Chapter 47

Nina’s POV

The air grew thick with anticipation, the room falling silent as Mr. Donald Smith made his entrance. Gasps filled the space like ripples across a pond, and I caught a murmur from one of Tony’s friends in the back. “Mr. Donald Smith? The chairman of Liberty Enterprises?” he stammered, his eyes wide with shock.

The reaction was priceless—Alexa’s eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, and Jordan’s mouth hung open as if his jaw had come unhinged. He turned to his friend, muttering in disbelief. “Does that mean McDonalds are involved? The richest in the state?”

I held back a smirk, savoring the thrill of their confusion and awe. Mr. Donald approached us with purposeful strides, his eyes flicking over each person in the room, holding their gaze for just long enough to make them squirm. My heart pounded, but I kept my expression smooth, only allowing the faintest smile to show.

I glanced sideways at Mark, who’se face was plastered with shock as h