The Incredible Charlie Maxwell

CHAPTER 12

Claudia Grant was at her happiest as she watched her husband and Perry Stone converse. Everything was perfect and Nothing could ruin this night. She watched as Charlie gestured for attention and all was silent. This was finally it. 

"Friends, family, esteemed guests," Charles began, his voice projecting confidence. "Tonight, we celebrate not just my children's birthday, but the beginning of a new chapter for Grant Corporation."

Jim and Jey stood nearby, chests puffed with pride. Angela clung to Jim's arm, playing her role perfectly. Jacy stood apart from her family, her discomfort visible to anyone who cared to look.

"Before we proceed with our business announcements," Claudia interjected smoothly, her voice carrying a sharp edge, "there's a family matter we need to address." She turned to Charles meaningfully.

Charles hesitated, glancing at Jacy, who immediately understood what was coming.

"Father, no," Jacy said quietly. "Don't do this. Not here."

"It's necessary," Claudia said firmly. She looked at Perry Stone. "We believe in complete transparency with our business partners. There can be no confusion about family structure moving forward."

Perry looked uncomfortable but said nothing.

Charles cleared his throat. "My son, Charlie Grant, is no longer part of this family. As of this evening, I formally disown him. He has no claim to the Grant name or any associated benefits."

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Several guests looked shocked, others merely intrigued by the drama.

"Father!" Jacy stepped forward, her face flushed with anger. "You can't—"

"It's done," Charles said, avoiding her eyes. "We're better off without him."

Jim smirked. "Should've happened years ago."

"Now then," Claudia said, smoothly transitioning, "we also have wonderful news to share. Perry, perhaps you'd like to make the announcement?"

Perry Stone straightened, his businessman facade clicking into place. "It's my pleasure to announce that Claire Corporation and Grant Corporation have reached a partnership agreement. This alliance will benefit both companies tremendously."

Applause erupted. Charles beamed, shaking Perry's hand enthusiastically.

"Additionally," Perry continued, glancing at his son, "as part of strengthening family ties between our organizations, my son Jerry and Jacy Grant will be married."

The announcement hit like a Jacy bomb. 

"What?" she gasped. "I never agreed to this!"

"It's already decided," Claudia said firmly. "Don't make a scene, Jacy."

Jerry Stone stepped forward, offering his arm to Jacy with a confident smile. "I look forward to getting to know you better, my dear."

Jacy pulled back, shaking her head. "No. I won't—"

The ballroom doors burst open.

Charlie Maxwell strode in, his bearing completely transformed from the struggling student everyone remembered. His custom navy suit fit perfectly, the subtle Maxwell crest embroidered on the cuff. Two bodyguards flanked him at a respectful distance. His expression was calm, composed.

The room fell silent. Every head turned.

"Charlie?" someone whispered.

Claudia's champagne glass nearly slipped from her hand. Her face flushed with rage. "What is he doing here?"

Charles stared, confusion and anger warring on his face. Jim and Jey moved forward aggressively, ready to throw their former stepbrother out personally.

Angela's hand flew to her mouth. That suit, those bodyguards—something had changed. 

Only Jacy's expression showed relief, tears immediately springing to her eyes.

"How dare you show your face here!" Claudia hissed, storming toward Charlie. "Security! Remove this trespasser immediately!"

Jim reached Charlie first. "You've got nerve, showing up after Father disowned you. Guess you didn't get the message—you're not wanted."

"Yeah, crawl back to whatever hole you've been hiding in," Jey added, several friends laughing behind him.

Charlie remained perfectly still, his slight smile never wavering. He hadn't spoken a word yet, and somehow his silence was more powerful than any response.

Perry Stone stepped forward, his eyes fixed on Charlie's cuff. His face went pale as he recognized the embroidery—the Maxwell family crest. That level of detail, that craftsmanship, couldn't be faked or purchased in stores. It was exclusively made for family members.

"Mrs. Grant, please wait," Perry said quietly, his hand raised to stop her advance.

"Don't interfere, Perry," Claudia snapped. "This is family business. Well, former family business." She turned to Charlie with venomous satisfaction. "You heard your father. You're not a Grant anymore. You have no right to be here."

"Security is coming," Charles announced. "You'll be removed and charged with trespassing."

Hotel security guards appeared, moving toward Charlie. But Perry Stone stepped between them, his expression troubled.

"Wait," Perry said firmly. He stared at Charlie, specifically at his suit. "That's a Maxwell suit. Custom made. Where did you get it?"

"He stole it, obviously," Jim said immediately.

"The Maxwell heir was supposed to attend tonight," Jerry Stone said, his eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Where is he, Charlie? What did you do?"

Murmurs spread through the crowd. The accusation hung heavy in the air.

"Did you attack him?" Victoria Hunt, a friend of Jerry's suggested loudly. "Steal his clothes and invitation?"

"That would be just like him," Angela said, her voice carrying to the crowd. "Always trying to be something he's not.”