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"Wow, which company is this? So many people!"
"Must be ten thousand people!"
Sophia and Richard were among the thousands.
Employees from all branches were there. Those far away had traveled days earlier; nearby ones arrived today.
My parents had invited every employee for this massive corporate retreat.
The sun was setting. Hired chefs worked tirelessly roasting whole lambs over countless crackling bonfires.
The atmosphere grew festive.
Sophia's parents were there, as were Richard's parents.
The event allowed families; expenses were covered.
Speculation about the mysterious heir buzzed everywhere.
Sophia heard it, her heart swelling with anticipation.
Sophia's mother muttered, "All these people... the transport alone must cost a fortune! Think how much they could have given you instead!"
Her father added, "Yeah, they're spending our money."
He turned to Sophia. "Sweetheart... when you meet your real dad... you won't forget us, will you?"
"Mom, Dad, what are you saying? Of course I'll always be your daughter," Sophia assured them.
"What about your future in-laws? Will you recognize us?" Richard's mother chimed in.
Sophia suppressed her irritation. Richard held leverage. She forced a smile. "Of course. I will."
They sat together, dreaming aloud.
Darkness fell. Bonfires dotted the grasslands. People gathered around different fires, grouped by department and rank.
Sophia's group was lively – eating roasted lamb, drinking, some dancing and singing.
"Look! It's the Chairman!"
The vast grassland fell silent instantly. Everyone focused on the central stage.
The Chairman of Seabreeze Holdings stood there. He cleared his throat into the microphone.
Sophia stared, barely containing her excitement.
"Many long-serving employees know I've been searching for my child. Today, I share wonderful news: my child has been found."
Thunderous applause erupted.
The Chairman raised his hand; silence returned. "Through this event, I want to introduce my child. Seabreeze Holdings will one day pass to them. I ask for your support."
Another wave of applause crashed over the grasslands.
Silence returned. The Chairman spoke again. "Now, please welcome Sophia Laurent to the stage."
Many at Seabreeze HQ knew Sophia. Eyes turned her way.
Sophia froze. Since yesterday, she'd fantasized about being the heir, rehearsing reactions.
But now, faced with reality, she was stunned.
The scale of this fortune overwhelmed her.
"Sweetheart, go up!" Sophia's mother nudged her, tears welling. She'd never imagined the child she'd taken could bring such luck.
Richard stood up, grabbing Sophia's hand. "Don't be nervous. I'll go up with you."
Sophia didn't want Richard there, but couldn't shake him off. Hand-in-hand, they walked towards the stage.
"That's Sophia Laurent? So lucky!"
"Who's that with her?"
"Richard Chamberlain? Damn, he hit the jackpot! Caught her before she transformed."
"I heard she had a boyfriend? Some guy always waited for her downstairs."
"Ex-boyfriend. A nobody, a delivery driver. Sophia dumped him ages ago."
Whispers followed them as Sophia and Richard reached the stage.
Richard bowed respectfully. "Chairman."
Sophia hesitated, then echoed, "Chairman."
The Chairman stood tall, placing Sophia on his right, Richard on his left. The scene drew envious stares.
Sophia's heart raced; she waited for the moment of recognition.
The Chairman cleared his throat again. "Everyone, let me formally introduce the person on my right: Sophia Laurent."
"The person on my left is Richard Chamberlain."
Applause erupted again.
