Chapter 45 - Chapter 45— Public Announcement

The Ellington Hotel rooftop was alive with energy. The Chicago skyline stretched out in glittering brilliance, glass towers winking against the darkening sky as if bowing to the hum of celebration happening beneath the string lights. Empire Brands' annual mixer had never looked so dazzling. Every corner was filled with important faces—directors, clients, rising executives—mingling and laughing as if the world had stopped spinning just to admire them. Champagne flowed like water, jazz curled through the warm night air, and conversations overlapped into a symphony of ambition and polished charm.