Back in university, she had won first place in English impromptu speaking competitions year after year, often focusing on business case analyses. She hardly needed a script-with a solid structure and a dose of confidence, she could command a room with ease.
While previous speakers had relied on translators, Khloe left hers sitting idle.
Watching her, Michael finally released the breath he’d been holding.
For five straight minutes, she spoke-fluent, poised, and lacing her points with sharp, quiet wit. She never stumbled, her delivery a masterclass in clarity, professionalism, and engaging charm.
When she concluded, the hall was silent for a single, suspended moment.
Then, applause erupted.
This time, it was thunderous-a genuine, rolling wave of approval as the audience cheered her on.
Who would have thought? The young woman they had dismissed was a hidden ace. Perhaps they had judged too quickly. After all, would a titan like Niel Morrison have entrusted his legacy to just anyone?
Khloe offered a graceful bow, thanked the audience, and stepped down from the stage.
Her heart was still hammering against her ribs, but the exhilaration was unlike anything she’d ever felt.
Throughout the speech, she had replayed Nick’s livestream in her mind-his commanding rhythm, the effortless authority in his words. She hadn’t understood every detail, but his unwavering gaze and powerful presence had left a deep impression.
She had channeled that same energy. And it had worked.
“Khloe, you completely surprised me,” Michael admitted afterward. He knew she had a finance background, but her eloquence and composure far exceeded his expectations. She hadn’t even glanced at her prepared notes.
Khloe offered a wry smile and told him about the sabotaged teleprompter.
Michael’s frown was slight, his calm more profound than she had anticipated. “That’s my oversight. I didn’t expect such cheap tricks here.”
“Was it Clarice?” Khloe asked immediately.
“That’s hard to say.”
Michael was deliberately cautious. He had no love for Clarice, but he wouldn’t name names without proof. No need to add to Khloe’s burdens prematurely.
Still, one thing was now certain: more than a few people had their sights set on Khloe.
When the formal program concluded, the banquet officially began.
Michael and Khloe were seated at different tables. He tried lo escort her, but was intercepted by an acquaintance along the way.
Khloe waved him off. It was just dinner, and the tables were clearly marked. She could find her own seat.
To her dismay, Khloe checked every table and couldn’t find her name card anywhere.
By now, all the other guests were seated. Left standing awkwardly by the side, she stuck out like a sore thumb.
A flustered floor manager approached. “Miss Morrison, dinner is about to be served. Please take your seat.”
“Alright.”
Scanning the room, Khloe spotted one empty chair at the head table and began walking toward it.
“Sorry, that seat isn’t available.”
A woman’s voice stopped her.
Khloe looked up-and of course, it was Veronica. It seemed fate had a cruel sense of humor.
Veronica’s lips curved into a mocking smile as she looked Khloe over. The young socialites seated around her ducked their heads, poorly hiding their giggles.
“I couldn’t find my name card,” Khloe stated calmly. “This seat doesn’t have one either, does it?”
She glanced at the empty place setting. Sure enough, there was no card..
“This is a reserved seat,” Veronica explained in a tone of exaggerated patience, dripping with condescension. “It’s for distinguished guests whose attendance isn’t confirmed. We don’t put name cards out for them. I thought that was common knowledge.”
The implication was clear: Khloe was an ignorant outsider.
The laughter around them grew louder, less restrained.
“Khloe, is this really your first time at an event like this? You’re supposed to find your assigned seat. Surely not. After such an impressive speech for the Morrison family, you mean you can’t even find your own place at the table?”
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.