The Heiress He Underestimated novel Chapter 1

Chapter 1 Behind Her Pretty Mask

The crystal chandelier cast dancing shadows across the marble floor of the Nethys mansion as Elyrian Nethys adjusted her silk dress for the third time. She had been sitting in the waiting room for almost twenty minutes now, and her hands were getting sweaty.

The double doors opened with a soft click, and her father’s business partner walked in. Kieran Nethys looked pleased with himself, which was never a good sign. Behind him followed a man who could only be described as devastatingly handsome in the most dangerous way possible.

Zephyros Valdris was tall, probably around six foot three, with dark hair that looked like he had run his fingers through it and sharp green eyes that seemed to see everything. He wore a perfectly tailored black suit that was very expensive. But it was the way he moved that caught her attention. Like a predator who had just spotted his next meal.

“Elera, sweetheart,” her father said, using the nickname that always made her skin crawl when he said it in front of business associates. “I’d like you to meet Zephyros Valdris. Xan, this is my daughter Elyrian.”

Xan stepped forward and extended his hand. When she placed hers in his, he brought it to his lips and pressed a gentle kiss to her knuckles. The gesture was old fashioned and completely calculated. She could see it in his eyes.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Nethys,” he said, his voice smooth as expensive whiskey. “Your father has told me so much about you.”

“Please, call me Elera,” she replied, letting a small blush creep up her cheeks. “And I hope he only told you the good things.”

Xan’s smile was perfect. Not too wide, not too charming, just enough to seem genuine. “Only the very best, I ‘assure you.”

Her father clapped his hands together. “Well, I’ll leave you two to get acquainted. I have some calls to make.” He practically rushed out of the room, leaving them alone.

“Would you like to sit?” Xan gestured toward the plush sofa near the fireplace.

“That would be nice.” She smoothed her dress as she sat down, making sure to tuck her ankles together like the perfect lady she was supposed to be.

Xan settled beside her, close enough that she could smell his cologne. Something expensive and masculine. He was studying her face with those sharp green eyes.

“Your father mentioned you just graduated from university,” he said.

“Yes, last month. Literature and art history.” She gave a little self–deprecating laugh. “I know it’s not very practical, but I’ve always loved beautiful things.”

“There’s nothing wrong with studying what you love.” He paused, his eyes glinting with something she couldn’t quite read. “Do you have plans for your career?”

She gave a small, helpless shrug. “I’m not sure yet. Daddy says I don’t need to worry about working. That I should focus on finding a good husband and starting a family.” She looked down at her hands. “I suppose he’s right. I’ve never really been good at… practical things.”

“That’s very traditional,” Xan said, and she caught the satisfaction in his voice. “But what do you want?”

“I want to be happy,” she said softly. “I want to find someone who will love me and protect me. Someone strong who can take care of everything so I don’t have to worry.” She looked up at him through her lashes. “Is that silly?”

“Not at all.” He reached out and tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. “I think that’s very wise. A woman like you deserves to be cherished and protected.”

“Do you really think so?”

“I know so.” His smile widened slightly. “Elera, I hope you don’t think I’m being too forward, but I find myself very drawn to you.”

“Oh.” She let her breath catch. “I… I don’t know what to say.”

“Say you’ll let me take you to dinner tomorrow night.”

She bit her bottom lip. “I’d like that. Very much.”

Kieran smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “He’s more than nice, Elera. He’s powerful, wealthy, and he’s interested in you. Do you understand what kind of opportunity this is?”

“That’s my girl.” He patted her check like she was a child. “Now go rest. You need to look your best for dinner tomorrow. And Elera?” He paused at the door of his study, “Don’t embarrass me. You know you’re not clever enough to handle complicated situations on your own. Just smile, be sweet, and let him take the lead. Understand?”

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