Chapter 16: Standing Together
For three long days, London felt cold and desolate. Clara stayed in her apartment, staring at the old photographs of her father. She remembered
his passion for art, his kindness, and his final words before he passed away: “Never let bitterness steal your ability to love, Clara.”
Clara realized that Ethan was not his father. Arthur Vance was a ruthless businessman driven by greed, but Ethan was a man of honor—a man who had
stood up to his own family, risked his fortune, and opened his guarded heart just to protect her. Ethan was her healer, not her enemy.
Meanwhile, Julianna and Arthur attempted to use the leaked scandal to force Ethan into resigning as CEO. A massive press conference was called at
the Royal Victoria Hall, where journalists from across Europe gathered to question the ethics of Vance Global.
Ethan stood alone behind the podium on the grand stage, dressed in a sharp black suit. He looked exhausted, his eyes carrying a deep sorrow, but
his posture remained dignfied.
“I called this conference today to address the historical acquisition of Montgomery Designs ten years ago,” Ethan spoke into the array of
microphones, his voice echoing across the silent auditorium. “The past management of this firm committed severe ethical oversights. As the current
CEO, I take full responsibility. Today, I am officially stepping down from Vance Global—”
“No, you are not!”
A clear, confident voice cut through the heavy silence of the auditorium.
The heavy double doors at the back of the hall swung open. Every camera turned around.
Clara Montgomery walked down the center aisle, wearing a striking emerald green suit, holding a leather folder. She walked straight up onto the
stage, standing right beside Ethan.
Ethan stared at her in utter shock, his breath catching. “Clara… what are you doing here?”
Clara looked at him, offering a soft, courageous smile that spoke volumes of love and forgiveness. She turned toward the blinding camera flashes
and adjusted the microphone.
“Ten years ago, my father’s business suffered under the old leadership of Vance Global,” Clara announced firmly to the stunned press. “But Ethan
Vance is not his father. Over the past year, I have watched Ethan transform this corporate entity with integrity, honor, and genuine respect for
artists.”
She turned to face Ethan, holding his cold hand in front of all the cameras.
“Ethan didn’t inherit his father’s cruelty; he corrected it,” Clara continued softly, her voice filled with profound warmth. “I am not here as a
victim. I am here as the Lead Creative Director and Ethan Vance’s partner. We have established the Marcus Montgomery Foundation for Independent
Artists, backed by 20% of Vance Global’s annual profits.”
The auditorium erupted into thunderous applause. Reporters rushed forward, but Ethan didn’t hear the noise or see the flashes. He looked down at
Clara, tears of overwhelming relief and deep gratitude glistening in his eyes.
“You came back,” Ethan whispered, his voice trembling.
“I promised to stand by your side, Mr. Vance,” Clara murmured back, her eyes shining with love. “And I always keep my promises.”
