Chapter 5 A Seat Reserved for the King

Chapter 5: A Seat Reserved for the King

By seven o'clock the following evening, the Grand Imperial Hotel was glowing beneath thousands of golden lights. Luxury cars lined the entrance, reporters crowded behind security barriers, and the country's wealthiest businessmen, celebrities, and politicians walked across the red carpet while cameras flashed from every direction. The Carter Group's Annual Charity Gala was more than a fundraising event—it was the most prestigious gathering in the business world. An invitation alone was enough to prove that a person belonged among the nation's elite.

When the Hawthorne family's convoy arrived, Gregory stepped out first, wearing a confident smile despite the financial crisis surrounding his company. Isabella followed in a silver evening gown that immediately drew the attention of photographers. Marcus adjusted his expensive suit and glanced around with pride.

"This is more like it," he said. "Once we secure Carter Group's support, everything will return to normal."

Gregory nodded, though his confidence was forced. He had spent the entire day trying to discover why his business partners had abandoned him, but every door remained closed. The invitation from Carter Group now represented his only chance to stabilize Hawthorne Holdings.

Inside the ballroom, crystal chandeliers illuminated hundreds of elegantly decorated tables. A massive stage stood at the center, surrounded by business leaders whose combined wealth could influence the entire country's economy. Waiters moved quietly between guests while a string orchestra performed in the background.

The Hawthorne family had attended many charity galas before, but nothing compared to the scale of this event.

Marcus scanned the room excitedly.

"If we can meet Chairman William Carter tonight, our problems are solved."

Gregory agreed.

"Remember, maintain your composure. One successful conversation could change our future."

They had barely taken a few steps before a hotel manager approached with several attendants behind him.

"Good evening, Chairman Hawthorne."

Gregory smiled politely.

"I assume you've prepared our seats."

"Of course, sir."

The manager consulted his tablet before leading them deeper into the ballroom.

The farther they walked, the more confused Gregory became.

The front tables were reserved for international investors.

The second row belonged to cabinet ministers and banking executives.

The third was occupied by famous entrepreneurs.

Instead of stopping near the front, the manager continued walking until they reached a table near the back of the ballroom.

Gregory frowned.

"There must be some mistake."

The manager remained courteous.

"I'm sorry, Chairman Hawthorne. These are the seats assigned to your family."

Marcus immediately lost his temper.

"My grandfather is one of the city's most respected businessmen. How dare you seat us back here?"

Several nearby guests turned to look.

The manager maintained his professional smile.

"Seat assignments were personally approved by the acting chairman."

Gregory's expression stiffened.

"The acting chairman?"

"I wasn't aware Chairman William Carter had appointed one."

"I'm afraid that's all the information I can provide."

With a respectful bow, the manager walked away.

Marcus clenched his fists.

"This is humiliating."

Gregory forced himself to remain calm.

"We're guests. Don't create a scene."

Although he spoke confidently, a feeling of unease settled in his chest. Carter Group had always treated important business partners with exceptional respect. Why had they suddenly pushed the Hawthorne family to the back of the room?

Across the ballroom, hidden behind a wall of tinted glass overlooking the event, Ethan watched everything unfold in silence.

Samuel stood beside him.

"They've arrived."

"I know."

"Would you like to meet them now?"

Ethan slowly shook his head.

"Not yet."

His gaze remained fixed on Isabella.

She looked exactly as she had on the day she handed him the divorce papers—graceful, elegant, and composed.

Yet something was different.

Instead of confidence, there was uncertainty in her eyes.

Samuel spoke quietly.

"Young Master, she has been asking questions about you since the divorce."

Ethan smiled faintly.

"Curiosity comes after certainty disappears."

Samuel couldn't help smiling.

The Young Master had changed.

Three years of silent endurance had been replaced by quiet confidence that required no display of power.

At that moment, the ballroom lights dimmed.

The orchestra stopped playing.

Every guest instinctively turned toward the stage.

The master of ceremonies walked to the microphone.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining us at this year's Carter Group Annual Charity Gala."

Thunderous applause filled the room.

"It is my great honor to welcome the founder of Carter Group, Chairman William Carter."

William slowly stepped onto the stage, receiving a standing ovation from every guest.

Even Gregory stood and applauded respectfully.

William thanked everyone before continuing.

"For many years, Carter Group has been blessed with remarkable leaders and loyal partners. Tonight, however, marks the beginning of a new era."

The ballroom became completely silent.

William smiled warmly.

"After searching for fifteen years, my family has finally been reunited."

A murmur swept through the crowd.

"My grandson has returned."

The words spread through the ballroom like wildfire.

Business leaders immediately began whispering among themselves.

"The missing heir?"

"He's alive?"

"I thought he died years ago."

William raised his hand for silence.

"Beginning tonight, he will officially assume leadership of Carter Group."

The Hawthorne family exchanged puzzled glances.

None of them had ever heard of the Carter heir.

William continued, his voice filled with pride.

"I have spent fifteen years waiting for this moment."

"He is the future of our family."

"He is the future of Carter Group."

Gregory leaned toward Marcus and whispered, "No matter who he is, we must build a relationship with him tonight."

Marcus nodded immediately.

"If we gain his support, Hawthorne Holdings will recover."

At the back of the ballroom, Isabella remained strangely quiet.

For reasons she couldn't explain, her heartbeat had begun to race.

She felt as though something life-changing was about to happen.

William smiled toward the side entrance of the stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen..."

"It is my greatest honor to introduce the new acting chairman of Carter Group..."

The grand doors beside the stage slowly opened.

The entire ballroom turned to look.

A tall figure dressed in a perfectly tailored black suit stepped into the light.

For a heartbeat, no one moved.

Gregory's eyes widened.

Marcus froze.

Isabella's champagne glass slipped from her trembling fingers and shattered against the marble floor.

She stared at the man walking calmly toward the stage, her face turning pale.

It couldn't be.

It was impossible.

The man receiving a standing ovation from the most powerful people in the country...

The man William Carter welcomed with pride...

The man every billionaire in the room had already begun applauding...

Was the same husband she had divorced less than forty-eight hours ago.

And as Ethan lifted his eyes, they met Isabella's across the silent ballroom.

He didn't smile.

He didn't show anger.

He simply looked at her as though she were now a stranger.

That single glance hurt far more than any words ever could.