The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride (Elara and Victor) novel Chapter 23

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In the Blackwood Mansion

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In the Blackwood Mansion

Serena Blackwood sat in her extravagant study, her manicured nails tapping an agitated rhythm on the polished chestnut desk. The confrontation with her son and his new wife” replayed in her mind, fueling her anger.

“Madame,” her personal assistant, Vivian, entered the room. “Your tea is ready.”

Serena waved her hand dismissively. “I don’t want tea. I want solutions. Have you gathered the information I requested?”

Vivian nodded, pracing a thick folder on the desk. “Yes, Madame. Everything we could find on Elara Hart… or should I say, Elara Blackwood?”

Serena’s lips curled in disgust at the name. She opened the folder, her eyes scanning the contents rapidly. “She comes from a poor background and has a history with Daniel Regars, worked her way through college, was accused of unethical practices, and recently lost her job at Marshall & Hewitt. How convenient.”

She looked up at Vivian. “This girl is nothing but a gold digger. She’s ensnared my son with her sob story and fake innocence. Well, I won’t stand for it.”

Vivian shifted uncomfortably. “If I may, Madame… Mr. Damian seemed quite protective of her. Perhaps ”

“Perhaps nothing!” Serena snapped. “My son is blinded by whatever spell this girl has cast on him. It’s up to me to save him from this disastrous union.”

She stood up, pacing the room. “We need to strike at the heart of this sham marriage. Find out everything you can about their relationship. I want to know if there are any cracks we can exploit.”

“Yes, Madame,” Vivian responded. “And what about the Regars family? Should we reach out to them?”

Serena paused, a calculating look in her eyes. “Yes… yes, that’s an excellent idea. Set up a lunch with Snow Regars. Her son Daniel was quite taken with Elara in the past, wasn’t he? This could be useful.”

As Vivian left to make the arrangements, she turned to the large portrait of her late husband hanging on the wall. Oh, Richard,” she sighed. “What would you do? Our son is throwing away everything we’ve built for some common girl.”

She straightened her shoulders, resolve hardening her features. “I won’t let it happen. I’ll save Damian from himself, even if he hates me for it.”

She returned to her desk, pulling out a piece of expensive stationery. She began to write, her pen scratching across the paper.

“My dear Veronica,” she murmured as she wrote. “I believe it’s time for you to pay a visit to the Blackwood mansion. Damian could use a reminder of what a suitable wife looks like.”

A small, satisfied smile played on her lips as she sealed the letter. Veronica had always been her choice for Damian -beautiful, well–bred, and from an excellent family. She would show Damian what he was missing by choosing that Elara girl.

As night fell, Serena Blackwood relaxed in her chair, enjoying a glass of exquisite wine. Her schemes were underway. Soon, she would rid her family of this gold–digging intruder and restore order to the Blackwood legacy.

“Enjoy your time as Mrs. Blackwood while you can, Elara,” she whispered to the empty room. “Because I promise you, it won’t last long.”

The Next Morning

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In the Blackwood Mansion

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“Madame.” she heard Vivian’s voice as she knocked on the door. “Are you still asleep?”

She rolled over in bed before sitting up. She wondered why Vivian was here so early in the morning.

“Come in,” she said. Vivian opened the door and walked in ‘What is wrong?”

“Good morning, Ma’am,” she greeted with a bow. “I’m here to inform you that Miss Veronica is arriving today.”

She shot her a dirty glance. “Was this why you woke me up Just for that?”

Vivian quickly fell to her knees, knowing who Serena was. She knew she could be punished if she made her angry.

“I’m

sorry, ma’am. I only thought it would help lift your worries,” she answered. “In helping you deal with your son’s ‘wife‘ soon.”

Hearing this made her more furious. She yelled at Vivian, “How many times must I tell you that she isn’t my son’s wife? Stop addressing her like that.”

“I’m so sorry, madame. Please forgive me,” she pleaded, shivering. Everyone knew how tough Serena could be. Vivian was afraid that if she made a mistake, she would suffer the wrath of Serena.

“Stand up,” she finally spoke after a few minutes passed.

“Thank you, ma’am.”

“Tell me, what time will Veronica be arriving?” she asked, climbing down from the bed.

“She will be here at 10,” Vivian responded politely.

“Okay. Get me ready.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Oh, before I forget, what about Snow Regars?” she asked. “Have you set up the lunch with her?”

“Yes, ma’am. The time is set. She will be here by 2 p.m.,” Vivian replied, helping her remove her nightwear before stripping her naked. She walked to the bathroom, with Vivian following behind her. Serena stepped inside the bathtub, relaxing in the water as Vivian started helping her bathe.

She carefully poured warm water over Serena’s shoulders, ensuring she was comfortable. She then used a gentle, lavender–scented soap to cleanse her skin, taking care to wash every part thoroughly. After rinsing, Vivian wrapped her in a soft towel, patting her dry with the utmost care and respect. She then lotioned her body before choosing an elegant dress that suited her noble status. She stood in front of the large mirror, admiring herself.

“You look so beautiful, ma’am,” Vivian complimented her. Serena had always been beautiful. Born and raised in a wealthy family, she had never lacked anything good in life. Marrying Richard Blackwood had only added to her family’s wealth, and she had enjoyed a soft life with her beloved husband before his death.

“Thank you, Vivian,” she smiled gently.

Vivian led her out after making sure everything was perfect.

“Good morning, Mrs. Blackwood,” the maids greeted her with the utmost respect as they passed on the way to the dining room. She nodded slightly, returning their greetings.

“Good morning, ma’am,” the head maid, Mary, greeted her as soon as she saw her.

“Good morning, Mary,” she replied before taking her seat. She was carefully served the dishes, and she began to eat elegantly.

in the Blackwood Man

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