Chapter 9 - The Grand Opening
One year after the night I was pushed off the roof.
The Hale Grand Resort hosted the most spectacular grand opening event in the history of Las Vegas.
The new Winston & Cara Promenade was officially unveiled to the world.
Thousands of guests filled the lit walkways along the water. String quartets played softly beside illuminated water fountains. The news media broadcasted live from the west terrace, declaring the Hale Grand as the premier resort destination in the United States.
I stood on the glass balcony overlooking the lake, wearing a breathtaking floor-length silver gown that caught the golden light of the chandeliers.
Beside me stood Julian, looking impossibly handsome in his dark tuxedo, his arm wrapped securely around my waist.
My grandfather, Winston, sat in his wheelchair near the center of the terrace, looking healthy, radiant, and deeply proud, sipping his scotch while chatting with Senator Thomas and Leo Martinez.
Julian leaned down, pressing a soft kiss against my temple. "Happy anniversary, CEO."
I smiled, turning in his arms, resting my hands against his crisp white shirt. "Which anniversary?"
"The anniversary of the night you proved to the world that you're impossible to destroy," Julian whispered, pulling a small black velvet box from his tuxedo pocket.
My heart skipped a beat.
Julian dropped to one knee on the teak wood of the terrace.
The ambient chatter of the surrounding guests died down as people began to notice. My grandfather watched with a beaming, tearful smile.
Julian opened the box, revealing a breathtaking emerald-cut diamond ring that shimmered like clear water in the moonlight.
"Cara Elizabeth Hale," Julian said, his voice ringing clearly, filled with profound love and conviction. "You built an empire from the dark. You gave me a home, a purpose, and a heart. Will you build the rest of your life with me?"
Tears of pure, unadulterated joy gathered in my eyes.
May you like
"Yes," I choked out, a laugh escaping my lips. "Yes, Julian! Absolutely yes!"
Julian stood up, slid the brilliant ring onto my finger, and pulled me into his arms, kissing me as the entire terrace erupted into thunderous applause, cheers, and fireworks that lit up the night sky over Lake Las Vegas in brilliant shades of gold, crimson, and silver.
