The Heiress He Underestimated novel Chapter 28

Chapter 28 The Trophy On Display

The Valdris estate was transformed. It looked like a movie set. Lights blazed from every window, valets in white gloves whisked away luxury cars, and the sound of a string quartet spilled out into the frosty night air. The air smelled of expensive perfume and money.

Inside, the spectacle was overwhelming. Crystal chandeliers glittered, casting rainbows on the marble floors. The cream of society milled about, jewels flashing, laughter sharp and brittle. And there, at the center of it all, was Xan.

He was resplendent in a classic tuxedo, his dark hair perfect, his smile blinding. He saw her and his eyes lit up with genuine, predatory triumph. He cut through the crowd, taking her hands.

“Elera,” he breathed, his gaze sweeping over her dress with a hint of surprise that quickly turned to approval. “You look… stunning. Absolutely breathtaking. Everyone is looking at you.”

That was the point.

He tucked her hand into the crook of his arm, a claim staked. “Come. There are so many people I want you to meet.”

The next hour was a slow, surreal parade. She met senators, celebrities, foreign dignitaries. Xan presented her like a trophy, his hand always on her back, his voice always in her ear. “My beautiful fiancée, Elyrian.” She smiled, she nodded, she said all the right empty things. She was the perfect mannequin.

But beneath the surface, she was cataloging. She noted the greedy, assessing looks from Xan’s business rivals. The pitying glances from older women who saw a lamb led to slaughter. The hungry eyes of men who wondered what it would be like to have something so beautiful on their arm.

She felt utterly, completely alone in the sea of people.

Then, across the crowded ballroom, she saw a flash of familiar gray. Her heart stopped.

Elera felt a white–hot flash of anger. She kept her smile in place. “How sad for him,” she murmured her voice devoid of feeling.

Xan led her away, but she could feel Drakonius’s gaze like a touch on the back of her neck. An anchor in the raging sea.

The dinner was interminable. Speeches were made. Xan’s father, a larger, colder version of his son, gave a toast to “new alliances and the enduring strength of family.” He looked at Elera as if she were a stock certificate.

Then it was Xan’s turn. He stood, tapping his crystal glass with a spoon. The room fell silent.

“My friends, family,” he began, his voice rich and warm, perfectly projected. “Tonight is a celebration. Of the legacy of the beautiful future.” He reached down and took Elera’s hand, pulling her gently to her feet beside him. Her heart began to hammer against her ribs. This was it.

He turned to her, his green eyes shining with fabricated love. “And most of all, a celebration of the beautiful woman who has agreed to share that future with me.” He paused, letting the anticipation build. “Many of you have heard the rumors. So tonight, I am delighted to make it official. Ladies and gentlemen, my father and I are thrilled to announce the merger of Valdris Enterprises and Nethys Holdings…”

He was talking about the business deal first. Of course. Establishing the value before presenting the prize.