Chapter 3 - Illusion of Power|
The ballroom lights began to dim, directing everyone’s attention toward the main stage. A low murmur of excitement rippled through the two hundred employees gathered beneath the crystal chandeliers.
Julian adjusted his bow tie, puffing his chest out.
“Stand in the back if you’re staying,” he ordered Audrey without looking at her. “When Malcolm calls my name, I don’t want you cluttering up the photo opportunity.”
“Julian,” Camilla purred, leaning close to his neck. “Save a dance for me after the press release?”
“Of course,” he replied smoothly. “Tonight changes everything for us.”
Audrey watched them with a sense of clinical detachment. For eleven years, she had watched Julian build a life out of appearances. He believed authority came from expensive watches, aggressive handshakes, and a wife who stayed quietly out of his way.
He knew her mother had left her an inheritance, but he had never asked about the specifics. He assumed family wealth meant a small trust fund to keep her occupied. He never bothered to check why her family office occupied three entire floors in downtown Boston.
“You really believe you built this company, don’t you?” Audrey asked, taking a step closer to him.
Julian turned, his eyes filled with cold annoyance.
“I saved Aurelia Systems. I brought in the strategy, the vendors, and the vision. Without me, this firm would have gone bankrupt six months ago.”
“You certainly brought in vendors,” Audrey agreed, a strange, small smile touching her lips.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
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“It means Malcolm is stepping up to the microphone,” she said. “You should pay attention.”
Julian smoothed his lapels one last time, a triumphant smirk spreading across his face as the Chairman tapped the mic.
