Chapter One: The Grand Opening Confession
The grand opening event was packed with billionaires from across the country.
Popular artists, musicians, entrepreneurs, and influential business figures filled the venue, turning the occasion into one of the most anticipated events of the year.
Outside the building, reporters and photographers crowded the entrance, eager to capture every arrival. Camera flashes lit up the evening like streaks of lightning as journalists rushed forward with microphones, hoping to secure a headline before the guests disappeared inside.
Morgan Morris slowly parked his Cybertruck near the entrance.
The moment the vehicle stopped, reporters and photographers surrounded it.
Inside the car, Natasha sat frozen.
Her breathing was uneven.
Morgan reached for her hand and squeezed it gently.
"Why are you so nervous?" he asked.
Natasha forced a smile.
"I've never been to a place like this before. I don't want to embarrass you."
Morgan studied her face for a moment before shaking his head.
"You're not going to embarrass me."
"But what if I do something wrong?"
"You won't."
She lowered her gaze.
"I don't want to put you in an uncomfortable situation."
Morgan smiled faintly.
"Have I ever complained about being with you?"
"No."
"Then stop worrying."
Natasha glanced through the tinted window.
Hundreds of eyes seemed to be waiting for them, the cameras, the reporters, the attention. It felt as though the entire world was standing outside the car.
Her heart pounded harder. Morgan noticed.
"You're with me," he said calmly. "Don't be afraid. Nothing is going to happen."
She nodded, though the fear remained.
"Stay here. I'll get the door."
"Okay."
Morgan leaned forward and kissed her softly before stepping out of the vehicle.
Instantly, flashes exploded around him, Ignoring the reporters shouting questions from every direction, he walked around the vehicle and opened Natasha's door.
She stepped out wearing black sunglasses and a long pink evening gown.
The dress flowed elegantly around her figure, making her impossible to ignore.
For a brief moment, even the reporters forgot their questions.
Together, they entered the building, questions followed them from every direction, but neither of them responded.
Security personnel quickly created a path through the crowd and escorted them inside.
The moment Morgan entered the grand hall, he saw someone he had hoped to avoid.
Elena Gilbert, she stood with her father, Gabriel Gilbert, alongside two secretaries.
The second she spotted him, she walked straight toward him.
"I've been waiting for you, darling," Elena said.
Her eyes shifted toward Natasha.
The room gradually fell silent, Morgan didn't hesitate, he wrapped an arm around Natasha's waist.
"She's my fiancée," he said.
Then he added the words that changed everything.
"And I love her."
A stunned silence swept across the hall.
Every conversation stopped, every eye turned toward them, the atmosphere shifted instantly.
What was supposed to be a night of celebration suddenly felt like the beginning of a war, Elena's face turned pale.
She staggered backward as if someone had physically struck her.
Gabriel Gilbert stepped forward, fury burning in his eyes.
"What do you think you're doing?" he demanded. "Do you have any idea how much you've humiliated my daughter?"
Morgan met his gaze without flinching.
"I don't love your daughter."
The words landed like a hammer.
"And I'm not going to pretend otherwise."
The crowd erupted into whispers.
Who was this woman?
Why would Morgan Morris abandon Elena Gilbert?
What made Natasha so special?
Wasn't she the orphan everyone knew about?
The poor girl whose parents had died years ago?
Why choose her over Elena?
Questions spread throughout the hall faster than wildfire.
Elena clenched her fists.
"You think you'll walk away from this?" she asked quietly.
Morgan didn't answer.
Across the room, Thompson Morris watched the confrontation unfold while Ethan stood beside him.
Both men knew something had just changed.
For better or worse.
A voice suddenly echoed through the hall.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please take your seats. The ceremony is about to begin."
The master of ceremonies stood on stage holding a microphone.
Gradually, everyone returned to their tables.
Elena sat beside her father and two secretaries.
Morgan sat with Natasha, his secretary, and his personal assistant, Moscow, who also happened to be his closest friend.
"Dad," Elena whispered, "what are you going to do about this?"
Gabriel's expression remained calm.
"Just watch."
He pulled out his phone and sent a message.
Moments later, a reply appeared, after reading it, he slipped the phone back into his pocket.
"What did you do?" Elena asked.
Gabriel smiled.
"Let's enjoy the show."
Across the room, Thompson noticed the smile.
It wasn't a smile of satisfaction, It was a warning, something was about to happen.
The MC's voice filled the hall once again.
"Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Welcome to the twentieth edition of the Grand Memorial Awards!"
Applause erupted throughout the venue.
"This event remains one of the most prestigious celebrations in the nation. Every year, we gather to honor excellence, innovation, and achievement."
Another round of applause followed.
"First, let's recognize our gracious host and supporter of this year's event—Honorable John Everest!"
John Everest rose from his seat and waved.
The crowd applauded warmly.
"And now, please welcome the President of the World Business Administration, Daniel Bryan!"
Daniel Bryan stood and acknowledged the audience.
More applause followed.
The two men joined the MC on stage.
Rows of awards gleamed beneath the lights.
Morgan watched quietly.
Tonight was supposed to be his night, five years, five consecutive losses, tonight was finally supposed to change everything.
Then Daniel Bryan leaned toward the MC and whispered something into his ear.
The MC frowned, confused, he glanced at Daniel.
Daniel subtly pointed at his wristwatch, the message was clear, proceed.
The MC swallowed hard, then he forced a smile.
"And the winner of this year's Global Business Excellence Award is..."
The entire hall held its breath, Morgan sat forward, Natasha squeezed his hand.
"And the award goes to..."
The MC hesitated.
"...David Craig."
The room exploded into shock.
