Chapter 52: Ladies and Gentlemen, My wife
The grand ballroom of the old Anderson mansion was alive with the hum of laughter and clinking glasses.
Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the room, their light reflecting off the polished mahogany walls and the gold-framed portraits of the Anderson family lineage.
Associates from the firm mingled with junior lawyers, all dressed in their finest, celebrating the victory of the most difficult case the firm had seen in years. The air was thick with anticipation—everyone was waiting for the man of the hour, Ethan Anderson.
Steph, Ethan’s assistant, stood near the entrance, nervously checking his watch. He had suggested the mansion as the venue, thinking its historic grandeur would be the perfect backdrop for such a momentous occasion, and as well to help Ethan deal with Mr. Anderson Sr. But now, with Ethan running late, he could feel the tension building.
Mr. Anderson Sr., the patriarch of the Anderson family, stood in the center of the room, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. His silver hair and tailored suit gave him an air of authority, but his clenched jaw betrayed his impatience. He turned to Steph, his voice cutting through the chatter like a blade.
"Steph," he barked, his tone icy. "Where is that grandson of mine? He’s the reason we’re all here, and yet he can’t be bothered to show up on time?"
Steph swallowed hard, forcing a polite smile. "He’s on his way, Mr. Anderson. He texted me a few minutes ago. He should be here any moment."
Mr. Anderson Sr. huffed, his displeasure evident. "Unacceptable. This is a celebration of his victory, and he’s keeping everyone waiting."
Across the room, Ethan’s mother, Bella Anderson, leaned against the bar, her elegant gown shimmering under the chandelier light.
She held a glass of champagne in one hand, her expression a mix of amusement and resignation. She knew her son well—too well.
And she knew that wherever Ethan was, drama wasn’t far behind with his ongoing divorce with Mara, she wondered how he was going to bring her to the party. She caught the eye of a passing waiter and snatched another glass from his tray, downing it in one swift motion.