Chapter 18: Dear niece
Greg, a grumpy-looking bodyguard with a permanent scowl, met Ashley halfway into the hall and informed her that Mikael needed her presence. Ashley's heart hammered in her chest.
She looked ahead and saw Mikael already on the podium, a young guy setting the mic for him. She glanced at Lorenzo who offered her an encouraging nod.
"You've got this." he whispered, making Ashley's heart skip a beat.
"Thank you." she murmured, grateful for the encouragement which she needed at the moment, her anger towards him briefly forgotten.
She had been so caught up in the Harringtons' drama that she hadn't even noticed when the event had progressed this far.
"Good evening..." Mikael began. "After decades of building and growing numerous businesses and empires, I've come to realize that it's time for me to take a well deserved rest..."
A wave of nervousness crashed over Ashley as she navigated her way through the sea of people, and towards the six stairs stage.
She could sense Lorenzo trailing behind, and recalled he was still carrying her handbag. Her heart raced at the thought everything that had happened before that moment. How Lorenzo had defended her against the Harringtons, something no one had ever done before.
But it still didn't nullify the fact that hed used and dumped her in the past, disappearing for eight years.
Ashley couldn't understand what he wanted from her now or his connection to the Flynns.
"...I've worked tirelessly to create a legacy that will outlast me, so my companies need a capable hand to guide them into the future..." Mikael continued, pausing as Ashley reached the foot of the stage. He stretched out his hand which she accepted.