Swapping a Broken Heart for a New Start novel Chapter 972

From an angle no one could see, a flicker of triumph glinted in Kimberly Howard's eyes. *Larry Adams*, she thought, *so what if you have powerful backers? You're still completely under my control.* As Kimberly savored her victory, Joseph Adams spoke. "It seems everyone has a good idea of what we're about to announce. That's right. My son, Brian Adams, started at The Smith Group just like any other employee, working his way up from the bottom. Through his own merit, he has established a firm foothold in the company. His capabilities are plain for all to see, and the shareholders, having watched him grow, hold his abilities in high regard. Therefore, today, on the occasion of my wife's birthday, I, Joseph Adams, officially announce that the next leader of The Adams Group will be..." As the announcement began, Camila, Audrey, and the others in their group grew tense. Camila's hands clenched into fists. "Dennis and Mr. Adams, why aren't they here yet?" she whispered. *Did he really fail to find him?* "Yeah, where are they?" Audrey's anxiety mounted, though she was unaware of the full extent of what had happened to Larry or Dennis's plan. Of everyone there, only Camila knew the whole situation, and she was on the verge of calling Dennis to demand an update. Sarah was deeply worried. She knew Larry's situation in the family was precarious. Even with Dennis's backing, his influence within The Adams Group was limited. People were constantly trying to sabotage him, to drive him out. If he didn't appear at such a crucial moment, his future at the company would become even more difficult. Jarvis, seeing their distress, tried to comfort them. "Don't worry yet. Mr. Williams is a master strategist. He must have anticipated this and won't let us down." Almost as soon as the words left his mouth, the grand doors of the banquet hall were slammed open with a loud bang. The sudden noise cut through the joyful announcement on stage and drew the attention of every guest in the room. "What's going on?" "What happened?" "Who would be so tactless as to cause a scene at an Adams Group event?" A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd as all eyes turned to the entrance. Two figures were silhouetted against the dark night. Their tall, familiar frames were unmistakable. Camila looked over, and when her eyes landed on one of them, a jolt of excitement shot through her. It was Dennis Williams, the man she had been thinking about all day. He was dressed in a sharp, all-black suit, his aura calm and formidable. His posture was impeccable, and his cool, ascetic temperament exuded an air of undeniable nobility. His flawless face was as handsome and striking as ever. Tonight, however, the center of attention was not him, but Larry Adams. In stark contrast to Dennis's pristine appearance, Larry wore a simple white shirt and black trousers, both caked with dirt and stained with blood. His handsome face was covered in scrapes and bruises, and his complexion was pale and haggard. A bandage was wrapped around his forehead, suggesting a heavy blow. But more shocking than his appearance was what he carried. In one hand, he held a memorial tablet. In the other, a black box. His steps were slow but steady as he walked in from the darkness. Preceding them was a team of bodyguards clearing a path, and trailing behind them were uniformed police officers. The entire procession, numbering at least twenty people, marched into the hall with an overwhelming presence. The scene was staggering. The curious guests stared, dumbfounded. "It's Mr. Adams!" "My God! What is happening? Why would he show up at a party looking like that?!" "What happened to him? Are those injuries real?!" "Forget that, what is he holding? It can't be what I think it is, can it?" "A memorial tablet?" "Whose is it??" "It's his stepmother's birthday, and he brings something like that? That's incredibly disrespectful!" "Hey, never mind disrespectful, did you see the police behind him? The police are here! That's the real story!" The Adams family on stage had never expected such a turn of events. Larry Adams had actually appeared, and with such an entourage. Joseph's expression changed instantly. Kimberly and Brian's faces turned ashen. Why was Larry here? Just before coming on stage, they had called to confirm that he was still being held captive. The report had been that both Dennis and Larry were unconscious and wouldn't be able to escape for some time. But now... what was this? A terrible premonition began to creep into the minds of the mother and son.