WHO IS MALIK HAMPTON?

Broken Thrones

"Who sent the gift?"

The words echoed through the ballroom like a verdict waiting to be written.

All eyes locked on Malik, demanding clarity. The crowd was a mix of power, politics, and pride, and silence held them tighter than chains.

Malik met the questioning gazes with unflinching calm. "The gift was sent by an anonymous source.” He said slowly, his voice low but steady.

Gasps.

Murmurs rose like a tide threatening to drown reason. Anonymous? That wasn't good enough. Not here. Not among tycoons and royals.

Janet was the first to shatter the quiet. "So you admit it, then? You stole it! Just say it!" She stormed forward, her finger jabbing the air. 

Then she whirled toward Sarah. "You should just admit defeat, Sarah. Maybe Grandpa will show you some mercy. Maybe, if you stop pretending you have what it takes to lead, you’ll finally be free from this humiliation."

Sarah's throat tightened. She opened her mouth to speak, to defend Malik, to protect herself, but nothing came out. She glanced at Malik, her mystery, and then at her family, the ones who never truly saw her.

“I... I own it,” she finally whispered, but the words felt like broken glass. No one believed her. Not even herself.

In the corner, Michelle DeWitt straightened his tie and stepped forward, the room tilting slightly toward his confidence. It’s time to shine, he thought.

He smiled coolly and raised a hand.

"Actually, I sent the gift." Michelle declared.

Silence collapsed under the weight of disbelief.

Janet stared at him like he’d sprouted horns. "You? You sent a four billion dollar gift to Sarah? Are you insane?"

Even Michelle’s parents were stunned. Arnold DeWitt’s jaw clenched, but Elisabeth placed a graceful hand on his arm and nither spoke.

Michelle continued, his voice silky smooth. "Yes. I bought that collection some time ago and had it stored in a secure vault. I never realized its true value, but I knew one day it would serve a purpose. Gifting it in Sarah’s name is the best decision I’ve ever made."

The room buzzed.

“And all I ask in return, is the opportunity to collaborate with Roy Enterprises.” Michelle said.

Malik’s jaw tensed, but he said nothing.

Michelle gave him a glance, smug and sharp. Malik caught it and recognized it for what it was. It was nothing but a lie, a strategic move. But what choice did he have? Sarah seemed to believe it, or at least, she wanted to. Her expression had softened, and her eyes flickered between gratitude and curiosity.

Janet narrowed her eyes. She didn't trust it.

"Prove it," she demanded. "A receipt, an artifact log, something. You don’t just drop four billion worth of treasure and forget where it’s stored."

Michelle’s expression darkened. “Are you accusing me of lying?”

"No," Janet said sweetly. "I’m asking for evidence. Unless your word is supposed to be worth more than everyone else's."

Michelle spat near her feet in disgust. “I don’t answer to petty accusations. My family knows the truth."

Arnold and Elisabeth exchanged glances before nodding. “Michelle did purchase a rare collection years ago,” Arnold said. “Where it was stored? We don’t know. But it’s plausible."

Janet's lips curled in disbelief.

John Roy stepped forward. He had remained silent far too long. “We need proof,” he said flatly. “If my wife falls in credibility tonight, it could damage our entire standing. This cannot be left as a ‘he said, she said.’”

Janet nodded furiously. “Yes. Prove it. Show us the purchase history, the documentation. Anything.”

Michelle’s eyes gleamed with arrogance. “It’s a surprise. That’s all.”

Malik stepped forward, clearing his throat. His voice was quiet.

“I believe Michelle could have sent it.”

Sarah looked at him, confusion flickering in her gaze. Why Michelle do that, even when she rejected him? Is it because of what he called it! For partnership with Roy?

Michelle stepped closer to Sarah, gently taking her hand. “If that gift was truly sent in your honor, then everyone here owes you an apology, including me”

Sarah stood taller. "Yes. If it's mine, then I deserve your apologies. Every single one of you."

The room fell into an uneasy shuffle. Janet hesitated. David shifted awkwardly. Evelyn bit the inside of her cheek.

Paul Roy slammed his cane down. “Enough! Apologize and accept defeat!”

One by one, reluctant and cold, they did.

Janet lowered her gaze. “I apologize,” she muttered, but inside her heart was set ablaze. This isn’t over.

As laughter returned and champagne was poured, the party resumed, but the cracks were there. In every glance and every whispered word.

Sarah stood flanked by Michelle and Malik, but something in her eyes had changed. The victory was hollow. She had won the room, but lost the clarity.

Michelle was hailed as the savior of the evening. Malik, the shadow, no one recognizes him.

The Roy family? Fractured. And the throne Sarah had once longed for now felt more broken than ever.