All Chapters of DARLA FIN:THE HEIRESS'S WICKED REBIRTH: Chapter 51 - Chapter 60

Darla's POVXavier glanced at his wristwatch and then back at me, his expression calm. “I should be on my way now,” he said with an easy smile. “We’ll see in the evening.”I blinked at him, tilting my head a fraction. "Why do you think we'll be seeing in the evenings?" I asked, my voice containing a thread of suspicion that I didn't even attempt to hide.He smiled softly, like I'd asked something of a child. "Don't you know?" he replied.I frowned. "Know what?"Leaning in a fraction closer, his voice lowered into that easy tone he always used when he wanted me to drop my guard.“I spoke to the director earlier. And also a few of the Sinclair project managers. We’ve agreed to host a dinner tonight with the casts. Not just a private one,” he added quickly, raising a hand as if to emphasize the difference, “but one that allows fans to interact with us too. People will be coming in from afar just to be part of it. It's intended to take some of the tension off, ease some of the hype about

Darla's POVThe drive to the event was smooth, but my chest tightened the closer I got to the venue. When I finally turned into the street, my eyes widened. The place was bigger and brighter than I imagined.For something that was put together in less than a day, it looked like a big bash.Cameras clicked from every corner, red carpets extended far out, and reporters gathered outside in clusters like bees drawn to nectar.I left my car and sat for some time, taking in the sight. "Wow…" I muttered to myself. Part of me wanted to just drive away, but I knew I couldn't.This was too important, and besides, if I did run now, they'd just spin more stories about me. So I stood up straight, grasped my tiny purse, and stepped out of the car.The second that my heels hit the sidewalk, the crowd went wild. Flashes were going off nonstop, microphones were being shoved in my face, and voices all shouted simultaneously."Darla! Over here, Darla!""Talk about your romance with Jace!""Is it tha

Darla's POVThat voice I was so familiar with was once more near me, nearer this time. Mavin was back, and now he stood holding two glasses of wine. He placed one in front of me.I hesitated. "Should I be suspicious about this drink?"He smiled, the first genuine indication of amusement he'd experienced all night. "Only if you don't trust me.""That's the trouble," I muttered, but I did accept the glass from him. Fingers brushed fingers and a strange shiver traveled my arm.I shifted away with a pretense of adjusting the strap of my pack.Mavin sat down beside me, nearer than he had to, his bulk taking over the space."You're holding up well tonight. But Darla…" He paused, his eyes flicking in even more. "You can remember that. Not everybody here tonight is partying. Some of them are here watching you."My throat constricted. "What's that supposed to mean?""Because," he murmured, his gaze locking with mine, "you're on stage, and people like to play games in the light. And you don't e

Darla's POV"Okay," I said, attempting to keep the impatient tone out of my voice. "For a second."They squealed together, shoving the notepad toward me. I scribbled my signature in a hurry as they oohed and ahhed over it. Then, one after the other, they stood beside me, taking pictures on their cell phones."You're even more beautiful in person," one gasped in awe.I smiled sweetly again and then held up my hand in a small wave. "Thanks, girls. I appreciate the vote of confidence, but I have to leave now."They trilled their farewells as I turned and headed to the back of the building at last.I peered into the dimly lit area as I stepped outside, hoping to catch sight of Jace leaning against a wall or pacing back and forth. But no one was there."Geez?" I grumbled, annoyance creeping under my skin. "He brought me out here for nothing?"I had been heading back towards the door when the faraway roar of an engine cut across the parking lot.A black car turned the corner, headlights s

Darla's POVThe view that met me left me gasping for air.Xavier was only emerging from the restroom in the private lounge. My bag hung loosely from his hand, like it was where it was supposed to be.And then he gazed at me."Well, well." His mouth twisted into a wicked grin. "Missing me already?"My cheeks flushed with heat, but I shook my head firmly. "No. I just came for my bag.""Sure?" He leaned in, taking a step closer. The grin did not fade from his lips. "That's all you came for?"I took a tiny step away. "Yes, Xavier. Just hand over the bag, and I'll leave."But instead of handing it over to me, he slowed, deliberate, stalking nearly."What if I don't want you out of my way?" His voice dropped, deeper, more resonant. He halted a few paces from me, his eyes on mine. "What if I want you in my way?"My back came into contact with the bricked face of the door. The muted thud echoed in the quiet room, and I swallowed, trying to regain my voice."Xavier." My voice was weaker tha