Chapter 3

"I was just on the phone with Geoffrey a couple of minutes ago. He didn't mention feeling unwell," Gizanne said.

Tamara's face went white in an instant. Her lips trembled, but not a single word came out. That reaction alone said more than any explanation could.

Gizanne's heart sank. She realized something was wrong. Just as her patience was wearing thin, the lights in the banquet hall dimmed, and a spotlight hit the center of the stage.

The host announced with great enthusiasm that the welcome dinner for new hires had officially begun.

Then, Dorothy, who was dressed in a crisp new suit and beaming with confidence, stepped onto the stage. Basking in the attention from the audience, she cleared her throat and announced in a measured, theatrical tone, "Good evening, distinguished leaders and fellow colleagues!

"Today is a day worth celebrating, because our company has once again welcomed a fresh wave of talent. After three months of rigorous evaluation, a select group of outstanding interns has risen to the top. These interns are about to become official members of our company!"

Polite applause rose from the floor.

Gizanne sat in the VIP section at the corner, her fingers tightening ever so slightly around her wine glass. Her cold gaze was fixed on Dorothy.

Dorothy's voice suddenly rose. Her face could barely conceal her smugness. "Next, I will announce the names of those who have successfully converted to permanent positions!"

She picked up her cue card and began reading, "From the technical department, Elroy Patton and Michael Lennox. From the administrative department, Linabeth Smith…"

Each name was met with a small burst of cheers and applause.

Gizanne's expression, however, grew darker by the second. The air around her grew so heavy that the executives nearby who had been hoping to approach her with drinks thought better of it.

"And finally," Dorothy said, deliberately drawing out the words to build suspense. Her face broke into a fawning smile.

"I would like to give a special introduction to our marketing department's rising star. Not only did he contribute several outstanding creative ideas to the company during his internship, but his performance was also leagues ahead of everyone else.

"Let's give a round of applause to the future star of our company—Ethan Holte!"

The spotlight instantly swung onto Ethan, who was seated in the audience. Dressed in a designer suit, he rose elegantly and waved to his colleagues around him, wearing that restrained, proud smile of a winner.

The loudest applause of the evening filled the hall.

Dorothy continued her lengthy praise from the stage. "Mr. Holte's excellence speaks for itself. His addition will undoubtedly bring renewed energy to Miller Corporation! Let us once again applaud and officially welcome Ethan to our team!"

Thunderous applause followed.

Gizanne's gaze swept past Ethan without the slightest pause and landed back on Dorothy's face. She listened quietly until Dorothy folded her cue card and announced with a beaming smile, "That concludes the announcement."

Gizanne had not heard the name she most wanted to hear—Geoffrey Miller. Her younger brother Geoffrey's name was not on the list.

Amid the unending applause and congratulations, Gizanne rose to her feet. Her expression was ice-cold. She set her wine glass down on the table heavily. The dull thud was barely audible in the noise, but it was enough to make those nearby flinch.

She strode forward, ignoring every pair of eyes on her, and headed straight for the brightly lit stage.

The crowd parted before her, and the applause faded, replaced by silent astonishment as everyone watched their stern, unapproachable boss, wondering what she intended to do.

Dorothy, who was still basking in the glow of her flawless hosting, turned around only to find Gizanne's icy face inches from hers. The smile on Dorothy's face froze instantly. She stammered, "M-Ms. Miller, you…"

Gizanne paid her no attention. Reaching out, she took the microphone straight from Dorothy, who was startled. A sharp buzz of feedback echoed through the hall, and the room fell utterly silent.

Gizanne's freezing gaze swept over every bewildered face in the audience. Her voice, amplified by the microphone, rang clearly through the hall.

"What about my brother, Geoffrey?"