Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26

It was Khloe’s first time facing such a high–stakes crowd, and no matter how hard she tried to steady herself, nerves clawed at her insides.

“Who is she? Shouldn’t Ethan or Clarice be representing Marrison Group?”

“Haven’t you heard? She’s Niel’s illegitimate daughter. Word is she lucked into a fortune worth hundreds of billions.”

“Have the Morrison family lost their minds? What does she know about business? Letting her give a speech is a joke.”

“Looks like Morrison Group is in chaos. An unqualified outsider as the heir… they’re finished.”

“Look at her, all dolled up like she’s treating this place as a runway show.”

11

Whispers swirled through the hall, growing louder and more brazen. Khloe stood frozen before the microphone, her mind a blank slate, her hands stiff at her sides.

Then, a single, sharp sound cut through the murmur–firm, deliberate applause.

It was Michael.

He led the clapping, and a handful of others, seeing his cue reluctantly joined in. The scattered, hesitant applause was enough to jolt Khloe back to herself.

She forced her nerves into check and glanced toward the teleprompter for her opening line. The screen was completely blank.

Her heart sank. Someone had sabotaged it. They had set a trap for her, hoping she would fail spectacularly in front of everyone.

As the brief applause died, a heavy silence reclaimed the hall. Khloe took a steadying breath and, without missing another beat, launched into a flawless, confident opening in Celosian.

Her accent was crisp, her tone assured. Within seconds, the whispers ceased entirely.

Whoever tried to humiliate her clearly hadn’t done their homework. Khloe had a degree in finance, a field demanding not just analytical skill but superior communication. Her command of Celosian was excellent; her ability to think on her feet was even better.

Back in university, she had won first place in English impromptu speaking competitions year after year, often focusing on business case analyses. She hardly needed a script–with a solid structure and a dose of confidence, she could command a room with ease.

While previous speakers had relied on translators, Khloe left hers sitting idle.

Watching her, Michael finally released the breath he’d been holding.

For five straight minutes, she spoke–fluent, poised, and lacing her points with sharp, quiet wit. She never stumbled, her delivery a masterclass in clarity, professionalism, and engaging charm.

When she concluded, the hall was silent for a single, suspended moment.

Then, applause erupted.

This time, it was thunderous–a genuine, rolling wave of approval as the audience cheered her on.

1/25

Clator 20

+25 Bonus

Who would have thought? The young woman they had dismissed was a hidden ace. Perhaps they had judged too quickly. After all, would a titan like Niel Morrison have entrusted his legacy to just anyone?

Khloe offered a graceful bow, thanked the audience, and stepped down from the stage.

Her heart was still hammering against her ribs, but the exhilaration was unlike anything she’d ever felt.

Throughout the speech, she had replayed Nick’s livestream in her mind–his commanding rhythm, the effortless authority in his words. She hadn’t understood every detail, but his unwavering gaze and powerful presence had left a deep impression.

She had channeled that same energy. And it had worked.

“Khloe, you completely surprised me,” Michael admitted afterward. He knew she had a finance background, but her eloquence and composure far exceeded his expectations. She hadn’t even glanced at her prepared notes.

Khloe offered a wry smile and told him about the sabotaged teleprompter.

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