Chapter 7 - The Grand Entrance
An hour later, the main reception in the Grand Ballroom was reaching its peak. The live band was playing upbeat jazz, lights were flashing, and guests were mingling near the open bars.
My family—Mom, Derek, and Christina—were standing near the head table, holding glasses of vintage champagne, entirely unaware of the nuclear explosion that had just occurred in the executive suite.
They were busy boasting to a group of Trevor's wealthy relatives.
"Yes, Derek is looking at buying a vacation home down here," Mom was gushing loudly. "We just love the exclusivity of Crystal Bay. It really attracts the right class of people!"
"It certainly does," Derek agreed, taking a sip of his whiskey. "You can always spot the people who don't belong here. Like my other sister, for instance. She had to sit in the back row during the ceremony because her dress looked like it came from a bargain bin."
Christina snickered. "Honestly, I don't know why she even came. It's embarrassing."
At that exact moment, the heavy double doors at the main entrance of the ballroom swung open.
Michael Chin stepped inside first, followed by two senior security directors in dark suits. Michael walked over to the band leader, whispered a brief instruction, and the music instantly died down to a quiet lull.
The room fell quiet as guests turned to look toward the entrance.
I stepped through the double doors.
I was no longer wearing the simple navy blue dress. I had changed into a floor-length, custom-tailored black velvet gown—a stunning piece designed by an Italian house, paired with a subtle, breathtaking diamond necklace that Marcus had given me for our anniversary. My hair was swept up in an elegant, effortless style.
Behind me walked four senior resort executives, carrying tablet folders.
Mom’s eyes widened in absolute shock as she saw me walking down the center aisle of the ballroom. "What is she wearing?! Where did she get that dress?!"
Derek narrowed his eyes, his face flushing with immediate annoyance. "Is she crazy? What is she doing walking in with the management team?!"
Derek pushed his way past the guests, marching toward me with his finger pointed. "Maya! What are you doing?! Get out of the center of the room! You're ruining the reception!"
I didn't stop walking. I didn't even look at him.
Michael Chin stepped between Derek and me, placing a firm, unyielding hand on Derek’s chest. "Step back, sir."
"Do you know who I am?!" Derek shouted, trying to shove past Michael. "I'm the bride's brother! Get this woman out of here!"
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Michael looked Derek straight in the eye, his voice amplified by the microphone clipped to his lapel, echoing clearly through the silent, crowded ballroom.
"Sir, you are speaking to Miss Maya Campbell—the Chairwoman, Founder, and Owner of Crystal Bay Resort and Spa."
