My Boss's Hidden Heir (Elara and Marcus) novel Chapter 83

They walked into the venue together, Marcus holding Elara’s hand while Dante’s arm wrapped possessively around Mimi waist. The space was even more impressive on the inside than it had been from the outside. Crystal chandeliers hung from vaulted ceilings, casting warm light over marble floors and walls decorated with contemporary art. Waiters moved through the crowd carrying trays of champagne and hors d’oeuvres that probably cost more per piece than most people spent on

entire meals.

The room was already filling up with New York’s elite. Elara recognized a few faces from magazines and news coverage CEOS, politicians, old money families who’d been running this city for generations. Everyone was dressed to impress, bon even in this crowd, Elara felt like she belonged. The dress Marcus had chosen made sure of that.

They’d barely made it five steps inside when two men in expensive suits approached, their expressions serious and determined.

“Marcus, Dante, we need to discuss the Henderson acquisition,” one of them said without preamble. “The numbers came back and there’s a problem with the third quarter projections.”

Marcus’s jaw tightened slightly, irritation flashing across his face. “Can this wait? We just arrived.”

“It really can’t. We need to make a decision tonight before the Tokyo markets open.”

Dante sighed, giving Mimi an apologetic look. “Business never sleeps, apparently.”

Marcus turned to Elara, his hand coming up to cup her face gently. He kissed her forehead, his lips lingering there for a moment. “I’ll be back, my love. Don’t wander off, okay?”

“I won’t.”

“Stay with Mimi. I’ll find you as soon as this is done.”

Then he and Dante were being pulled away, disappearing into the crowd with the two businessmen. Elara watched them go. suddenly feeling exposed standing there without Marcus beside her.

“Well,” Mimi said, linking her arm through Elara’s. “Guess it’s just us girls for now. Want to grab some champagne? Oh wait you can’t drink. Juice?”

“Juice sounds good.”

They started making their way toward the bar when something clicked in Elara’s brain. She stopped walking so suddenly that Mimi nearly tripped.

“What’s wrong?” Mimi asked.

“This restaurant,” Elara said slowly, looking around with new eyes. “This is the same place we came to that night. When we ran into Julius.”

“Oh shit, you’re right. I didn’t even realize.”

“And Julius said his uncle was throwing this event. Which means…” Elara’s stomach dropped “Julius s uncle is the one who invited Marcus. They’re the same person.”

“Fuck

“Exactly.” Elara’s mind was racing now. “I never told Julius I was married. We just talked that night, had dinner, and I gave him my number but I never mentioned Marcus. How is he going to react when he sees me here with my husband? –

1/3

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