THE FORGOTTEN HEIRESS-Chapter 296: The Announcement

A few minutes later, Director Wyatt, dressed in a tailored black tuxedo, exuding confidence, descended the grand staircase with his wife Stacy, radiant in a flowing gown adorned with shimmering sequins.

She was an epitome of grace and charm as she clung lovingly to her husband’s arm. Their attire was impeccable, reflecting their status as hosts of the banquet.

The guests couldn’t help but pause in awe at the sight of the lovely couple. This was the first time many people were seeing the couple appear in public and without fail whispers of admiration rippled through the crowd as they watched them make their entrance, a picture-perfect embodiment of love and sophistication.

Stopping at the center of the mini podium, Director Wyatt took the microphone to address the guest.

"Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, I sincerely apologize for all the drama that unfolded before you a few moments ago.

I just wanted my daughter to indulge in a little entertainment, and I assure you that everything is under control."

"What! Director Wyatt allowed all that just to make his daughter feel happy?"

"I bet he dotes on her beyond measure."

Breaking in on the chatter, Director Wyatt continued. 𝚏𝕣𝕖𝚎𝚠𝚎𝚋𝚗𝐨𝐯𝕖𝕝.𝕔𝐨𝕞

"As you are already aware, the reason for this banquet is to introduce to you my long lost daughter, the heiress of the Wyatt family and the moment we have been waiting for is finally here."

"She is the apple of our eyes and very dear to our hearts."

"She is the current President of Wyatt Corporations, Baltimore Branch, The CEO of KC Wyatts Pharmaceuticals, Worldwide, The CEO of ELVNOR Pharmaceuticals, formerly owned by the Beazell Group and most importantly, my daughter and mother of my adorable grandchildren," Director Wyatt unfolded with pride and joy.

"And now, ladies and gentlemen, I present to you my adorable, delectable and multi-talented daughter, Dr Janice Robin Wyatt."

With all these introductions the crowd could hardly wait to finally meet such an outstanding person.

Just when everyone’s expectation was at its peak, the light deemed all of a sudden and only a ray of light was visible in the entire hall.

There was complete silence as the beam of light gradually moved and rested on a particular figure at a corner of the stage.

Starting from the hem of the flowing gown, the light gradually ascended upwards, revealing the flowing lines of the gown which perfectly accentuated the grace and elegance of the wearer.

The light followed the figure who took unhurried steps, exuding confidence and poise towards the center of the stage, captivating all the onlookers into a hushed silence before finally resting on her face, revealing an extremely beautiful woman in a haute couture gown.

Her gown was a shimmering creation of deep amethyst silk which complemented the unique hue of her striking purple eyes, enhancing their allure.

And a touch of ethereal beauty was added to her total appearance by the intricate beadwork and delicate lace that adorned the bodice of the gown.

As the full light beamed on Kathleen, audible gasps sounded from every part of the hall.

This time around both men and women drooled shamelessly. Even the camera men were too stunned to take pictures for the first time.

"Oh my goodness!!!"

"No way!

"This is incredible!"

"Oh my stars!"

Different exclamations erupted from different angles of the ballroom when the identity of the stunning beauty standing before them finally dawned on them.

They couldn’t believe that the same person whom they had battered, accused, despised, mocked, supported and even threatened to throw out as some point turned out to be the person they were actually gathered here for.

Can there be any more shocking revelations in this banquet, today? Some of the guests couldn’t help but wonder.

After taking some seconds to allow the shock of the revelation to sink in, Director Wyatt resumed his speech.

"Taking effect from today, She’ll be my eye in Baltimore. Anyone that touches her, touches me and anyone that goes against her, goes against me. She is my heiress!" He announced protectively and emphatically.

After recovering from their shock, one after the other, hands were joined together in an applause as Kathleen stepped forward, a blush gracing her cheeks. Camera lights flashed ceaselessly, capturing the moment.

As the banquet officially commenced, dignitaries approached Kathleen, offering their congratulations, eager to be associated with the newfound heiress, who was also an astounding beauty as rightly rumored.

After some time, Jason took the microphone and after casting Kathleen a mischievous smile, said;

"Thanks for the wonderful reception you have all given to my gorgeous sister. But there is someone I’d like to introduce to you who also has an announcement to make."

"Ladies and gentlemen, please, let’s welcome President Shawn Hudson of Hudson Corporations."

Shawn came forward looking all dashing and mesmerizingly handsome amidst loud applause from the guests.

