Chapter 99 Mr. Fitzgerald’s Here?
The annual celebration was Envision Group’s biggest event of the year.
Abigail knew better than to make a scene on someone else’s turf, so she swallowed her pride and let it go – for now.
Everyone drifted back to their seats, all eyes drawn to the central stage.
The host went through the usual welcome speech before Anthony stepped up to take the mic. “Thanks, everyone, for taking time out of your busy schedules to join us tonight. On this special occasion, I’ve got someone really important I’d like you all to meet.”
The crowd’s collective thoughts buzzed with anticipation. “This is it – they’re finally going to introduce Mr. Fitzgerald! But wait… where is he? I don’t see anyone new. Unless he’s already here, and we just didn’t recognize him?”
The banquet hall’s atmosphere instantly went from relaxed to electric. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, craning their necks to catch their first glimpse of the mysterious Mr. Fitzgerald.
“This special guest is…” Anthony drawled into the mic, totally milking the suspense.
Chapter 99 Mr. Fitzgerald’s Here?
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His calm gaze swept across the crowd before landing on one person in particular. A smile tugged at his lips as he dropped the name nobody saw coming. “From the Winchester Group… Abigail!” His voice boomed through the hall, leaving everyone absolutely floored.
“Wasn’t today’s VIP supposed to be Mr. Fitzgerald from
Veridon? How did it suddenly turn into Abigail? And since when did Abigail get so tight with Envision Group?” The questions bounced around everyone’s heads as they tried to make sense of this plot twist.
Ignoring the crowd’s confusion, Anthony continued with
obvious excitement, “And now, let’s give a warm welcome to Ms. Winchester!”
He started clapping first, and after a moment of stunned silence, the rest of the audience joined in.
Abigail’s brain short–circuited. She blinked a couple of times, trying to process what was happening. “How did I end up being the person Anthony wants to introduce to everyone? And why’s he making such a big deal out of it, like I’m some VIP or something?” she wondered.
Marcus caught her eye with a gentle look. “Go on,” he said softly. “You’ve got this.”
Remembering Anthony was Marcus‘ good friend helped ease Abigail’s hesitation. She smoothed her dress and made her way up to the stage with measured steps.
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By the time she’d collected herself, her smile was picture–perfect – poised and natural. “Hi everyone, I’m Abigail!”
“Hey, Abigail,” Anthony whispered from beside her, his voice low enough that only she could hear. He gave her a little wave, looking like some kind of mischievous cat.
The gesture made Abigail crack a genuine smile, her nerves finally settling.
Some people in the audience were already shipping them, their minds jumping straight to rom–com territory as they watched the two share the stage.
Anthony’s expression turned serious, his eyes intense.
“The reason I’m making such a formal introduction for Ms. Winchester is because she’s someone my good friend Mr. Fitzgerald deeply respects and thinks very highly of. I hope everyone will refrain from making baseless assumptions about her.”
The crowd, already on edge, couldn’t hide their shock at this announcement.
Anthony took in everyone’s stunned faces with quiet satisfaction before continuing, “Ms. Winchester is brilliant, sharp as a tack, and doesn’t hesitate to make tough calls. Right after she turned eighteen, she single–handedly pulled the Winchester Group back from the brink when it was drowning in hundreds of millions in debt. After graduation, her exceptional talent and business savvy brought the Winchester Group to where it stands today. And look, I consider myself pretty smart, but even I couldn’t
Chapter 99 Mr. Fitzgerald’s Here? have pulled that off.”
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He let out a self–deprecating laugh. “A young woman like that deserves everyone’s respect. And honestly? Introducing Ms. Winchester to you all today was Mr. Fitzgerald’s idea.
“He admires her abilities, and he wants to make something crystal clear to everyone here–Ms. Winchester isn’t someone you want to mess with.”
Clearly, Anthony was using Mr. Fitzgerald’s name to back Abigail up.
No, that couldn’t be right. Even Anthony wouldn’t dare throw Mr. Fitzgerald’s name around without permission. Which meant this whole thing was actually orchestrated by Mr. Fitzgerald himself.
Just like that, everyone’s looks at Abigail did a complete 180.
“You know, Mr. Fitzgerald’s still single…” someone whispered, the wheels in their head turning. “You don’t think he’s got his eye on Abigail?”
“I mean, it’s possible. But isn’t she married?”
“Please, divorces happen all the time. Who’s she gonna pick? The legendary Mr. Fitzgerald from Veridon, or that trophy husband of hers who’s just living off her money? No contest if you ask me.”
“And here we thought she was done for after that whole family
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scandal dropped. But look at her now. She’s got connections to not one but two elite families that even the Winchesters couldn’t dream of getting close to. Bet they’re kicking themselves so hard right now!”
