The blinding flashbulbs of hundreds of cameras reflected against the mirrored pillars of the Grand Royal Hotel's press hall. Microphones from every major media outlet in the country were lined up along the long mahogany podium, where the golden insignia of Diamond Star Holdings and Ruby Hotel burned brightly under the spotlight.
Clara stood at the center of the stage, her posture radiant and command absolute. Beside her, Arthur stood like an impenetrable wall of power, his hand resting securely against the small of her back—a gesture that was as protective as it was possessive.
"As of four o'clock this afternoon," Clara's voice echoed through the high-grade acoustic system, clear, melodic, and devoid of hesitation, "the municipal trade court has approved the complete acquisition of the northern maritime logistics sector by Diamond Star Holdings, in exclusive partnership with Ruby Hotel Group."
