Chapter 40

The grand ballroom of the Gray mansion was a dazzling spectacle, adorned with elegant decorations and the soft hum of conversation. Guests mingled, their laughter echoing off the high ceilings, as they gathered to celebrate a pivotal moment in the Gray family legacy: the announcement of Lily Everhart as the new CEO.

Lily stood at the entrance, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and nerves. Dressed in a sleek black dress that radiated confidence, she felt ready to embrace her new role. This was not just a job; it was her chance to redefine herself.

As the clock struck eight, Robert Gray took the stage, commanding the attention of everyone in the room. “Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his voice resonating with authority, “tonight, we celebrate a new chapter in our family business. I am proud to announce that our new CEO is none other than Lily Everhart!”

A wave of applause erupted, and Lily felt a rush of adrenaline. She stepped forward, her smile bright as she took the microphone. “Thank you, everyone. I am truly honored to take on this role. Together, we will lead this company into a new era of innovation and success.”

Cheers filled the room, and as she scanned the crowd, her gaze landed on Ethan and Lewis, who stood together near the bar. She felt a jolt of surprise at seeing Lewis; he wasn’t supposed to be here. Their rivalry was well-known, and the tension between them was palpable.

After her speech, she moved through the crowd, accepting congratulations and engaging with guests. As she approached Ethan and Lewis, the air thickened with unspoken animosity.

“Congratulations, Lily,” Lewis said, extending his hand, his demeanor surprisingly cordial. “You’ve earned this. I didn’t expect to see you here.”

Lily shook his hand, still processing his presence. “Thanks, Lewis. But why are you here? I thought you had no interest in the Gray family company.”

“I’m one of the investors,” he replied smoothly, a hint of pride in his voice. “I believe in the potential of this company—and in you.”

Ethan’s expression darkened at the exchange, his jealousy evident. “What a coincidence, Lewis. I didn’t expect to see you here either. I hope you’re not planning anything underhanded.”

“Just here to support the new CEO,” Lewis shot back, a smirk on his face. The tension between the two men was electric, and Lily felt caught in the middle.

“Let’s keep this professional, shall we?” Lily interjected, her voice steady. “I appreciate your support, Lewis, but let’s focus on the future.”

Ethan crossed his arms, clearly unimpressed. “We’ll see how long that lasts.”

Lily turned her attention back to the crowd, determined to shake off the negativity. She was no longer defined by her past with Ethan or the rivalry with Lewis; she was the CEO, and she intended to lead with confidence.

As the night progressed, Lily found herself laughing and connecting with guests, her charisma drawing people in. She felt liberated, ready to forge her own path without fear of judgment.

Later, as the music played softly, she caught Lewis’s eye again. “Can we talk?” she asked, leading him to a quieter corner of the ballroom.

“Lewis,” she said, her voice steady yet commanding. “What do you want from me? I know you didn’t just invest in the Gray family company out of the goodness of your heart. You’ve made it clear how you feel about Ethan and his family.”

Lewis leaned against the wall, a casual smile playing on his lips, but there was something inscrutable in his eyes. “I trust the new CEO,” he replied, his tone light but with an underlying seriousness that made Lily’s heart race.

“Trust? You’ve hated the Grays for as long as I can remember. Why would you suddenly decide to support me?” Lily pressed, her brow furrowing in confusion. She could sense there was more to his investment than he was letting on.

“I believe in potential, Lily. Yours, specifically,” he said, his smile widening slightly. “You’re not just another Gray. You are Everhart. You have vision, and I want to be part of that.”

Lily narrowed her eyes, scrutinizing his expression. “Are you playing some kind of game? Because if you’re trying to undermine Ethan or the family, I won’t be a pawn in your scheme.”

Lewis’s gaze remained steady, his confidence unshaken. “I’m not here to play games. I want to see the company thrive, and I believe you can make that happen. Besides, my issues with the Grays are my own. They don’t involve you.”

Her mind raced with questions. Was he being genuine, or was there a hidden agenda? The tension between them was palpable, and Lily felt a mix of intrigue and wariness. She wanted to trust him, but the history between their families loomed large.

Just then, from across the room, Ethan’s eyes locked onto the scene. His heart sank as he watched Lily and Lewis standing together, their conversation seemingly intimate. A fire ignited within him, burning with jealousy.

“What’s going on over there?” He muttered under his breath, his frustration bubbling to the surface.

As Lewis strolled away, a confident smile lingering on his lips, Ethan felt a surge of anger rising within him. The sight of Lily standing there, clearly engaged in conversation with his family’s enemy, ignited a fire of jealousy that he couldn’t ignore. He clenched his jaw, his fists tightening at his sides, as he moved toward her with purpose.

“What were you two talking about?” Ethan demanded, his voice low but laced with intensity as he reached her side.

Lily crossed her arms, her expression defiant. “None of your business, Ethan.”

His frustration boiled over. "Not my business? You’re talking to the guy who has openly despised my family for years! You can’t just brush this off like it’s nothing.”

“It’s not like that!” she shot back, her voice rising slightly. “You don’t get to dictate who I talk to or what I do. You’re nothing to me now.”

Ethan reached out and grabbed her wrist, his grip firm but not painful. “Come with me,” he said, his voice low and urgent, as he began to pull her away from the crowd.

“What are you doing?” Lily protested, trying to pull her arm free, but he didn’t relent. He led her through the thrumming ballroom, past guests who barely noticed their heated exchange.

Ethan’s heart raced as he navigated through the throng, finally reaching the door to his old bedroom. He pushed it open and stepped inside, dragging her with him. Once inside, he locked the door behind them, the click of the latch echoing ominously in the quiet room.