Chapter 19
The venue for Whitmore Group’s new CEO inauguration was packed to capacity. Reporters had their cameras trained on the entrance, waiting for the star of the event to arrive.
Ten minutes before the conference officially began, a sudden commotion broke out.
Daniel Reed barged in, dragging Sophie Lane along with him, ignoring the security guards‘ attempts to stop them.”
“Move aside! We’re Whitmore family!” Daniel shoved a guard’s hand away. “I’m Sophie’s husband, and she’s carrying the Whitmore heir. Who dares to block us?“\
Pulling Sophie straight toward the front row, he shouted at the staff, “I want to see Mr. Whitmore! Reed Corporation wants to cooperate with Whitmore Group! Considering Sophie is carrying the Whitmore bloodline, give us a chance!“\
Sophie shrank behind Daniel, her eyes darting nervously across the room, fingers clutching tightly at her dress hem. She had never expected Daniel to bring her crashing into the press conference–let alone for security to be so tight. But now that they. were here, she had no choice but to play along. “That’s… right…“}
The reporters instantly smelled a hot story. Flashbulbs exploded as they surged forward with questions.
Ms. Lane, are you really the daughter of the Whitmore family?”
“Mr. Reed, is this cooperation related to the previously terminated new energy project?“}
The flashing lights made Daniel a little dizzy, but it only made him more smug. “Of course! Sophie’s also the daughter of a billionaire, just low–profile! Once we’re married, I’ll be the Whitmore son–in–law. Naturally, Whitmore Group’s projects will include us.“[
Just then, the sound of steady footsteps echoed from the entrance.}
Claire Whitmore entered in a sharply tailored white suit, Ethan Cole by her side. The sheer presence she carried silenced the noisy hall in an instant..
She walked straight to the stage, her eyes sweeping coolly over the clinging Daniel and Sophie without a flicker of emotion.” “Security, remove these unrelated individuals,” her voice rang out over the microphone–clear and commanding.
Daniel froze at the sight of her, then erupted like a cat whose tail had been stepped on. “Claire Whitmore? What are you doing here? What tricks did you use to sneak in?”
Pointing proudly to Sophie, he sneered, “Let me tell you–Sophie is the real Whitmore! Once we secure this deal, you won’t even be worthy to shine our shoes!”
Sophie forced a composed smile, chin tilted upward. “Claire, stop making a scene. For the sake of the past, I can ask Danny to get you a basic position…”
Before she could finish, the giant screen behind them lit up, playing a video.
First came a paternity test confirming Claire Whitmore as the biological daughter of the Whitmore Group’s chairman, followed by childhood and family photos, then official records of her role as the Whitmore heir in corporate decisions.&
Finally, a bold line of text appeared on the screen: Claire Whitmore – Sole Heiress of Whitmore Group, New CEO.
The crowd erupted.
Daniel’s smile froze. His pupils shrank as if struck by lightning. “No… impossible..”
Claire stepped to the podium, picked up the microphone, and finally let her gaze rest on him.”
“Daniel Reed, take a good look. I am Claire Whitmore–the wife you once abandoned, and the sole heir to Whitmore Group.” She paused, watching his face drain of all color, before continuing,
“The Whitmore family you’ve been so desperate to latch onto is my family. The resources you’ve schemed for are mine to give -or take–at will. And as for Sophie Lane, the woman you’re so proud of…”
