My Boss's Hidden Heir (Elara and Marcus) novel Chapter 31

Today was the event.

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The charity gala Marcus had mentioned days ago. The one for homeless children and orphanages. The one where she’d officially step into the public eye as his fiancée or girlfriend or whatever the media decides.

Elara stood in the guest bedroom surrounded by a team of stylists who’d arrived two hours ago with racks of dresses and cases full of makeup.

They’d chosen a gold dress. Backless. The fabric hugged every curve like it had been sewn directly onto her body. A built–in corset pushed her breasts up and together in a way that made them look twice their actual size.

One of the stylists knelt beside her with a bottle of shimmering oil. “This will make your skin glow under the lights.”

She rubbed the oil across Elara’s shoulders. Down her back. Across her collarbones. Along the tops of her breasts where the dress dipped low.

Elara stood still and let them work. Let them transform her into someone that looks like they belonged in vogue magazine.

Another stylist worked on her hair. Pulling it back into an elegant updo that showed off the bare skin of her back. A few strands left loose to frame her face.

The makeup took forever. Foundation. Contour. Highlight. Eyeshadow in gold and bronze. Liner that made her eyes look bigger. Lashes that felt heavy every time she blinked.

‘Done,” the lead stylist said finally. She stepped back to admire her work. “Look.”

Elara turned to face the full–length mirror.

She barely recognized herself. She was very beautiful.

The woman staring back looked expensive. Polished. Like someone who belonged on Marcus Thorne’s arm at charity galas and high–society events.

Not like the girl who’d been scraping by a few weeks ago. Dodging debt collectors. Skipping meals to save money. Living in in apartment with a broken door and no heat.

How did she get here?

The stylists were gushing now. Talking over each other.

You look stunning.”

‘Absolutely gorgeous.”

‘Mr. Thorne is going to lose his mind when he sees you.”

One of them handed her a pair of heels. Gold. Strappy. At least four inches tall.

Elara slid them on Her feet already hurt.

She grabbed the matching clutch from the vanity. Small Barely big enough for her phone and lipstick.

“We’re done,” the lead stylist said. “You’re perfect.”

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:27 pm P

Chapter 31

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They packed up their supplies and left. The room went quiet.

Elara stood alone in front of the mirror. Staring at herself, an extra boost of confidence emerged.

She heard footsteps on the stairs. Heavy one, obviously it was the Devil himself.

Marcus appeared in the doorway.

He wasn’t wearing a suit.

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Instead he had on a short–sleeved button–up shirt. Crisp. Cream colour. Three buttons undone at the top showing just enough chest to make her mouth go dry. Dark pants that fit him too well. Hair styled back but not overly done.

He looked up at her.

His eyes went to her face first. Then dropped. Down to her breasts pushed up by the corset. Down to her bare legs in those heels. Then back up to her breasts again.

Elara caught him staring. She wanted him to keep looking. Liked the way his jaw tightened slightly. The way his eyes darkened.

But he stopped. Cleared his throat. Held out his hand.

‘Come down.”

She walked carefully. The heels made every step feel precarious. Like one wrong move and she’d tumble down the stairs.

Marcus didn’t move. Just watched her descend. His expression was hard to read. Was he impressed? Was he let down? No dea.

When she reached the bottom step, they were eye level. Almost. The heels gave her enough height to look him directly in he face.

You look…” he started.

Okay?” she finished sarcastically.

No.” His voice came out rougher than usual. “Sexy. Sorry. Gorgeous.”

feat flooded through her.

This is it,” Marcus said after a long pause. “After tonight, you’ll be public. In the spotlight. Cameras. Questions. People dissecting everything you do. Are you ready?”

Elara swallowed hard. “No. But do I really have a choice?”

‘Not really.”

‘Great.”

His mouth lifted slightly. Almost a smile. “You’ll be fine.”

He led her outside to the garage where a car waited.

Not a Mercedes this time. A Lamborghini.. Black.

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Chapter 31

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Marcus opened the passenger door. She climbed in carefully. The interior was insane, black and maybe mustard yellow on he seats.

The dress was tight enough that sitting was a challenge. She had to adjust the fabric twice before getting comfortable.

de closed her door and walked around to the driver’s side.

The engine roared to life. Loud. Powerful.

They pulled out of the garage and onto the street.

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