The Heiress He Underestimated novel Chapter 70

Chapter 70 Blood Means Nothing

Drakonius followed her gaze to Clara, who did look like a flustered academic in her slightly rumpled dress. He nodded. “Of course. I’ll be here.”

Elera gave his arm a quick squeeze and then moved fast to intercept Clara before she could get close enough for Drakonius to hear. She grabbed her editor by the elbow and steered her toward a large potted plant that offered at least the illusion of privacy.

“Raven,” Clara hissed the second they were semi–alone. “What are you doing? You’re wearing a dress from a collection that isn’t even public yet, you’re with Drakonius Vex, and everyone in this room thinks you’re some kind of gold–digging scandal queen. What is happening?”

“Clara, breathe,” Elera said, keeping her voice low and her smile in place. “It’s not what it looks like. Well, it is, but it isn’t. It’s complicated.”

“Complicated?” Clara’s eyes were huge behind her glasses. “You’re not researching a book. You’re living one. Multiple ones. Oh my gosh, you’re actually married to him aren’t you? This isn’t some extended performance art piece.”

“I can’t explain everything right now,” Elera said. “But you cannot, and I mean cannot, acknowledge me as Raven. Not here. Not to anyone. To everyone at this party, I’m just Elera Vex. A Private person and new bride. Nothing special. You understand?”

Clara looked over Elera’s shoulder at Drakonius, who was watching them with polite but definite interest. Her editor’s brain was clearly working overtime, putting pieces together. “Your medical charity donations. The way you write about surveillance and hidden identities. The marriage to a pharmaceutical billionaire who specializes in genetic diseases. Oh my gosh, you’re not just writing about people with secret lives, you’re…”

“Clara, please,” Elera interrupted. “I need you to trust me. My safety depends on this. His safety depends on this.”

Clara stared at her for a long moment. Then she blew out a hard breath. “Okay. Okay. I won’t say anything. But you owe me the biggest, most insane explanation of all time. And maybe another book. Actually, definitely another book.”

“Done,” Elera said, relief flooding through her. “Thank you.”

“But you need to know,” Clara said, her voice dropping even lower. “Tomorrow night. The award ceremony. The board is losing their minds that you might actually show up. If you’re going to do this, be ready. It’s going to be chaos.”

“Yes we do,” he hissed. “You can’t just ignore me. I’m your father. After everything I’ve done for you, after i forgave you in front of the entire world, you owe me this. You owe me a conversation at least.”

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