Chapter 3 - The Red Carpet ArroganceThe Grand Pinnacle Ballroom at the Beverly Wilshire was blinding. Hundreds of press cameras flashed continuously as California’s wealthiest business leaders, politicians, and celebrities made their way down the crimson carpet.
Spencer Albright walked with his head held high, puffing his chest out in his custom tuxedo. Beside him, Cassandra preened for the cameras in a plunging emerald gown, holding onto his arm like a trophy. Patricia Albright trailed behind them, draped in mink fur, smiling proudly at the reporters.
"Mr. Albright!" a reporter from Forbes shouted, pushing a microphone forward. "Is it true that Albright Enterprises is securing a two-hundred-million-dollar investment from Crawford Capital tonight?!"
Spencer paused, flashing a practiced, charming smile for the cameras.
"Albright Enterprises is always expanding," Spencer declared smoothly. "Tonight marks a massive milestone for our firm. We are cutting away the dead weight and aligning ourselves with real global power."
Cassandra giggled, leaning into the microphone. "And Spencer is donating fifty thousand dollars to the Children’s Dental Health Foundation tonight! Isn't he wonderful?"
Behind them, Patricia beamed. "Family values have always been our highest priority, darling. We believe in discipline, elegance, and proper lineage."
Inside the ballroom, the crowd raised their champagne glasses as Spencer and his entourage made their way toward the VIP table near the main stage.
"Where is your miserable wife, Spencer?" Patricia asked, adjusting her mink stole as they sat down. "She's probably crying in that little storage room, trying to figure out how she'll survive without your allowance."
Spencer snorted in contempt, taking a glass of expensive champagne from a passing waiter. "Gwen is a pathetic nobody. By tomorrow morning, the divorce papers will be finalized, and I'll have full custody of Hazel. Cassandra needs a little servant girl at home anyway."
Cassandra clapped her hands in delight. "Oh, I can't wait! I'm going to make her sweep the patio every single morning."
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Suddenly, the heavy double doors at the main entrance of the ballroom slammed open with a booming thud.
The music stopped. The flashing cameras turned away from the stage. A collective gasp echoed across the three thousand guests filling the room.
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