In the grand hall of Starlight Hotel, a hotel known to be the biggest in the country, men and women of nobility gathered together to celebrate the anniversary of Ashford Group, a company that has contributed even to the economy of the country.
Diana Ashford stood in a beautiful white gown, a smile on her face. Her eyes lit up when she saw the First Lady of the country. She quickly walked over to greet her.
"I'm so glad you could make it," Diana said warmly.
Penelope smiled and greeted Diana with a kiss on her cheek, "I would be mad not to attend an event like this, especially after everything the Ashford family has done for my husband and this country."
Diana laughed softly and said, "I guess you are the only one feeling grateful because Mr.President isn't here."
"Come on, Diana, you know he would be here if he could."
Diana nodded as she took a sip of her champagne and then said, "Let's forget about that. Did you take care of it?"
Penelope chuckled and collected a glass of champagne from the waiter passing as she said, "I left no trace. You can relax. As long as you make sure that my husband is able to run for president for the second time, then I will personally be your shield."
"That is good to know, but I can't relax yet."
"I think you worry too much. Gael is outside of the country, following his career, while Henrick has denounced being the old man's heir. Do you really need me to tell you that this family and all of its wealth are in your hands?" Penelope said with a smile.
Diana smiled and replied, "You are right. I just have to wait for that old man to kick the bucket, and then everything will be in its rightful place."
Penelope felt cold after Diana spoke. Diana was her college friend, and even back then, she knew that she was one not to mess with. How she became a member of the Ashford family still amazes her today; maybe Samuel fell for her beauty.
While everyone was busy mingling with one another, a middle-aged man dressed in an expensive suit walked to the podium with a mic in his hand and then said, "Good evening, everyone. I would like to thank every one of you that has taken your time to attend the anniversary of the Ashford Group".
Samuel Ashford, the man who stood on the podium, smiled as the reporters kept taking pictures of him.
"Years ago, my father, Maxwell Ashford, started this company from nothing. What began as a small construction firm is now a global business worth billions, with many branches around the world. Tonight, we not only celebrate this success—we also celebrate the man behind it."
Everyone clapped as Chairman Maxwell Ashford walked onto the stage.
Though he was in his seventies, he moved with ease, his posture straight and his steps steady. Years of healthy eating and regular exercise had kept him fit, giving him more strength and energy than most men his age. While time had left traces on his face and hair, his sharp mind and confident presence made him seem younger. People often said he still had the spirit of a man in his fifties, and as he stood before them, it was easy to believe.
Samuel passed the mic to his father and stood by his side.
Chairman Ashford cleared his throat, and before he could speak, a reporter asked, "Is it true that your two grandsons are not interested in the Ashford group? Is this why none of them are here tonight?"
"Is it true that Henrick Ashford denounces the title of being your heir? Is this why no one has heard anything from him?" Another reporter asked.
"Since your two biological grandsons are not interested in the Ashford group, does that mean your adopted grandson Lucas Ashford will be named your heir?"
"If you keep asking these questions, then we will be forced to ask you to leave." Samuel said sternly.
Maxwell smiled and asked, "Why should they be forced to leave? It's not like they have asked the wrong question."
"But, Father..."
Chairman Ashford interrupted whatever his son wanted to say by replying to the reporter's question. "The Ashford group is my sweat and blood, and no man would love for an outsider to one day control everything he has built with his own hand."
Lucas, who was standing beside his mother, clenched his champagne glass after hearing his grandfather's words, but Diana held his hand gently, signaling for him to calm down.
People watch as an older man who seems close in age with Chairman Ashford walks to the stage to whisper something in his ear.
Maxwell smiled as the man spoke and focused his attention back on the reporters. "It is true that Henrick has refused to be my heir, but this has not changed my decision to fill the position of the CEO of Ashford Group. While my son is capable of running the company, it is always wise to give the young ones a chance, and that is why, my beloved grandson, Gael Ashford, will be appointed as the new CEO of Ashford Group."
On cue, the door to the hall opened, and both Gael and Andrea walked in, her hand wrapped around his arm.
Andrea stood frozen when she saw that literally everybody was looking at them, and she wondered what was happening.
Has she perhaps worn the wrong clothes, or was there something on her face?
Confused on why all eyes were on them, Andrea heard Gael's calm and steady voice: "Do not show you are nervous."
Chairman Ashford's voice brought everybody's attention back to him as he said, "With a round of applause, let us welcome Gael Ashford, the new CEO of the Ashford Group, and his wife, Andrea Ashford."