Chapter 8 - A New Declaration
A month after the trial, Victor held a press conference in the ballroom of the Drake Hotel downtown.
Over two hundred journalists gathered, expecting a corporate announcement regarding Blackwood Shipping's new international logistics contracts.
Victor walked up to the podium wearing a dark blue suit. Standing beside the stage was Lily, holding two-year-old Ethan, who waved his small hand at the flashing cameras.
"Ladies and gentlemen," Victor addressed the crowd, his voice commanding absolute silence. "For the past five years, the Blackwood name has been associated with power, commerce, and conflict."
He looked over at Lily, offering her a rare, captivating smile that caught the reporters off guard.
"Today, I am announcing the complete restructuring of Blackwood Holdings into a charitable foundation dedicated to pediatric healthcare and child protection services across Illinois," Victor announced. "The Ethan Blackwood Foundation will be endowed with two hundred million dollars in initial capital."
The room erupted in loud gasps and flashing camera lights.
"Furthermore," Victor continued, looking directly at Lily, "I am stepping down as active managing director of shipping operations to focus entirely on my family."
He walked off the stage, stepping directly up to Lily. Before the eyes of every major news crew in the city, Victor dropped to one knee on the carpeted floor.
Lily caught her breath, her hand flying to her mouth.
Victor pulled a velvet box from his pocket, revealing a flawless, emerald-cut diamond ring that shimmered under the ballroom lights.
"Lily Carver," Victor said, his voice filled with an undeniable, raw sincerity. "You brought light into a house that was consumed by shadows. You saved my son, and in doing so, you saved me. Will you do us the honor of becoming my wife and mother to our son?"
May you like
Tears of pure happiness spilled down Lily’s cheeks as she nodded rapidly. "Yes, Victor! Yes!"
The ballroom broke into thunderous applause as Victor stood up, drawing Lily and Ethan into a warm, protective embrace, kissing her tenderly before the entire world.
