Chapter 23: Engagement
The hall was silent—dead silent—until a few guests began to murmur amongst themselves, glancing at one another with raised eyebrows and curious expressions.
Perhaps the host didn't say his name clearly?
Shin Keir, in the center of it all, remained completely unbothered. He sipped his wine like he was in the front row of a theater play he'd already seen ten times.
The murmurs grew louder, gaining momentum like a wave of gossip preparing to crash.
In response, the flustered host attempted to recover with a nervous laugh. "Ahem—Let us hear CEO Shin Keir and Miss Calin Ricci."
Eleanor Keir clapped as though she'd just solved world peace. "Do they want a birthday speech from you? Son, If you're not ready, don't worry—Mommy can do it!"
Shin smirked, lifting his glass in a lazy toast. "Sure."
Before Calin could step in to steer the situation back on track, Eleanor— pulled her along to the stage like a proud pageant mom.
"Good evening, everyone!" Eleanor beamed with the poise of a former socialite who had taken one too many champagne sips. "Family and friends, thank you for coming tonight!"
Despite her... unstable tendencies, her socialite training hadn't entirely deserted her. Her voice was clear, her posture straight, and her presence commanding. Unfortunately, the effect was more terrifying than impressive.
Elder Madam Keir, who had just arrived at the stage's edge, turned ghostly pale. She had made a grave mistake—how had she forgotten the family's ticking bomb that was Eleanor Keir?