The Forsaken Heir

Chapter 1 Crystal chandeliers glittered on the ceiling of the Grand Avalon Hotel ballroom, reflecting light on the gold and silver that dominated the room that night. The long tables were decorated with white roses, scented candles, and crystal glasses that reflected the soft light. String music from a small orchestra added to the elegant ambience. All eyes that night were on the supposedly perfect couple. Adrian Blackwood and Clara Hensley. Adrian stood in front of the mirror in the preparation room, wearing a black tuxedo with a bow tie. His black hair was neatly combed back, emphasizing his firm jaw that made many women look twice. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down. Tonight was supposed to be the most historic night of his life. engagement night. He glanced at the Patek Philippe watch on his wrist. "Ready, Adrian?" the voice of his father, Charles Blackwood, echoed through the door. Adrian smiled faintly. "More than ready." Charles entered, a middle aged man in a dark gray suit who exuded authority. He patted his son on the shoulder. "Remember, Adrian, tonight isn't just about love. It's about the future of Blackwood Corp. Clara is the right choice. With the Hensleys on our side, our position will be even stronger." Adrian sighed, slightly disturbed by that statement. "I love her, Father. That's the only reason I chose Clara." Charles smiled faintly, but it was clear in his eyes that there was a greater business interest. Shortly after, the door opened. Clara entered, wearing a light blue dress that clung to her slender frame. Her blonde hair was in an elegant bun, and her face glistened with natural makeup. Adrian was transfixed; even after all these years together since college, Clara could still leave him speechless. "Ready?" asked Clara softly. Adrian took her hand. "With you, I'm always ready." Clara smiled, despite the nervousness in her eyes. They both stepped out into the ballroom, greeted by a standing ovation from the invited guests. Reporters stood at the corners of the room, cameras ready to capture the moment that would make headlines tomorrow morning. Adrian stepped up to the podium. The sound of applause died down, replaced by a silence of anticipation. He looked at the smiling Clara beside him, then at the guests. "Tonight..." His voice trembled, but he quickly got it under control, "Tonight is not just a celebration of our engagement. It is the beginning of a new journey. Clara, you're the woman I've wanted since we first met at university. And tonight, I want everyone to know, I promise to make you the happiest woman in the world." Clara looked down, blushing. The applause resounded again. However, before Adrian could continue, the ballroom's large doors opened with a loud bang. Several men in police uniforms entered with firm steps. All eyes turned to them. The music stopped. The once jovial atmosphere turned tense. "Adrian Blackwood?" the loud voice of one of the policemen echoed. Adrian was stunned. "Yes, what is it?" The policeman pulled out a piece of paper. "We have an arrest warrant for you. The charge is embezzlement of 50 million dollars in company funds." The room suddenly became noisy. Guests whispered, some holding up cell phones to record. Clara fell silent, her face pale. "What do you mean?!" Adrian shouted, his tone filled with disbelief. "That's impossible! I never-" Two policemen stepped forward, cuffing her hands. "You can object in court." "No! Let me go! It's a trap!" Adrian tried to resist, but people's gazes were already judging him. Among the crowd, Victor Hale, the young CEO of Hale Group, stood in an expensive navy blue suit. A faint smile appeared on his lips, barely visible, but enough for Adrian to know that this was Victor. "Clara!" Adrian shouted as he was led out. Clara wanted to approach, but a policeman held her back. "Adrian!" Clara screamed, her tears falling. But her voice was drowned out by the sound of the guests who were busy whispering about the scandal. Charles Blackwood looked both surprised and angry. "This is impossible! My son couldn't have done that!" However, even he could not stop the authorities from taking Adrian away. Flashes of reporters' cameras captured Adrian's face as he was led out of the ballroom. A night that was supposed to be the start of a perfect life turned into hell. --- Outside the ballroom, Clara sat limply, her face puffy. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Hensley, approached. "You see, Clara?" her father's voice was sharp. "This is the result. A scandal of this magnitude will destroy our reputation if you stay with him." "But, Father... I love him." Clara sobbed. Her mother grasped her hand tightly. "You have to think about your future, not just your feelings. All the media is already reporting on this. You can't save the Hensley family name if you stay with Adrian." Clara covered her face. In her heart, she wanted to believe that Adrian was innocent. But the evidence, the published financial statements - it was all so clear. And now, in the corner of the room, Victor Hale approached. "Clara," his voice was soft, as if sympathetic, though there was a hidden note of triumph. "I know this is difficult for you. But you don't have to suffer because of someone else's mistake. I can protect you... if you want." Clara turned her head, her eyes full of confusion. --- Inside the prison cell, Adrian sat with a grim face. His fingers were clenched tightly, and he was breathing heavily. He refused the food the warden gave him. The television in the corner of the room was on, broadcasting the evening's headlines. "Big surprise at the Blackwood Corp heir's engagement party! Adrian Blackwood has been formally arrested on charges of embezzlement of 50 million dollars. In the latest development, Clara Hensley, Adrian's fiancée, is rumored to have accepted the proposal of Victor Hale, CEO of Hale Group, which has been known as a rival of Blackwood Corp." Adrian fell silent. The words hit him harder than the handcuffs on his wrists. Clara... accepted Victor's proposal? His hands clenched into fists until his knuckles turned white. His body trembled with rage. "Victor Hale." she whispered in a vengeful voice. "You will pay dearly for this." The night that was supposed to be the beginning of a perfect life has turned into the beginning of the downfall. But Adrian knows one thing. he won't stay silent. The world may betray him, but he will return and when he does, everyone who destroyed him will regret it.