The banquet carried on but the hall had not recovered from Seth’s revelation. Whispers still snaked between jeweled women and tuxedoed men, every voice carrying disbelief. Thea Balmero…no, Thea Blackwood…stood openly beside the most powerful man in the room. It was unthinkable, and yet undeniable.Runes stood stiff, his jaw locked so tightly a vein pulsed along his temple. His glass of champagne trembled in his hand, bubbles catching the light like sparks threatening to ignite. The orchestra began playing again, awkwardly, the notes too loud against the quiet of the crowd, but nothing could disguise the humiliation pressing against Runes.His reputation was almost ruined by the same woman who now stood at Seth’s side. And now the man he had hoped to impress, to ally with, had chosen her…married her without a word.The room moved on but Runes could not. His eyes went over to Thea still standing right next to Seth as he introduced her to a few of his business partners.Her smile remain
The air in the banquet hall was tight with anticipation, a fragile silence stretched thin across the hall.Seth Blackwood walked forward with unhurried precision, his presence commanding without effort. The crowd parted instinctively as though the floor itself bent to accommodate his path. His gaze never left Thea, who stood flanked by two guards, poised but vulnerable.“Release her,” Seth said, his voice measured yet final.The two guards froze, torn between the order they had received from Runes and the authority now standing before them. It was Seth Blackwood, the CEO of Blackwood Empire and Mayqueen industries, one of the most powerful men not only in the country but in the world. His words were not a request but law.Immediately, the guards stepped back. One of them muttered an apology to Thea before retreating.Thea exhaled quietly, though her chest was tight. Relief and dread tangled within her as Seth got closer.Seth moved closer. His eyes swept over her face, her shoulders,
The banquet hall of the Imperial Grand in Zean City glittered with chandeliers that spilled light across marble floors. The Mayqueen annual gala had always been a spectacle, but this year felt grander than ever. The ceiling shimmered, the walls draped in velvet banners marked with the insignias of old families and corporations that had clawed their way into power. Waiters in white gloves glided between tables carrying champagne flutes, and an orchestra in the corner with instruments, their music weaving seamlessly into the polite conversation, laughter, and the clink of wineglass. Everywhere one looked, prestige shimmered. Dresses that could pay a month’s rent for a city block trailed across the floor, jewels winked on wrists and necks, and smiles masked daggers as the top dogs of industry mingled beneath the chandelier light.The doors parted as though they had been waiting for him. Rune's tailored black tuxedo fit like a second skin, and draped over his arm was Posy, glittering in
Thea watched Runes walk out of the reception area, a confident and arrogant look on his face. She smirked, let's see how that plays out for him. Just as she was about to sit down again, a young woman in a tailored suit walked over to her."Ms. Thea?" the receptionist asked, a polite smile on her face. "Mr. Blackwood asked me to give you this. It's a visitor's pass. Please wear it and take the elevator to the top floor. His assistant will meet you there."Thea took the pass, a small, knowing smile on her face. She attached it to her dress and walked to the elevator. Her gown, a deep emerald color, hugged her body in a way that showed her curves without revealing much. It was a dress that was both provocative and elegant.She stepped out of the elevator and was met by a woman who directed her to Seth's office. The door was slightly open. Thea could hear the low murmur of voices. She peeped in, eyes scanning the room in silence.Seth was at the head of a long, dark wood table. Several
Thea sat at a quiet, corner table in the reception area of the Blackwood company . The sound of soft music and conversation filled the air. A smile danced on her lips as she recalled how last night had played out. Seth was exceptionally attentive, his kisses passionate and delicate on her skin. And the love making felt different. She decided to make a stop at the company today as per his request. She had no clue what to expect.Thea decided to distract herself with the news. Her fingers scrolled through feed after feed, and paused on a financial report. The report showed a continued decline in Runes’s company shares. The sight of the red numbers gave her a feeling of satisfaction. She knew it was working.A voice from behind her broke her focus. It was a familiar voice, one she had hoped to avoid."Well, well. Look what we have here," Runes said, a fake, pleasant tone in his voice. He walked closer, a condescending smile on his face.Thea looked up, her expression calm. "Runes. I w
Thea and Seth returned to the estate. The quiet hum of the G-Wagon was replaced by the low murmur of the maids who had gathered to receive them. They took the numerous bags and boxes of clothes and shoes from the car, their movements quiet and efficient. “Welcome, Mr and Mrs Blackwood.” Butler John said. Seth sent a nod his way. “Would you like something to eat?” Butler John asked. “A drink will be fine. Thank you.” Thea said with a small smile.“Mr Blackwood?” Butler John asked. Seth's eyes flickered over to Thea and then back at Butler John. “Yes, that would be fine. Thank you.” Thea went up the stairs with Seth walking right behind her. His eyes fixed on every of her movements almost in pure fascination. Thea pushed the door to Seth's quarters open, her eyes scanning the maids in the room, rearranging the rather lonely room into something less…dark and lonely. Seth pulled a stop right behind her, his hands behind his back. “If you need something changed…” Thea turned to fa