was something mysterious about him, something she couldn't quite put her fingers on. He looked effortlessly calm and gorgeous on the outside as he clapped against her bag like he was performing some kind of art. But one could tell by a mere glance that he wasn't just another face in the crowd–he was a figure who commanded attention. His calm demeanor only amplified the quiet power that surrounded him.
The little time they spent that evening was enough for Ashley to sense the strong walls around him. Walls that she swore didn't exist eight years ago, making her wonder what had happened in that eight years.
'I shouldn't concern myself with that, or anything that involves him'. She chastised herself.
Just then, Lorenzo caught her staring and flashed a smile. Ashley's pulse quickened as their gazes locked, her heart skipping a beat.
Like a child caught stealing their favorite candy, She instantly tore her gaze away, his smile lingering in her mind as she focused back on the unfamiliar faces, their claps gradually fading.
Ashley realized the moment had come, for her to speak. A young guy appeared to adjust the mic on her shoulder. She gulped in more air, feeling her throat dry.
"Thanks," she said after the mic was set. The boy gave a briefly nod, and walked away.
She couldn't help but wonder if the Harringtons were still outside or if they had taken their seats. She scanned the room again, but caught no glimpse of them.
But somewhere in the group, Katelyn and her minions stood watching in shock. They couldn't believe what their ears had heard, nor what their eyes were seeing. Ashley had just been announced as the CEO of Flynn Enterprise. Fear and confusion clawed at their hearts.
"Thank you, everyone, for your time," Ashley began, her voice trembling slightly at first, before slowly gaining strength. "It's such a privilege to stand before you all, as I step into the role my grandfather diligently built." Referring to Mikael as "her grandfather" felt like a foreign weight on her tongue. She hadn't called him that since their reunion, and even now, it didn't feel natural. But for the sake of the occasion, she forced the word out, knowing it would strengthen their public image.
"No, this couldn't be." Christian whispered, thinking of what he had just missed by divorcing Ashley.
"Is she truly the Flynn's heiress?" Kayla asked in disbelief. Their faces were both drained of colors, especially Katelyn, for a reason best known to her.
"I'm getting out of this place." She told her son, wanting to avoid being publicly thrown out by Ashley, once she stepped off the stage.
Kate couldn't understand how her plans kept crumbling before her eyes.
The minute she stepped outside, she accidentally ran into Raphael Flynn, who was just returning to the party. A smile curved up onto her lips as she approached him.
Raphael's grin also widened, and after a side hug, he spoke, "Remind me what they say about timing, Katelyn. Perfect, isn't it?"
As Ashley continued to speak, she knew this was just the beginning, that proving herself as the new CEO of Flynn Enterprise wouldn't be a one-time speech or a single accomplishment. She had to earn their respect, their trust, proving that she could handle the immense responsibility.
"Ladies and gentlemen," she said, the finality in her tone helping her feel more in control, "I promise to honor the legacy my grandfather has built, while pushing this company forward..." She let her words slowly sink in, watching the crowd's reaction–few whispers, few nods of approval, subtle side glances, until her eyes landed on a man whose piercing gaze made her heart leap.
A slight tremor ran through her as she wondered who he was, and why his gaze was so intense.
"...to heights greater than it is today." She managed to force the remaining words out her mouth.
The hall erupted in applause, including the man who was now smiling like he was very proud of her speech. But there was something off about his smile–a tightness at the corners of his mouth, as though the expression was more forced than proud.
Ashley slowly dragged her gaze away, thinking she was just being paranoid. With everything that she had gone through, she suspected everyone and everything.
*******
The party was still in full swing, but as mikael promised earlier, he began introducing Ashley to his partners, just after the end of her speech. He wanted her to return home early to rest. Most of the partners were men, and a few women.
"It's a pleasure to have you, Ms. Ashley." Patricia Klove, a woman who looked around her late forties greeted Ashley, with her husband. Patricia was one of the Flynn's top partners.
Ashley offered her a warm smile, shaking hands with them, her gaze silently searching for Lorenzo. She hadn't caught a sight of him since she got off stage.
Just then, she heard Mikael acknowledge someone behind her, excitement in his voice. But it was the title "Brother" that made her turn.
Mikael shook Raphael. "I almost thought you couldn't make it."
Ashley slightly stiffened when her gaze landed on the man staring at her earlier.
Raphael's focus turned to Ashley as Mikael went ahead to introduce them. He was her "Grand uncle" if there was anything as such. She never knew Mikael had a brother, infact she knew nothing about him–about her new family. Now she had to fake another smile.
"Nice to meet you, Mister...uh... uncle." She searched for a title to address him.
Raphael's smile brightened. "I must say, dear niece, you certainly came out of nowhere." he replied casually, and Ashley's smile vanished. "Please Just call me Raphael. That's what they all call me here." He added, laughing as he turned to Mikael whose gaze silently warned him to be nice.
Ashley stiffened at his choice of words, and the way he made her feel like an intruder, rather than family.
Michelle chose that moment to step in, surprising Ashley who had been too nervous to realize when she arrived the scene. "I'm sorry about that, darling. Raphael could be quite unfriendly sometimes." She eyed him.
Raphael made a graceful spin in her direction. "Sister in-law." He took in her beautiful appearance before kissing her knuckles. "I have to admit you've mastered the art of sneaking up on people."
Michelle smiled, kissing her husband on the cheek before steering Ashley away, leaving the men alone.