The Billionaire’s Reluctant Bride (Elara and Victor) novel Chapter 27

Reckoning in the Ballroom

Reckoning in the Ballroom

+25 BONUS

The tension in the grand ballroom was visible. The earlier celebratory atmosphere had completely vanished. Guests stood Strozen, their eyes darting between Damian, Elara, Serena, and the disheveled Veronica and Vivian.

Damian’s voice sliced through the silence, cold and authoritative. I think it’s time we cleared the air, once and for all.” He turned to address the crowd, his arm still protective around Elara. Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for this unseemly display. However, it’s necessary to set the record straight.”

Serena, Damian’s mother, wasn’t about to back down. “Your wife struck first,” she insisted, her torfe icy. “She’s rude and treated me as if I were nothing.”

“Really?” Damian scoffed. “Do you think I’m a fool, Mother?”

“I didn’t call you that, son, but your overprotectiveness of your wife is something I can’t tolerate,” she retorted, turning to face Vivian, who was on the floor, crying. “Look at what she did. She slapped Vivian knowing that I was the one who ask Vivian to slap her.”

“Mother,” Damian called, his voice frustrated at how his mother was behaving. He had always known her as a strong–willed woman, but treating Elara this way was unacceptable. While it was true that he didn’t love her, he wouldn’t allow his mother to tarnish his reputation. He faced Elara.

“Why did you slap her, honey?“.

She told me she was your fiancée,” Elara responded, her voice intense. “And she insulted me by calling me an ugly toad.” She paused, her eyes flashing with anger. “She also insulted my family for being poor.”

Damian fixed his gaze on Veronica, who visibly withered under his watch. “Veronica, I don’t know what delusions you’re operating under, but let me be crystal clear: you are not, nor have you ever been, my fiancée. Any claims to the contrary are blatant lies.”

Veronica’s face crumpled, a mix of humiliation and desperation. “But Damian, your mother-”

“My mother,” Damian interrupted sharply, “does not speak for me or make decisions about my personal life.” He turned to Serena, his eyes blazing with barely contained fury. “Mother, your behavior tonight is intolerable. You’ve embarrassed yourself, this family, and most importantly, you’ve insulted my wife.”

Serena stood rigid, her face a mask of displeasure. “Damian, you can’t possibly-”

“I can, and I will,” Damian cut her off. “As of midnight, I am the CEO of Blackwood Corporations. My first act in this role will be to launch a full investigation into the company’s recent activities, including any potential misuse of resources or power.”

The crowd gasped collectively as Serena’s face turned pale, her usual composure cracking.

Damian continued, his voice carrying across the now–silent ballroom. “Elara is my wife, my partner, and the future of this family. Anyone who cannot accept that–be my family, employee, or associate–will find themselves no longer welcome in our lives or our business dealings.”

He turned to Elara, his expression softening. “I’m sorry you had to endure this, my love. Are you alright?”

Elara nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. “I’m fine, Damian. Thank you for standing up for me.”

Damian addressed the stunned crowd once more. “I believe this concludes tonight’s festivities. Thank you all for coming, and good evening.”

As the guests began to file out, murmuring amongst themselves, Damian led Elara towards the exit. He paused briefly beside Jack. “Thank you for alerting me, old friend. We’ll talk more tomorrow.”

Jack nodded, relief and satisfaction shown on his face.

Serena watched, seething, as Damian and Elara left the ballroom. Vivian approached her cautiously. “Madame, what should we do now?”

Reckoning in the Ballroom

+25 BONUS

Serena’s eyes narrowed, her mind already racing with new plans. This isn’t over,” she hissed. “Not by a long shot. Damian may think he’s won, but he has no idea what’s coming. I will make sure his wife suffers.”

She walked over to where Veronica was, extending her hand. “Here, child,” she said calmly, pulling her up. “You’ve suffered enough.”