Bound By A Broken Night novel Chapter 162

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Chapter 162

“My Mama is the most beautiful In the world,Kat continued, his small voice steady yet carrying across the charged silence.

“And Papa loves my Mama so much.”

A collective stillness fell over those within earshot. Conversations in nearby circles faltered as the declaration traveled from one

guest to another.

Tanya stood frozen at the center of it, her smile still faintly curved—but lifeless now, like a mask she no longer had the strength to hold up. The warmth she had so carefully displayed moments ago drained from her face, leaving behind the sharp sting of

humiliation.

For a brief second, she seemed unsure where to look at Ashton, at the child, at the curious guests pretending not to stare.

A six–year–old boy had dismantled her carefully cultivated dream.

In one unwavering declaration, Kai Pierce severed the illusion that she could glide effortlessly into the position beside Bay City’s most powerful tycoon.

If not for the weight of countless watchful eyes–Tanya might have allowed her composure to fracture completely. The frustration rising in her chest burned hot and sharp, clawing at her restraint.

But she swallowed it. Because losing grace here would mean losing everything.

“You are with someone, Ashton?” Aunt Rina’s voice cut through the tension, tinged with forced lightness but edged with

urgency.

“Why didn’t we know?”

All eyes shifted to Ashton.

He turned slowly toward the older woman–his mother’s half–sister–his expression calm, unreadable.

“I didn’t realize I was required to report my personal affairs to you, Aunt Rina,” Ashton replied evenly.

His tone was smooth. Controlled. But there was steel beneath it.

The words landed cleanly, precisely.

Aunt Rina gulped, the earlier confidence draining from her posture as she attempted to hold his gaze. The chill in his eyes was unmistakable.

“Ahm… that’s not what I meant, Ashton,” she stammered lightly.

“I was just… curious.”

“Of course,” he responded, the faintest curve touching his lips–but there was no warmth in it.

Maricris, sensing the tension escalating beyond her control, stepped in quickly.

“Cousin,” she began, attempting a light laugh that didn’t quite reach her eyes, “why didn’t you bring Kai’s mother tonight? We’re all curious to meet her.”

Her glance toward Ashton betrayed her unease.

Ashton’s hand rested once more on Kai’s shoulder–protective.

“She chose not to show herself,” he said calmly.

A beat passed–measured, deliberate.

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“Tonight is Kat’s night,” Ashton continued, his voice smooth yet carrying unmistakable authority.

“This gathering is for our son

His hand rested firmly on Kai’s shoulder.

“But his mother,” he added, the faintest–almost ominous–smile touching his lips, “is quietly celebrating for him.”

The words lingered, heavy and deliberate.

A ripple of murmurs spread through the hall. Subtle glances turned into discreet searches. Curiosity sharpened in every gaze.

Who was the woman bold enough to capture Ashton Pierce’s heart… yet powerful enough to remain unseen by choice?

Speculation began to brew again–But it was swiftly interrupted.

“CEO Pierce, it’s been a long time since we last saw each other.”

The new voice cut cleanly through the tension, drawing attention toward the entrance of another distinguished figure making his approach.

Ashton turned smoothly.

“CEO Rivas,” he greeted, already extending his hand.

The older man clasped it firmly.

“It’s been a while.”

The handshake was not merely polite—it was strategic. Two titans acknowledging each other in front of an audience that understood the weight of such gestures.

“And this adorable young man is?” CEO Rivas asked, his tone warm yet assessing as he shifted his attention to the child beside

Ashton.

Kai met his gaze without hesitation.

There was no shyness in his posture, no childish fidgeting. His small shoulders remained squared, his chin slightly lifted. Calm. Composed. Almost regal.

“Kai Pierce,” he introduced himself clearly.

Then, with measured confidence, he extended his hand.

A few nearby guests exchanged impressed glances.

CEO Rivas let out a soft chuckle of approval before clasping the tiny hand in a firm, respectful shake.

“Well,” he said, giving Kai’s hand a gentle but dignified pump, “no doubt a Pierce.”

The resemblance was undeniable–not just in features, but in presence.

Kai released the handshake at the appropriate moment. It was instinctive, as though boardroom etiquette ran in his blood.

Ashton observed the exchange quietly.

Pride flickered openly across his usually controlled expression.

For all his dominance in business, for all the empires he commanded–Nothing in that moment seemed to please him more than watching his son stand his ground among titans.