Chapter 3 - Public Execution
The Grand Harbor Club was packed with Charlotte’s corporate elite. Crystal chandeliers glittered above velvet-covered tables, and photographers snapped pictures of city council members, real estate moguls, and investors.
Wade Carrington stood near the main stage wearing a bespoke Italian tuxedo, holding a glass of scotch. Brynn stood beside him, dazzling in an emerald gown and wearing a diamond necklace Wade had purchased using the company account two days earlier. Lorraine sat at the head table, boasting to local socialites about her son’s brilliant business acumen.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Wade announced into the microphone, stepping up to the podium. “Thank you for joining us today. Sterling Development has achieved unprecedented growth over the last four years. Today, I am proud to reveal our flagship project: The Grand Horizon Towers—a two-hundred-million-dollar luxury residential complex!”
Applause echoed through the ballroom. Wade grinned, soaking in the admiration.
“This project,” Wade continued, gesturing to a large screen behind him, “is a testament to my personal vision and the dedication of my team, including our brilliant chief marketing consultant, Brynn Hollowell.”
Brynn bowed gracefully to the clapping crowd.
Just as Wade reached into his pocket to pull out the contract signing documents, his phone began to vibrate violently. Then Brynn’s phone rang. Then Lorraine’s.
Wade ignored it at first, but his assistant hurried up to the stage, face pale as chalk.
“Mr. Carrington,” the assistant whispered frantically. “Your credit card for the venue catering was just declined.”
Wade’s smile faltered. “What? That’s impossible. Use the backup corporate card.”
“We did. It was declined too. In fact, the bank just flagged all company accounts as frozen pending a legal audit.”
Before Wade could react, the grand double doors of the ballroom swung open.
Four men in sharp black suits walked into the room, led by Arthur Vance. Behind them, stepping into the light with effortless grace, was Celeste.
She wore a breathtaking navy blue tailored blazer dress, her dark hair styled in immaculate waves. Her posture was erect, showing no sign of weakness or pain. Beside her, a private security detail carried a sleek leather briefcase.
The room fell dead silent. Whispers erupted among the guests.
“What is she doing here?” Lorraine spat, standing up from her table. “Security! Get this woman out of here!”
Wade stepped away from the podium, his face red with anger. “Celeste! What kind of stunt are you trying to pull? You’re making a fool of yourself!”
Celeste didn't stop. She walked straight up the steps of the stage, her high heels clicking softly against the marble floor. She took the microphone directly from Wade’s hand.
“Good afternoon, everyone,” Celeste said into the mic, her voice calm, clear, and commanding. “I apologize for the brief interruption, but as the sole owner and Chairwoman of Marlowe Global Holdings, I have an important corporate announcement to make.”
Wade stared at her in utter confusion. “What are you talking about? Marlowe Global? Celeste, have you lost your mind?”
Arthur Vance stepped forward, holding a stack of legal documents and projecting a digital file directly onto the grand presentation screen behind Wade.
The screen shifted from Wade’s project pitch to official corporate deeds, land ownership titles, and bank registry documents.
“As of 2:00 PM today,” Arthur’s voice echoed through the sound system, “Mr. Wade Carrington’s employment as Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Development has been terminated for gross negligence, corporate embezzlement, and breach of fiduciary duty.”
The crowd gasped. Photographers began flashing cameras rapidly.
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“What?!” Wade yelled, grabbing for the microphone. “That’s fraudulent! I built Sterling Development! It’s my company!”
“Sterling Development is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marlowe Global Holdings,” Celeste said softly into the microphone, turning to face him. “My late father founded it. I held the title during our marriage while you acted as a proxy manager. You were a trustee, Wade. A paid employee. And as of twenty minutes ago, your employment has ended.”
