Page 143 of Sacrifice (Corrupt Empire 2)

“Well, we’re about to find out.”

He nodded at Chuck who was pushing through the crowd towards his niece. His face was a picture of irritation. When he reached her, she looked a little taken aback by what he said. He took her by the arm and pulled her away, closer to where John and I were standing.

“What the fuck are those?” he said.

We could just about make out his voice over the noise.

“What are what?”

“Tattoos, Avery. Are you determined to make sure no one takes you seriously?”

She pulled her arm away from him.

“Don’t be so old fashioned, Uncle Charlie.”

“This is supposed to show the company in a good light. You turning up with these is going to be headline news.”

She shrugged, giving him a smile.

“Given what else might happen this evening, I don’t think you have to worry too much about my new tattoos.”

His eyes narrowed.

“And just what do you mean by that?”

“You’ll see.”

She patted him on the shoulder before sauntering away to where there was a small stage erected. She looked back at where John and I were, giving us both a wink over her shoulder. I shook my head. She was enjoying this a little too much. I absolutely hated what she was going to do next, but again, we had little choice in the matter. This was the only way.

She reached the stage and picked up the mic, patting it a little to get everyone’s attention. The subtle music was switched off and everyone turned towards her. Chuck’s expression grew darker. There was no going back now.

“Hello everyone, as you all probably know, I’m Avery. Firstly, I’d like to thank you all for coming. You only turn twenty one and become head of a company once in your life.”

Some of the crowd chuckled. I could see the nervousness in her movements. Her fingers twitched on the mic and her smile was too big. I wished I could hold her hand. Help her get through this speech, but that would be a fucking disaster for both of us.

“I’d like to say thank you to my uncle, Charles Daniels, for arranging this event and keeping the company running after the tragic death of my parents. I have some big shoes to fill, but I’m determined to carry on in my father’s footsteps. May they both rest in peace.”

There was some murmuring of agreement around the room. I glanced at John who was rolling his eyes. I knew now he hated Mitchell. He’d told me working for him had been a bitch. At least when he started, he dealt with Nick who didn’t mince words. Mitchell always hid behind masks.

“I don’t want to keep you all for too long, but I have an announcement to make.”

She looked out into the crowd and waved at someone. They made their way towards the stage and got up on the platform with her. This was it. I tried to keep my breathing steady. She reached out and took the person’s hand. She plastered on the fakest smile I’d ever seen her give.

“We weren’t going to make this public quite yet, but we couldn’t wait. We’ve known each other since childhood and now we feel it is time to move forward with our lives. I’m so overjoyed. Last night, this one here got down on one knee and asked me to marry him. And well… I said yes.”

The room went deathly silent before applause erupted. John looked over at me.

“Guess the cat is out of the bag.”

I nodded, eying the two of them before turning towards where Chuck was standing. His mouth was hanging open. She hadn’t told him anything about this.

Next, my eyes fell on Frazier who looked like he’d won the lottery. Stupid idiot had no idea. He thought he’d won, but we were going to have the last laugh. Avery had put up with a lot of shit over the past weeks from the Shaws, but this was the only way.

Chuck turned around and spied me with John. He stormed over and ran his hand through his hair.

“What the actual fuck is she playing at?”

“What do you mean?”

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