Sham Marriage Quit Real Heiress Strikes Back novel Chapter 299

Chapter 299 Confrontation in the Stairwell

Elena turned, a hint of surprise crossing her features. “Carol.”

It was Carol Powell–Simon’s wife, Sophia’s mother–approaching with a calm smile. When Elena and Alexander had married, Carol had been overseas on business and couldn’t make it back in time, though she’d sent a generous wedding gift afterward. Since Carol and Simon didn’t live at Kingsley Manor, Elena hadn’t crossed paths with her much.

“Congratulations,” Carol said warmly. She had a soft, approachable face, fair skin, and a round, gentle demeanor—a world away from the stern impression Simon often gave off.

“Thank you,” Elena replied politely.

“Sophia has been at Velmora Media for a while now,” Carol went on, her tone appreciative. “I really owe you one for keeping an eye on her. I told her she could always join my company, but she was set on working with you. I appreciate you looking out for her.”

“She’s been a great help to me,” Elena said. “I’m lucky to have her on the team.”

“Still, that’s because you’ve guided her well. That girl really listens to you and Alexander…” Carol’s gaze shifted past Elena’s shoulder. “Oh, Mr. Hawthorne–you’re here too.”

Nathan and Camille were standing not far off, apparently just finishing a conversation. At Carol’s call, they made their way over.

“Mrs. Carol Kingsley”

The atmosphere shifted almost immediately.

Elena and Hannah stayed where they were. Elena could feel Nathan’s eyes on her–intense, lingering–and it made her skin prickle with discomfort.

“Carol, I should let you all talk,” Elena said smoothly, eager to step away. “There’s something I need to take care of over there.”

“Of course,” Carol said with an understanding nod. “Let’s plan a ladies‘ lunch soon–just the two of us.”

“I’d like that.” With a polite smile, Elena slipped away.

Only once she was gone did Nathan finally look away.

Carol watched his expression, then seemed to realize something. She brought a hand to her forehead. “Oh, my memory… No wonder Elena left so quickly. It completely slipped my mind. Mr. Hawthorne, Mrs. Hawthorne–please don’t think anything of it.”

“Not at all,” Nathan replied flatly.

“Good, good. I was overthinking it.” Carol let out a soft sigh. “You’re all adults now, and what’s in the in the past. Everyone’s moved on, started families… No sense holding onto old history. Right, Mrs. Hawthorne?”

past

is

Camille’s nails bit gently into her palms. She wasn’t blind–from the moment Elena had appeared, Nathan’s

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Chapter 299 Confrontation in the Stairwell

attention had snapped to her like a magnet.

“Of course,” Camille said, keeping her tone light. “Nathan and I are very happy.”

“I’m glad to hear it. I’d hate to stir up any trouble between you two.” Carol smiled gently, then added almost absently, “Alexander and Elena actually had quite an argument once over some things from her past. But you two seem much more settled. I’m sure you won’t let old news come between you.”

As soon as the words left her mouth, she lightly covered her lips. “Listen to me going on… Let’s get back to talking about the collaboration.”

She might not have meant anything by it, but the words hung in the air, weighted.

Nathan’s lashes lowered slightly.

So… Elena still carried the past with her?

*****

Later, during the awards presentation, Elena took the stage to accept her trophy and deliver a short acceptance speech.

Once she stepped down, a notification lit up her phone–a video from Alexander.

She tapped play. It was a clear, close–up clip of her standing at the podium, looking sharp enough to have been filmed from just feet away.

“How did you get this?” she typed back, genuinely surprised. Even with a live stream, the footage wouldn’t be this crisp.

Alexander had been traveling for work lately. With the holidays approaching, Pinnacle Group’s schedule had gotten packed, and he’d been swamped–out the door before Elena woke, home long after she’d gone to bed.

He’d even flown out overseas the day before, though he’d originally wanted to delay the trip to attend the ceremony with her. It had taken some convincing from Elena to get him to prioritize his schedule.

A reply came through quickly. “Had someone record it for me. Moments like this deserve to be kept.”

Elena’s lips curved softly. She lifted her phone, held the trophy beside her cheek, and snapped a quick selfie to send him.

His response was almost immediate.

“Stunning.”

No hesitation, no holding back–just pure admiration.

Elena couldn’t help the smile that stayed on her face.

“Yikes, the lovey–dovey vibe is strong over here,” Hannah teased from beside her, watching Elena’s expression. She didn’t even need to ask who was on the other end.

“Okay, okay–I’m gonna run to the restroom. Can you hold my stuff for a sec?”

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Chapter 299 Confrontation in the Stairwell

Ever since she’d gotten pregnant, Elena seemed to need the bathroom every hour. It was getting old, fast.

She handed Hannah her trophy and phone.

“Want me to come with?” Hannah offered.

“Nah. I’ll be quick.” Hannah waved her off and headed down the hall.

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Elena waited a moment, then decided to make her own restroom run. She gathered the skirt of her gown, navigated around the lingering crowds, and slipped into the ladies‘ room.

A few minutes later, as she stepped back into the hallway and turned to rejoin Hannah, a hand shot out from the shadowed alcove near the stairwell. It gripped her arm firmly and pulled her into the dim, quiet

space.

The faint scent of whiskey hung in the air. Elena held her breath instinctively.

Her eyes adjusted to the low light. Standing before her was Nathan, his gaze dark and intent.

“What do you want?” Her voice was steady, her eyes bright and alert.

The stairwell was unlit, only a sliver of hallway glow slicing through the dim. In the half–darkness, his expression was hard to read–but the tension between them was unmistakable.

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