The Heiress He Underestimated novel Chapter 124

Chapter 124 Facing The Wolves

Finished

The invitation arrived on a beautiful cream cardstock that looked so expensive. The Annual Westbridge Foundation Gala, a black–tie charity event that was less about charity but more about rich people showing off to other rich people while pretending to care about the arts.

Normally, Elera would have thrown it directly in the trash. But this year was different. This year, the foundation had specifically requested their presence. Mr. and Mrs. Drakonius Vex, the mysterious couple everyone wanted to see, the scandal that wouldn’t stop generating headlines.

“We don’t have to go,” Drakonius said, reading over her shoulder. “We can send a donation and stay home.”

“And let everyone think we’re hiding? That we’re ashamed or scared?” Elera shook her head. “No. We will go. We will show up looking perfect and unbothered and we are going to make them see that we’re not going anywhere.”

“You know Xan will be there and sarah too, probably. It’s exactly the type of event they’d attend.”

“Good. Let them see us together. Let them see that whatever games they’re playing, we’re not afraid of them.”

Drakonius studied her face for a moment. “You’re sure about this?”

“I’m sure. Besides, Clara needs a reason to wear one of her ridiculous fancy dresses. She’s been complaining about not having anywhere to go.”

“Speaking of Clara,” Drakonius said with a slight smile. “Have you noticed the way she and Frost keep finding excuses to be in the same room?”

“Oh, I’ve noticed. Yesterday I caught them having what looked like a very intense conversation about tactical positioning that was definitely not actually about tactical positioning.”

“She keeps asking him questions about his work. He keeps explaining things in excessive detail. It’s almost

cute.

“It’s hilarious. Frost has no idea how to handle someone who isn’t intimidated by him.”

“And Clara has no idea how to handle someone who takes her seriously instead of dismissing her as just an editor.”

They shared a knowing look. At least someone’s love life was progressing, even if their own was still stuck in this weird limbo of almost–but–not–quite.

The gala was in three days. Which meant Elera needed a dress. Which meant calling her design team at Celestine and hoping they could pull off a miracle on short notice.

“I need something that says ‘I’m powerful and I don’t care what you think of me,” she told Marco over video chat. “But also elegant. And comfortable enough that I won’t want to die after four hours.”

“Darling, I live for these challenges,” Marco said, already sketching. I’m thinking deep emerald green, structured but with movement. A neckline that’s sophisticated but shows you’re not apologizing for existing. And hidden pockets, because you’re a active woman who probably needs to carry emergency

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Chapter 124 Facing The Wolves

medical supplies everywhere.”

“You know me so well.”

“I’ll have it couriered tomorrow. Trust me, you’ll look like you own the entire building.”

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Finished

After she hung up, Clara appeared in the doorway of her study. “So I hear we’re going to a fancy party.”

“We are. You’re coming, right?”

“I’m your plus–one’s plus–one? Is that allowed?”

“I’m making it allowed. Besides, Frost will be there running security. You can keep him company.”

Clara’s cheeks went pink. “I’m not going to a gala just to hang around Frost.”

“Of course not. You’re going to wear a fancy dress and drink expensive champagne and also happen to hang around Frost.”

“You’re the worst.”

“I’m the best. And you’re going to have fun whether you like it or not.”

The dress arrived the next day and it was perfect. Emerald green silk that caught the light, with a neckline that was both modest and daring, sleeves that ended in elegant points, and yes, hidden pockets. Marco had even included a matching purse that could hold her phone, lipstick, and a small medical kit, just in case.

Clara’s dress arrived at the same time, a stunning deep burgundy that made her look like some kind of literary goddess. “I can’t wear this,” Clara said, staring at herself in the mirror. “It’s too much.”

It’s exactly right. You look amazing.”

I look like I’m trying too hard.”

“You look like you belong at a gala with billionaires and celebrities. Which you do, because you’re a brilliant editor who represents one of the biggest authors in the world. Own it.”

Clara took a deep breath. “Okay. I can do this. I can wear a fancy dress and not trip over my own feet.”

“That’s the spirit.”

The day of the gala, the house was a chaos. Hair and makeup people arrived at two PM. Elera’s team did her face and hair while simultaneously doing Clara’s, both of them sitting in Elera’s room like they were getting ready for prom.

“I feel ridiculous, Clara said as someone pinned her hair into an elaborate updo.

“You look gorgeous. Frost is going to swallow his tongue when he sees you‘

“Frost is a professional. He’s not going to notice what I’m wearing.

“Want to bet?”

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Chapter 124 Facing The Wolves

“I’m not betting on my own love life. That’s depressing”

Finished

five PM, they were both ready. Elera in her green dress with her hair in soft waves, makeup elegant. Clara in burgundy with her hair up, looking sophisticated and powerful.

They found Drakonius in the main hall, already dressed in his tuxedo and looking unfairly handsome. He’d gained back some of the weight he’d lost during his illness, and the color was back in his face. He looked healthy, strong and alive.

When he saw Elera, his eyes went wide. He just stared at her for a long moment, not saying anything.

“Well?” she asked, suddenly nervous. “Is it too much?”

“No,” he said, his voice rough. “It’s perfect. You’re perfect. I’m going to spend the entire night fighting the urge to punch anyone who looks at you.”

“That’s very caveman of you.”

“I contain multitudes.” He offered his arm. “Ready to face the wolves?”

“As ready as I’ll ever be.”

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