When Kathleen saw him for the first time since there last meeting at Wyatt Corporations, she couldn’t stop the flutterings in her stomach.

What he did next stunned everyone into silence, including Kathleen as he directly went down on his knees before Kathleen.

Shawn’s blue orbs were sincere, pleading and somewhat uncertain as he gazed at Kathleen.

"My love, I know you’ll find it hard to understand how much you mean to me."

"After I thought I lost you seven years ago, there was an emptiness in my heart that nothing could fill."

"I spent my days drowning in the sorrows and guilt of driving you to your death through a sheer act of foolishness."

"I don’t know how I survived those long, sleepless nights without you.

"But when I found you again, I received a new life. And I’m laying down that life at your feet today."

He paused, swallowed hard and for a moment appeared to be fiddling with his hands.

"But...but somewhere deep within, I’m scared, thinking you’ll never forgive me in this life."

"I know It will be difficult for you to trust again after everything you’ve gone through, but I’m on my knees, before you and before all these witnesses, pleading with you to please, be mine again."

"I promise to devote the rest of my life, loving, cherishing and serving you in joy and with all I have."

"I just need you to say, "YES."

"However, whatever you decide tonight, just know that you will always and forever be embedded deep within my heart and I’ll never hold it against you."

As Shawn finished his speech, gasps and expressions of astonishment and disbelief danced across the faces of the guests, their murmurs barely audible amidst the palpable tension.

Never before had they seen President Hudson, a man of stature and influence, display such vulnerability.

Yet, despite the shock and disbelief, there was an undeniable sense of admiration in the gaze being thrown at Shawn.

His gesture, though unexpected, spoke volumes about the depth of his feelings for Kathleen and the sincerity of his apology had touched everyone’s heart.

Some sniffs could even be heard here and there and if one spared the time to observe, some ladies were dabbing their eyes gently.

"Awnnnnn," someone said from the crowd, breaking the silence and as if it was part of the script, the crowd broke out in a chant,

"Say Yes!"

"Say Yes!"

"Say Yes!"

"Say Yes!"

Thinking back to how her brother had told her of what Shawn had gone through to get the Mayor to cooperate with him and the video exposition today, Kathleen felt grateful that she had been finally vindicated publicly and Linda exposed for who she truly was.

She remembered Linda telling her at the early stage of her marriage with Shawn, that if she, Linda doesn’t have Shawn, nobody would be able to have him.

And true to her words, Linda had tried everything possible to tear them apart.

Was that not the whole essence of today’s farce? To make sure that she and Shawn never got back together?

Thank God everything was finally out in the open for all to see and if she refuses to forgive Shawn, wouldn’t she be fulfilling Linda’s wish?

’If so I’m not going to give her the satisfaction of seeing us separated.’

She looked at her parents— her mom had an encouraging smile on her face, and her dad nodded softly in consent.

She could also see the eagerness on the children’s faces. Coupled with the way she has been unable to concentrate on her work or sleep peacefully after her several encounters with Shawn these few weeks, she realized she just couldn’t say no any longer.

Besides, the children needed a complete family and she needed a lover— ’seven years is quite a long time if you understand what I mean,’ she said to herself.

;-)

As Kathleen hesitated, the room held its breath, hanging on the edge of anticipation.

And then, in a moment that seemed to stretch into eternity, she reached out her hand to Shawn and with simmering eyes, helped him up.

The smile gradually spread and covered her whole face as she screamed, in a voice choked with emotion, "Yes, Shawn. I forgive you and want to spend the rest of my life with you and our children."

There were thunderous claps around them.

As Shawn leaned in for a kiss, Kathleen’s heart glowed warmly. She couldn’t help but consciously inhale his perfume which had a unique heady jasmine scent that made her stomach flutter instantly. At that moment nothing else seemed to matter anymore.

But before their lips could be joined together, a loud "No!" erupted from somewhere and they all turned to see the furious Linda who was charging forward like a mad woman with a knife that she had picked up from one of the tables.

She was easily restrained by the bodyguards who suddenly appeared from nowhere.

"Why is she still here?" Shawn demanded in a cold voice.

With just a clap from the Mayor, some fierce looking men arrived and took her away.

Shawn’s cold face relaxed and he turned back to Kathleen but again, Joanne who had been quietly observing the whole scenario from an inconspicuous corner, rushed forward and fell on her knees to the astonishment of everyone, breaking the auspicious moment.

Shawn’s face once again turned dark like the bottom of a charred pot.

"What are you doing, Mom?" He hissed through gritted teeth.