The ballroom was full when my security chief wheeled me out and positioned me under the central chandelier. The murmuring died down.

Vanessa glided to my side and put a hand on my shoulder, playing the devoted, heartbroken partner. Daniel hovered near the board members. Pierce was sweating through a silk handkerchief.

I leaned toward the microphone clipped to my lapel. “Thank you all for coming.”

Vanessa squeezed my shoulder, hard, and beamed at the crowd. “Adrian has an important announcement about the future of our family and the company.”

“Yes,” I agreed, looking up at her. “I do.”

I pressed the remote hidden in my palm.