Seven Years a Fool One Day a Queen (Kristine and Colton) novel Chapter 164

The staffer wore an apologetic smile. “I’m terribly sorry for the mix–up, Miss Wynn. The conference is about to begin, please cooperate with our arrangements.”

Medea’s face stiffened, but with no other choice, she rose to follow.

As soon as she stood, another staffer came over and swapped out the nameplate.

he glanced back just in time to see it. Her name, Medea, was covered by a new placard.

liza.

ler steps faltered. She couldn’t believe her eyes.

low could it be Eliza? Why her?

he almost turned back to demand clarification, but the usher gently urged,

This way, Miss Wynn. We’re on a tight schedule and thank you for your understanding.”

nd just like that, still seething, Medea was escorted to the far side of the hall. Not just away from the head table–practically at the margins.

er expression soured further. She looked back at the main table in unwilling defeat.

y then, Vega and his entourage had arrived. Eliza walked at his side, chatting easily.

ot only that, but she recognized the faces trailing behind them: several heavyweights of the gaming industry, along with high–profile investors.

he worst part? With her new seat assignment, Eliza was now sitting right beside Calvin.

liza only learned this once she got to her place.

er brows creased ever so slightly.

alvin, too, looked her way.

is expression stayed impassive; his gaze lingered for two seconds, then slid past her indifferently as he nodded to Vega.

liza turned away as well.

nce everyone sat, the two of them didn’t exchange a single look.

heir silence was deeper than indifference–worse than strangers,

o one watching would ever guess they’d shared seven years of intimacy,

ega broke the quiet with a casual remark, looking across them both. “Funny enough, I actually met Miss Grant thanks to President Young”

Mr. Vega, you’re too kind,” Calvin replied smoothly, his tone flat, as if he barely knew her.

If course, worried Medea might get jealous, he was drawing a thick line between them, carving distance into his very bones.

f he cared that much, he ought to keep to Medea’s side twenty four seven.

hat would’ve been true devotion.

is it was, the pretense just felt grating.

rega, oblivious to the undercurrent, turned back to Eliza to continue their earlier discussion.

Seven Years a Fool. One Day a Queen

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Chapter 164

What’s your take on all the cutthroat competition in the industry?”

liza had given it thought. “Our country’s gaming market is vast enough to accommodate diversity. It’s not a zero–sum game–there’s room for everyone to grow. What we need is healthy competition, because only that drives progress.”

‘ega leaned in as she spoke, nodding along with real interest.

ler words hit the mark.

You hear that, Ashton? Time to broaden your horizons,” Vega quipped, aiming the jab at the man beside him.

he so–called Ashton wiped nervous sweat from his brow. “Miss Grant, that was enlightening–truly a wake–up call.”

liza suddenly realized who he was: the CEO of one of the gaming giants recently summoned by regulators over their toxic rivalries.

。 Vega was using her words to make a point.

he flushed slightly, embarrassed.

ut Ashton quickly leaned in, offering his card. “Miss Grant, if you need guidance on your project, don’t hesitate. I’d be happy to help.”

Then I’ll be troubling you in the future,” she said politely.

No trouble at all,” he insisted.

rom her corner seat, Medea nearly burned holes in the tablecloth with her glare.

Watching Eliza laugh and chat with industry leaders and seeing Vega treat her with such warmth–gnawed at her insides.

he only balm was that Calvin never once acknowledged Eliza.

ot a glance. Not a word.

t least he stood firmly on her side.

Then the conference wrapped, Medea wasted no time, She strode straight toward Vega, determined to make herself known.

Mr. Vega, hello, I’m Medea, We’ve actually had dinner together before, I wonder if you remember?”

he put on her most poised, gracious smile,

ega indined his head politely, though his eyes flickered with clear impatience.

Good manners kept him divil. “Yes, I recall, You’re… President Young’s-”

le trailed off.

Flancée,” Medea supplied quickly.

Ah, fiancée,” he echoed. He’d been about to say “girlfriend.”

Seizing the moment, she produced an invitation. “President Young and I are getting engaged soon. If your schedule allows, we’d be honored if you came.

Very well.” He gestured for his secretary to accept it.

Then, turning to Eliza, he added, “Miss Grant, if you have time, let’s continue that conversation later.”

Of course,” Eliza replied.

And just like that, he was gone before Medea could so much as bring up her own game project.

Chapter 164

Her chest tightened with frustration. She couldn’t very well force it on him.

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