Chapter 13: Huge announcement

Inside the top-floor executive office of the Hawke Corporation, the air was oppressively tense.

"You have a meeting in twenty minutes, and you’re still obsessing over that catalogue. Just pick any birthday gift and get done with it," Leon leaned back on the leather sofa, crossing his ankles, "I’ve played your driver and secretary for years, Callahan, but this week? Your life is better than a prime-time drama."

Callahan didn’t look up as his long fingers flipped a page, looking at the list of items with mild interest, "Did you find what I asked for?"

A knock cut through the silence before a head of security walked in, placing a solid black, red-stamped file directly on the mahogany desk.

Once the door closed, Leon picked up the folder, his eyes glinting with a visible intrigue as he walked towards Callahan, "Sienna and your little brother were the golden couple of high society. Everyone thought they were getting married, until they broke up overnight without a word and just like you, barely anybody was aware of this breakup until now. It’s quite a mystery but... this should have some answers."

As Callahan took the file and flipped it open, he said, "Prepare the car."

"Are you heading to the Gala?! I will be on it right away!"

The Qing Empire’s Annual Gala was the undisputed crown jewel of Amethyst City’s elite.

The Qing Empire was the biggest hotel empire of Country Z. And every big shot of the country or even the royalty from faraway countries were associated with it in one way or the other, elevating its status even further.

Flashes blinded the entrance as Daniel, Beth, and Kira walked the red carpet, posing like a picture-perfect family for the national press.

Kira waved at the socialites and stepped away from her family, making her way towards Seth who was sitting in a quiet corner.

"How do I look?" Dressed in a pale pink gown, she looked like a delicate beauty, soft and gentle like a lotus.

Seth took a sip of his scotch as he answered, "Beautiful, as always."

Before Kira could preen, a collective gasp violently ripped through the ballroom.

Cameras abruptly swung away from the main stage, panning toward the grand marble entrance.

Sienna Qing had arrived.

Kira opened her mouth to say something but at this moment, the crowd erupted in a row of gasps and murmurs.

"Look over there!" Someone’s voice rose.

"The star of the show is here!"

The cameras flashed away, panning at the entrance. Dressed in a beautiful royal blue glue gown, Sienna entered the venue. She had an elegant pearl choker around her neck, and a pearl clutch. Her hair was tied up in an elegant updo and there was a small smile on her face.

She did not stop to answer the media members nor did she wave at the socialites yet her aura was undeniable.

Whether it was the way she was dressed or the way she strode with purpose, everything about it was grand, flamboyant, she was like a striking rose that refused to hide her beauty. The kind that was dangerous yet had some kind of allure to it.

Kira’s eyes flashed as she looked at Sienna’s dress, the shade of blue that she would have considered too tacky, but the color seemed to bloom when Sienna wore it, making her look like the center of attraction.

Meanwhile her pale pink dress seemed to be a part of the background, fading in with all the beiges and whites that already occupied the place.

"Sister’s dress turned out to be beautiful, didn’t it...?" Kira whispered.

Receiving no answer, she turned, only to see Seth staring at Sienna like a man dying of thirst. He choked on his whiskey, the ice clinking violently against the glass as his eyes hungrily tracked every curve of Sienna’s body.

"Seth!" Kira hissed under her breath.

Seth forced his eyes away, though his knuckles remained white around his glass. "It’s nothing."

Kira inhaled a deep breath before smiling, "Today, Daddy is going to make some big announcement. After that, I have a surprise for you. Are you excited for it?"

Seth smiled and kissed the corner of her lips, "You are the biggest gift of my life. What else do I need?"

"You will love it!" Kira’s eyes softened, "I will return to my parents’ side before anyone sees us together. I don’t just want to be accused of having an affair with my sister’s ex-boyfriend."

"Kira, you know it is not like that. She never meant anything to me, not as much as you do," the man looked at her solemnly.

Kira smiled, ’’I know, but the world doesn’t. Everybody still remembers you and her as the golden couple even though you are no longer together. But don’t worry, after tonight, it will be only you and me."

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Daniel Qing’s voice suddenly boomed through the speakers as he stepped up to the main microphone, commanding the room, "Tonight marks the pinnacle of the Qing Empire’s global success. And on this special occasion, I have an announcement to make!"

The socialites surrounding Sienna immediately began whispering in high-pitched excitement.

"It’s about you, Miss Qing!"

"Master Qing is finally declaring you his official successor! What a brilliant birthday gift!"

Sienna did not respond to them as she turned to look at her father. Before today, she knew that the matter of her father declaring an heir was just a rumor to create buzz about the business. It was more of a publicity stunt.

But suddenly, she wasn’t sure of it anymore.

Up on stage, Daniel’s eyes swept over the crowd before landing on Kira. His face lit up with genuine warmth, extending his hand outward to invite Kira up under the spotlight.

"On this unforgettable night," Daniel announced, his voice echoing across the ballroom, "I am proud to officially declare my daughter, Kira Qing, as the sole global ambassador and heir to the Qing Empire!"