My hand rested protectively over my stomach.
My baby moved slightly.
A reminder.
I wasn't standing there only for myself anymore.
A sound came from the entrance.
At first, nobody noticed.
Then the ballroom doors opened.
Slowly.
Security guards stepped inside.
Behind them walked a man in a dark tailored suit.
Silver hair.
Straight posture.
Cold eyes.
The entire room became quiet.
Because everyone recognized him.
Richard Carter.
The founder of Carter International Holdings.
A billionaire whose name appeared on buildings, hospitals, universities, and investment firms across the country.
The man newspapers called:
"The Invisible King of American Business."
Chloe's face changed instantly.
Her confidence disappeared.
Eleanor's mouth fell slightly open.
Dominic finally looked up.
"Dad?"
The man ignored him.
His eyes found me.
His daughter.
The daughter he had spent years protecting from a world that judged before understanding.
He walked directly toward me.