Meanwhile, in the Carl family house, Pa Aaron and Ma Pat had gathered the entire Carl family and their well wishers to celebrate and honor Alisha for her promotion at work.
They wanted to thank her because Jaxon's father, Mr. Thomas Sterling, had made a generous promise. He guaranteed employment for every Carl family member, regardless of their qualifications.
The catch was that they would become "ghost workers" and receive a monthly paycheck without actually working.
This promise from Mr. Thomas Sterling was the talk of the family, and they eagerly anticipated the financial benefits that would soon come their way.
This would be the highest achievement that anyone from the Carl family has ever gotten.
And in no time, their family social status will increase in Emerald Falls.
Every member of Carl's family was present for the celebration.
The big room where they had the celebration was all lit up with cozy, yellow lights hanging from the ceiling. There were these long tables with clean, white cloths that went on and on.
They put some pretty flower decorations in the middle of each table. Up at the front, there was a fancy chair for Alisha and the Sterlings to sit in because they were the special guest.
They hung these nice blue and gold curtains on the walls that made the room look fancier. Soft music played in the background, making it feel nice and friendly.
People, dressed in their best clothes, walked around talking and drinking from the bar. Waiters in their neat uniforms went around with trays of tasty snacks and treats, making everyone hungry.
In one corner, there was a fun photo booth with costumes and backgrounds for taking pictures. And right in the middle, there was a really tall cake with pretty decorations on it, showing that it was a special day.
It was a perfect place for a big celebration, full of happiness and excitement for the Carl family.
"Today is a special day for our family, thanks to Alisha's marriage to Jaxon Sterling." Pa Aaron said aloud to everyone.
He continued, " I want to welcome everyone present here today to witness this great occasion and share in our joy. All thanks to the Sterling Dynasty, they will be here soon and…"
He went on to give a very long speech and praises to the Sterling family and concluded by recognizing Alisha's parents.
"...And also thanks to Alisha's parents."
At the family table, Mr. Richard Carl and Mrs. Kate Carl, Alisha's parents, were beside themselves with joy as they waved to the crowd of people in the hall.
They felt on top of the world for the recognition given to them by Pa Aaron.
This means they would become the top priority of the Carl family and everyone would be looking up to them with admiration more than Lisa and Mark Carl, the other daughter and son in law of Pa Aaron and Ma Pat.
"This is all because of my smartness and moves. What this means is that we will all become great acquaintances to the Sterling Industries, even if we're not qualified for it. It's a wonderful opportunity for us to earn money without breaking a sweat." Richard Carl said to the family members gathered around his table, in a loud and boastful manner.
He wanted them to admire him more than his brother-in-law, Mark.
"I can't believe we'll get paid just for being associated with Jaxon's family," Mark Carl whispered to his wife, Lisa.
"Yea. This is the best gift ever," his wife, Lisa Carl replied.
Lisa is the second daughter of Pa Aaron and Ma Pat, and the younger sister of Kate.
"Let's raise our glasses and toast to Alisha and her new family." Pa Aaron announced through the speaker.
Everyone raised their glass, "Cheers!"
Pa Aaron also invited most of his friends and well wishers to join in their celebration.
He wanted them to experience how big the Carl family would soon become.
He wanted to prove to them that he's no longer in the same league as they are and so must be given respect now.
Back at the family table, the conversations continued.
"This promotion and job opportunities is proof that we made the right choice for Alisha and this family." Kate said proudly.
"James must be crawling in the gutter somewhere." Her son, Henry supported her.
Everyone laughed!
"Who needs James anyway? He was just a burden." Sophie said.
"Now we don't have to deal with his pathetic excuses anymore. He couldn't even afford decent clothes, And he certainly can't buy expensive gifts like his mates," Williams, Mark and Lisa's eldest son and Sophie's brother said.
"It's like he depends on us for everything."
"I can't believe we ever associated with him."
"Goodbye to that rubbish thing."
The family members were all saying.
The party went on for hours but still no sign of the sterlings and Alisha's presence.
People started growing impatient as to why the Sterlings are not here yet.
One of the main reasons most of them came was to see Mr. Sterlings in person and possibly seek the man's favor to get them to sign a contract with the Sterlings or push their brands.
"Where are the Sterlings?"
"What's taking them so long? We came here for a reason!"
"This event is losing its charm without them. Get them here!"
"I can't believe they're keeping us waiting like this."
"Someone should tell them we mean business!"
Many had gathered with hopes of meeting the influential family in person and perhaps securing a contract or gaining their favor for various business endeavors.
It was almost two hours past the initial time now and Pa Aaron said nothing yet.
Pa Aaron, noticing how agitated the crowd is becoming, decided to address them.
"Hello, everyone relax. I know you are all worried as to why Mr Sterling is not here at the moment. Don't you all know he's a tycoon and as such is always busy with work. I assure you he will be here soon so let's not worry much."
"If you are that close to him why not give him a call right away?" Someone shouted from the crowd.
"Yes. Pa Aaron. Prove that you're close to him or have you been lying to us all this while?"
Pa Aaron was getting furious. What do these people take him for? Do they think he's as wretched as they are?
Now he must show them that he meant business.
"Alright then I'll call him right away." He said with a smile to cover up his anger.
"Yeah!!!"
A loud scream erupted among the crowd.
"Pa Aaron is telling the truth. He dines with the Sterlings."
"He has agreed to call Mr. Sterling, right away."
Pa Aaron to further buttress his claim and make people believe him decided to put the call on loud speaker and connected over to a microphone for people to hear the voice of Mr. Sterling.
He picked up his phone and dialed Mr. Sterling's number.
Ring! Ring!
No answer.
He dialed again.
Ring! Ring! Ring!
No answer.
The crowd was about to boo at him which would have made him lose face when his phone began to ring
"Wow! Mr. Sterling is calling him back!"
"Mr. Sterling must have been busy all this while."
"Pa Aaron was being truthful after all."
"Hush now let's hear him speak. Besides, big men do not like much noises."
Pa Aaron quickly picked up the phone and swiped to the right.
"Hello, Mr. Sterling…"