Chapter 9 - The Power ShiftElizabeth looked around the room, expecting the society figures, the board members, and her wealthy friends to rally behind her, to express shock and outrage at her banishment.
Instead, she was met with cold, averted eyes.
In the ruthless world of high finance and elite society, power shifts quickly. Ethan Blackwell held the reins of the empire, and anyone who sided with a disgraced, bitter old woman was signing their own professional death warrant.
"You'll regret this," Elizabeth hissed, her voice trembling with impotent rage as tears of pure humiliation welled in her eyes. "All of you! You're letting a maid destroy everything we built!"
"Security," Ethan commanded, his voice absolute. "Escort Mrs. Blackwell off the property. Permanently."
Two large, imposing security guards stepped forward, gently but firmly taking Elizabeth by the arms. She thrashed against them, screaming curses, but the heavy oak doors opened and she was dragged out into the cold night air, the doors slamming shut behind her with a definitive, booming thud.
The ballroom remained dead silent for three agonizing seconds.
Then, one of the senior board members—a notoriously harsh billionaire investor who had once scoffed at Lily—slowly raised a glass of champagne.
"To Mr. and Mrs. Blackwell," the investor said loudly, breaking the tension. "May the new era of the company be as resilient as its new matriarch."
A wave of murmurs rippled through the crowd, followed instantly by polite, enthusiastic applause. Glasses clinked, the orchestra struck up a vibrant jazz melody, and the party resumed with a frantic, eager energy.
Lily let out a long, shaky breath, leaning her head against Ethan's shoulder.
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"You okay?" Ethan whispered, kissing the top of her head.
Lily looked up at him, a radiant, triumphant smile breaking across her face. "Never better, Mr. Blackwell."
