Chapter 62

Chapter 62:

The press conference venue gleamed under the sharp lights, every camera and livestreaming rig already humming in readiness, waiting for the signal to go live. High society filled the front rows, their hushed murmurs weaving through the air like a restless tide.

Kevin glanced toward the empty chair beside him, a deep frown creasing his forehead. “Still no sign of Brayden? This is Gracie’s first official launch—he must be here p>

Theo, already scrolling through his phone, replied calmly, “I’m still trying to reach him. He’s probably caught up in something urgent p>

Kevin gave a sharp exhale of irritation. “He grows more careless by the day p>

Theo rose from his seat, giving a subtle look toward the curtained backstage area.

“I’ll go check on things,” he said before striding off.

Ellie shifted to sit closer, lowering her voice. “Brayden’s being really inconsiderate. Who shows up late to something this big? And Gracie’s missing too! Honestly, if everyone worked with Theo’s precision, we wouldn’t be in such a mess p>

Kevin’s gaze snapped toward her, stern and unyielding. “Our family stands as one. Are you trying to stir division p>

Ellie’s smile faltered, replaced by feigned humility. “You misunderstood. I only meant to show how dependable Theo is. Life’s unpredictable—no one knows what could happen next.” A faint, sinister satisfaction flickered in her eyes, for at that very moment, she believed Brayden and Gracie were lying somewhere, lifeless.

Kevin’s face hardened, and he straightened in silence, refusing to respond further.

Amid the seated crowd, a woman in a staff uniform and face mask moved purposefully toward the backstage corridor, where she caught hold of a man’s arm.

“Frazier, where’s Brayden? This launch is supposed to be a joint event between Stanley Group and Radiant Technologies. Why haven’t I seen him or Gracie?” Lia asked, anxiety trembling beneath her words.

“There’s been a complication,” Frazier Hobbes, Lia’s cousin, muttered, rubbing his temples in frustration. “Neither of them can be contacted. And you—stop making a scene. I risked a lot sneaking you in dressed as staff. If anyone recognizes you, I’m finished p>

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With no choice, Lia retreated to a shadowed corner, clutching her phone. She dialed Clive’s number repeatedly, each unanswered ring deepening her dread.

“What’s going on? Why isn’t anyone answering?” she whispered, slipping the phone into her pocket as unease twisted in her chest.

Suddenly, the lights dimmed. The crowd’s murmurs quieted as Jeffrey stepped onto the stage, his voice carrying clearly through the hall as he followed the event script word for word. Everything unfolded as planned—except for one glaring absence. The product presentation, originally meant for Gracie, now had to be handled by an assistant, who stood behind the curtain gripping the script with trembling fingers.

Before he could gather courage, a tall figure appeared, casting a shadow over him.

“You’re Gracie’s assistant, right?” Theo’s tone carried an easy charm as he adjusted his cufflinks. “You seem a little tense—maybe not used to crowds like this. Anyway, I’m one of the investors, and Gracie asked me to step in for the presentation.” His smile was calm, the kind meant to reassure.

Phoebe, who had been quietly encouraging the assistant, lifted her head at the sound of his voice. “Gracie asked you to present? That’s strange—she didn’t tell me anything about that p>

“She ran into something unexpected,” Theo replied smoothly, unaffected by her skepticism. “You might’ve heard my name before. I’ve built quite a reputation in this industry. I know the science, I speak the language, and I’m comfortable in front of a crowd. Frankly, there’s no one better suited for this p>

With that, he reached forward and took the script from the assistant’s hands, his tone turning firm. “And let’s not forget—I’m also an investor. I don’t need your approval p>

By the time Jeffrey finished his remarks, Theo was already making his way to the stage, the script tucked confidently in his grip.

“Thank you, Mr. Lawson, for that wonderful introduction,” he said, voice steady as he walked past.