Chapter 6 - The Toast Alden Planned
Alden tapped the microphone.
Conversation faded as guests turned toward the stage.
“My friends,” he began, “today we celebrate more than a marriage. We celebrate the continuation of a legacy.”
Lucas’s expression tightened.
Evelyn returned to the head table but remained standing.
Maren stayed near the banquet table.
Alden spoke about the company, the family name and the generations of Rowe men who had built an empire from the sea.
He mentioned Thomas.
He mentioned Lucas.
He did not mention Maren.
Then he raised his glass.
“Lucas, you have made mistakes, but today you prove that you understand duty. You have chosen a wife who respects service, discipline and family.”
Evelyn looked at him coldly.
Alden continued.
“And tomorrow, you will join me at headquarters, where we will announce your new role as executive vice president.”
A murmur passed through the room.
Lucas had never agreed to the promotion.
Alden intended to bind him publicly before the board meeting scheduled for the following week.
Lucas stood.
“Grandfather, this isn’t the time.”
“Nonsense. Your father would have been proud.”
“My father would have asked whether I wanted the position.”
Alden’s smile vanished.
Before Lucas could continue, one of Alden’s longtime business partners noticed Maren.
“Is that your daughter?” the man asked.
The room turned.
Alden looked toward her.
Maren saw the decision form behind his eyes.
If he acknowledged her success, he would have to explain twenty-one years of lies.
So he chose humiliation.
“Yes,” Alden said. “Maren decided to appear after all.”
Several guests waited for an introduction.
Alden stepped down from the stage and approached her.
“I’m surprised you came,” he said loudly.
“Lucas invited me.”
“My grandson has always been too compassionate.”
Maren placed her wineglass on the table.
Alden pointed at her.
“You’re only here because my grandson pitied you.”
A shocked whisper traveled through the ballroom.
Lucas moved forward, but Evelyn touched his arm.
Maren met her father’s eyes.
He had said almost the same words the night she left.
Without this family, you are nothing.
“Twenty-one years later,” she replied, “and you still know nothing about me.”
Alden laughed.
“Then enlighten us. What exactly did you become after throwing away every advantage this family offered?”
Maren could have told him.
She could have listed her commands, medals and missions.
She could have explained that senior officers, government leaders and thousands of sailors trusted her judgment.
But defending herself would have allowed Alden to remain the judge of her worth.
So Maren simply took another sip of wine.
Her silence angered him.
“You see?” Alden announced. “Nothing.”
That was when Evelyn stepped away from the head table.
May you like
She raised the microphone.
And then she saluted.
