NovelUSAChapter 58 The contract was brought onto the stage by an assistant.
Under the bright spotlight-and the sharp focus of countless cameras-the figure "$8 billion" glared back at the audience, bold and undeniable.
Following the protocol, Richard and Paige Dawson were meant to sign the agreement in front of everyone, sealing the deal with a commemorative photo afterward.
Just as Richard picked up the pen and prepared to sign- "Wait!" Paige Dawson's sudden interruption sliced through the air like a knife.
The entire ballroom froze. The tension was so thick, it seemed no one even dared to breathe.
Richard looked up at Paige, confusion flickering across his face.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtWas the Fitzgerald Group about to back out at the last minute? Was that $8 billion about to vanish, just as it was within reach? He swallowed hard, struggling to keep his voice steady. "Director Dawson, is there something wrong with the contract?" Paige offered a polite smile, but her words were crisp and clear. "Please have Miss Vaughan cup and sign the agreement. Mr. Fitzgerald made it clear-the investment was granted because of Miss Vaughan. So she should be the one to represent the Fitzgerald Group and sign." Richard's heart, which had leapt into his throat, finally settled. Relief washed over his face.
So they weren't backing out. It was just a minor detail.
"Of course, of course. I'll have my daughter sign on behalf of the Vaughan Group," he replied, then turned to his assistant. "Ableson, ask Pearl to cup and sign the contract with the Fitzgerald Group." Pearl was seated close to the stage, and she'd been watching every move intently.
To sign a contract on stage, in front of all these powerful people-by tomorrow, her nwould be all over the city's society pages.
The thought sent a thrill of delight through her.
She swept her red shawl from her shoulders, revealing a daring V-neck, and gathered her skirt as she rose-every inch the proud princess.
"Mom, I'm going on stage to sign for the Vaughan Group," she said, barely able to hide her excitement. Eleanor beamed, unable to contain her pride. "Go on, darling, go! I'll take pictures from here. You truly are my pride and joy." Pearl caught sight of Isadora, slouched in her chair with arms crossed, an ambiguous smile on her lips.
Pearl couldn't help but sneer. "You know, Isadora, they say envy is unbecoming- and I think they must have been talking about you right now." With that, she strutted to the stage like a peacock unfurling its feathers, basking in the attention. Richard watched her approach. His usually stern face softened, and he nodded approvingly.
Pearl took the pen and, with all eyes on her, signed her n"Pearl"—on the line for the second party.
The flashes of cameras didn't stop, not for a second, from the moment she stepped onto the stage until the instant her pen left the page.
Paige Dawson had never met Isadora. She assumed that since Pearl was Richard's daughter, she must be the famous Miss Vaughan.
Only after Pearl finished signing did Paige accept the pen from the assistant.
She stepped up to sign for the Fitzgerald Group, ready to close the deal on this $8 billion contract.
But, out of habit, Paige paused and glanced over the contract one last time.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmSomething wasn't right.
She looked again-then a third time, just to be sure.
The signature for the second party read "Pearl." Not Isadora.
Thank God she hadn't signed yet.
If she had, her twenty-year career would have gone up in smoke tonight.
With a sharp flick of her wrist, she tossed the pen aside. Her face was grave as she demanded, "Why isn't En: this Isadora's signature?" The room's atmosphere grew even heavier.
Richard stared at her, utterly baffled.
Why was Isadora suddenly involved?
"Director Dawson, you just asked for Miss Vaughan. That's my daughter, Pearl, isn't it?
A cold sweat broke out on Pearl's palms, her unease mounting with every second. 1. Paige's laugh was icy "You misunderstood. This investment was secured by Miss Isadora. Mr. Fitzgerald agreed to invest $8 billion because of her not Pearl."
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