Chapter 5 - The Union Club Feast
The private dining salon at the historic Union Club was drenched in old-world prestige. Heavy velvet draperies framed panoramic views of Boston Common, crystal chandeliers cast warm amber light over white damask tablecloths, and the aroma of roasted duck and aged cabernet filled the room.
Garrett was in his element. Dressed in a bespoke charcoal tuxedo, he moved effortlessly between the Carter Harbor legacy employees, shaking hands, clapping shoulders, and pouring wine.
""Tonight marks a new chapter for Carter Harbor!"" Garrett announced, raising his glass toward Uncle Arthur, who sat at the head of the table looking weathered and tired. ""My father-in-law was a visionary, but the modern market demands scale. With Northline, we protect our workers’ pensions and guarantee our families' prosperity!""
Polite applause rippled through the room.
Uncle Arthur looked over his spectacles at Emily. ""Emily, my girl... your father told me to watch out for your word above all. Are you truly confident about this?""
Garrett’s eyes darted toward Emily, his smile widening with tight, unspoken pressure. Beside him, Vanessa Cole sat elegant and poised in a scarlet silk sheath dress, her eyes glinting with cold anticipation as she laid two identical navy leather folders beside the centerpiece.
""Arthur,"" Emily said softly, standing up slowly while supporting her back with one hand. ""I know how much you loved my father. And I know how much you care about the people working the Gloucester docks. That’s why tonight is so important to me.""
""Hear, hear,"" Vanessa chimed in smoothly, unscrewing a gold fountain pen and sliding the top binder toward Emily. ""If you’ll just execute the principal signature on Section Nine, Emily, Arthur can sign the proxy agreement right after, and we can finalize the notary seals before dessert.""
Emily sat back down. She picked up the gold pen.
Garrett leaned over her shoulder, placing a warm hand against her back. ""Sign it, sweetheart. For us. For the baby.""
Emily looked down at the signature line.
Emily Carter-Vance.
She hovered the nib over the paper for three agonizing seconds. Garrett held his breath. Vanessa’s fingers twitched with nervous greed.
May you like
Then Emily set the pen down.
""You know, Garrett,"" Emily said loudly enough for every corner of the private dining room to fall dead silent. ""I noticed something strange in Section Four.""
