Billionaire's Match (by Tangy Candy) novel Chapter 25

Chapter 25

Every time Nick finished speaking, thunderous applause swept through the auditorium. Even Khloe, watching from her screen, found herself clapping before she realized it.

There was no denying it–professional excellence had an irresistible allure all its own.

Nick was cold and aloof, like some untouchable marble statue. Yet, to Khloe, he radiated a powerful, almost overwhelming magnetism.

When the livestream ended, she finally understood his reticence. With someone that brilliant, silent admiration was enough. There was no need for small talk, and certainly no room for frivolous romance.

Her phone stayed dark. No new messages appeared.

Eventually, sleep claimed her, and she pulled the covers over her head.

The following evening, Khloe attended the charity gala. Oscar accompanied her at first but was soon pulled away to handle urgent business.

Michael, too, was constantly in demand–either on his phone or cornered by associates eager for a word.

In contrast, Khloe received little more than polite nods, the occasional handshake, or a business card pressed into her palm. Though she bore the Morrison name, few sought her out for anything beyond a cursory greeting.

She understood why. Everyone here was a titan of industry. Their respect for the Morrison family was genuine, but it was reserved for Niel and the acknowledged members of his household.

To them, Khloe–the newly arrived, “illegitimate” daughter–wasn’t worth their serious attention.

Oscar had warned her this would happen.

The attendees valued Clarice and Ethan far more. In their eyes, Khloe was incapable of steering Niel’s empire, and eventually, the Morrison fortune and power would return to its “rightful” heirs.

No one wanted to offend Clarice or her son prematurely, so they kept their distance, preferring to watch and wait.

Khloe didn’t mind. She was here to represent the Morrison family, that was all. Still, with billions at stake, she couldn’t afford to fade into the background.

She had prepared meticulously for her speech.

The draft had been written by professionals Oscar hired, bu she had refined and polished every line herself.

Just before her segment, Michael noticed her tension. He leaned in close, murmuring that if she lost her nerve, he could deliver the address for her. 1

After all, she was speaking on behalf of the Morrison family. Any misstep would reflect poorly on all of them.

But Khloe shook her head.

She clenched her hands once, steadied her breath, and whispered, “Don’t worry. I won’t make any mistakes.”

When they had first entered the hall, she had spotted Veronica and Winnie with their parents, surrounded by a fawning crowd.

The two sisters had offered her a fleeting, dismissive greeting before rushing off. Soon, the banquet’s spotlight had shifted entirely from the Morrisons to the Olsons.

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Even with Michael by her side, whispers still slithered into her ears.

“Illegitimate daughter.”

“Just living off the family name.‘

“An embarrassment.”

If she lacked the courage to step up now, those sneers would solidify into accepted fact.

“Khloe, don’t pay them any mind. None of them are worth your attention,” Michael said, his gaze sweeping the hall with a trace of disdain.

To him, even if she was labeled “illegitimate,” Khloe was a Morrison. Their coldness was nothing more than thinly veiled envy.

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