The Heiress He Underestimated novel Chapter 126

Chapter 126 Possession In Public

Finished

The hedge fund manager smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Of course. I meant no offense.”

After dinner came the speeches. The foundation director talked about all the good work they did. A famous actress giving a passionate plea for arts funding. A comedian doing a surprisingly funny bit about the wealthy people and their charity galas.

And then the dancing started.

“We should dance,” Drakonius said. “It’s expected.”

“You’re supposed to be limiting physical exertion.”

“It’s a slow dance. I think I can handle it.”

He led her onto the dance floor where other couples were already swaying to some orchestra playing a waltz. Drakonius’s hand settled on her waist, her hand on his shoulder, their other hands clasped between them.

“This is very traditional,” Elera said.

“I’m a traditional man in some ways. Old fashioned about certain things.”

“Like dancing at galas?”

“Like taking care of the people I love.”

The word hung in the air between them. Love. He’d said it so casually, so easily. Did he mean it? Or was it just part of the performance?

“Drakonius…”

“Don’t think about it too hard. Just dance with me.”

So she did. They moved together across the floor, and it should have been awkward since neither of them was particularly practiced at formal dancing. But somehow it worked. They found a rhythm, a natural flow that felt right.

“Everyone’s watching us,” Elera murmured.

“Let them watch. Let them see how happy you make me.”

“Is that what this is? Happiness?”

“I think so. It’s been so long since I felt it, I almost didn’t recognize it. But yes. When I’m with you, I’m happy.”

Elera felt tears prick her eyes. Stupid, emotional tears at a gala surrounded by people who wanted to see them fail. But she couldn’t help it. This man, this complicated, brilliant, dying–but–not–anymore man had somehow become everything to her.

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Chapter 126 Possession In Public

Finished

“I’m happy too,” she whispered. “Terrified and stressed and constantly worried about different threats, but also happy. Because of you.”

Drakonius pulled her closer, close enough that she could rest her head on his shoulder. It was probably too intimate for a public dance floor, but she didn’t care. Let them see. Let them know that this was real.

The song ended and they reluctantly separated. As they left the dance floor, Elera caught sight of Clara and Frost at their table. They were sitting close, heads bent together, talking intensely about something. Frost was actually smiling, it was a real smile and not his usual professional mask.

“Look at them,” Elera said. “They’re adorable.”

“They’re going to be insufferable once they figure out they like each other.”

“Bold of you to assume they haven’t figured it out already.”

They were making their way back to the table when someone stepped into their path. Xan.

He looked good, annoyingly good. Tuxedo fitted perfectly, hair styled, smile charming. But his eyes were cold with something else.

“Elera. Drakonius. What a surprise to see you here.”

“It’s not a surprise,” Drakonius said coolly. “We were invited. As were you, apparently.”

“The foundation loves my money. They’ll invite anyone.” Xan’s smile widened. “You both look well. Very couple–y. Almost believable.”

“It’s not an act, Valdris,” Drakonius said, his voice dropping into dangerous territory.

“Isn’t it though? A whirlwind marriage, a medical emergency, convenient timing. Some might say it’s all very calculated.”

“Some might say you’re a bitter, jealous man who can’t accept that Elera made a choice,” Drakonius countered. “And they might be right.”

Xan’s smile tightened. “Bitter? Maybe. But I have a good reason. See, I’ve learned some interesting things lately. About the past. About that night five years ago.”

Elera felt ice run down her spine. “What night?”

“You know what night. The one where Sarah’s parents died. The one where she got blamed for everything Xan leaned closer, his voice dropping. “Sarah’s been remembering things but details don’t quite match the official story. And I’ve been investigating. Turns out there are some very interesting inconsistencies. Witnesses who disappeared. Evidence that was buried. Your father’s name keeps coming up.

“My father is a lot of things, but he’s not a murderer,” Elera said, even though she wasn’t entirely sure that

was true.

“Maybe not directly. But he benefited from those deaths, didn’t he? Got their company for a fraction of what it was worth. Very convenient timing.” Xan’s eyes bored into hers. “And you were there that night. At the party. You left right around the time of the accident. Some people say they saw you with Sarah. Some people say you might know more than you’re telling.”

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Chapter 126 Possession In Public

“Are you accusing my wife of something?” Drakonius asked, his voice dangerously quiet.

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