Parker stepped forward—smooth, unhurried, like the entire ballroom was just a scenic detour on his afternoon walk. He didn't need fanfare. He didn't raise his voice. He simply adjusted his cuff, looked Grandfather Wilder in the eye, and said:
"I'd like to formally propose a new acquisition under Wilder Holdings: the Ashford Media Empire."
"I mean…" Parker tilted his head, voice smooth as chilled bourbon. "I just came here to get my girl. But now that you mention it…" He turned slightly, eyes flicking to Grandfather Wilder. "A media empire wouldn't look bad under the Wilder umbrella, would it?"
A beat.
Luciano Wilder blinked. Once. Twice. The man's soul had survived assassinations, power struggles, secret wars, and dinner with seven in-laws who could kill gods with a smile—but this? This left him speechless.
