Chapter 5
843 Words
Steve lowered himself onto one knee with a dramatic flourish and opened the small velvet box in his hand.
A radiant diamond ring sparkled under the glow of the crystal chandeliers.
The hall fell into hushed anticipation before erupting into excitement.
"He's proposing!" someone gasped.
A few guests clapped enthusiastically, while others covered their mouths in surprise.
Some of Seraphina’s friends squealed in delight, nudging each other knowingly.
Several guests immediately grabbed their phones, eager to capture the moment.
The flash of cameras illuminated the already dazzling venue as murmurs filled the air.
Steve smiled up at Seraphina, his voice filled with emotion.
“Seraphina Lewis, you are the most incredible woman I have ever known. Every moment with you has been a gift, and I want to spend the rest of my life making you happy. Will you marry me?”
The Lewis family members held their breath.
This was the moment they had always wished for!
They had hoped that one day, Steve Walden, the wealthy and influential young master of the Walden family, would propose to Seraphina.
And now, it was happening before their very eyes.
Without hesitation, Seraphina’s face lit up with joy.
“Yes! Yes, Steve, I will marry you!”
The moment the words left her lips, the hall erupted into cheers.
Applause thundered through the air as guests whistled and shouted their congratulations.
Flower petals were tossed into the air, filling the space with color and fragrance.
To many, it was a double celebration—Seraphina’s birthday and her engagement. But for Seraphina, it was a triple victory.
Tonight marked three major milestones in her life:
1. It was her birthday.
2. She had finally divorced that useless waste of space, Tony.
3. And most importantly, Steve had proposed to her!
Her joy knew no bounds.
As the music resumed and the guests celebrated with wine and laughter, Tony quietly exited the party.
He had signed the divorce papers, formally ending his marriage to Seraphina.
Seeing Seraphina accept Steve’s proposal so soon after their divorce was like a slap to the face.
But what more could he do?
She had never loved him. And now, she had moved on.
He had to move on, too.
Meanwhile, Tony had left the hall and was walking down the street when he heard his phone ring.
Picking up the call, he heard a firm and aged voice.
"Young Master!"
"I'm Greg Thomas, the head butler of Master Lakes, your grandfather. He’s been searching for you for years. He finally found a clue from a donation the orphanage you once stayed in made.
Tony stopped in his tracks.
"My grandfather?"
The butler continued, "Since the death of your parents, Pa Lakes has been searching for you, but he never gave up. He wants you to come and take control of Lake Towers, since you're the rightful heir."
Upon hearing this, Tony was shocked.
Lake Towers was the country's biggest private business empire. It included everything from tech companies to luxury properties, and it was worth over four trillion dollars. All this while, Tony never imagined that Lake Towers belonged to his family.
It didn’t feel real.
Tony, once mocked as a useless house husband, was suddenly the heir to a fortune that could buy half the city.
For twenty-five years, he believed he was just an orphan. No name. No family. No future. Only hardship, labor, and humiliation.
Now, he was being told he was someone important, very important.
Greg continued, "Your grandfather wants you to come home immediately. He’s very ill, and his last wish is to see you take your rightful place and lead Helium Holdings, the headquarters of Lake Towers. The documents are already in progress. You’ll officially be in charge within days.”
Tony stood frozen with his mind racing. However, Greg wasn’t done.
"Your grandfather has also chosen a fiancée for you, from a respected family. It’s an arranged match for strategic reasons. You’re not being forced, but he hopes you’ll at least meet her.”
At exactly seven o'clock the next day, a knock came at Tony’s door.
Greg stood outside, dressed in a sharp suit. He bowed. “Young Master, it’s an honor.”
He handed Tony a thick envelope.
“This is the official transfer. You are now the sole owner of Lake Towers.”
Tony took it quietly.
Greg then presented a sleek black and gold card. “This is your platinum account already opened in your name. It holds twenty billion dollars.”
Before Tony could react, Greg bowed and left.
Tony gave himself a quick pinch, half-expecting to wake up. It all felt too unreal, but it was real. And he was stunned.
Later that morning, Tony arrived at Helium Holdings.
The massive building towered above the city steel and glass, reflecting the morning sun. Inside, polished marble floors and gleaming elevators spoke of power and wealth.
As Tony approached the entrance, a black Porsche pulled up.
Out stepped a man in a sharp suit. It was Steve Walden.
- Writer
