Chapter 407

Author's pov An hour later, the celebration was officially over. Most of the guests had been politely shown out, leaving only the Blacks, Coles, and Lawsons behind. Why were they still here ? Because the night wasn't finished yet. Martha had gathered everyone in the main house's grand receiving room. Some announcements needed witnesses, while others were better kept private. The room was huge, with high ceilings, polished wood floors, and enough seats for a hundred people. Four elegant sofa sets stood in the center, and Martha gestured for the Cole patriarch and the other elders to take the main seats. "Please, sit wherever you like, "she said to the rest, though most instinctively grouped up with their own packs. A huge crystal chandelier hung above them, spreading light over silk dresses and diamond jewelry. The room looked like something from a luxury magazine, perfect on the outside but tense inside. Everyone sat up straight, pretending to stay calm while curiosity and doubt filled