Semua Bab The Billionaire’s Regret After His Daughter Died: Bab 21 - Bab 30

Elara's POVI forced myself to look away from the display.My stomach churned at the sight of Isabella's triumphant kiss. But I refused to give her the satisfaction of seeing me affected.Liam noticed my tension immediately. "Are you alright?""I'm fine." I picked up my fork with steady hands. "Let's focus on our dinner."He didn't push. Just nodded and changed the subject to work matters.The rest of our meal passed without incident. Isabella and Damien left before dessert arrived.The next morning, Liam appeared at my office with an elegant envelope."I have something for you," he said, setting it on my desk.Inside was an embossed invitation to an architectural society gala. The kind of high-profile event I'd once dreamed of attending."Professor Elliot will be there," Liam explained. "I thought you might like to see your old mentor again."My heart skipped. Professor Elliot had been more than a teacher. He'd been the first person to believe in my talent."Really? He's going to be t

Elara's POVI walked away from Damien and Isabella without another word.Their confrontation had drawn enough attention. Half the ballroom was still staring at our little drama.Whispers followed me as I moved through the crowd. Curious glances and barely concealed gossip.But I didn't care anymore. Let them talk.I held my invitation up to the security guard at the inner entrance. He glanced at it briefly before stepping aside.The main ballroom was even more impressive than the foyer. Soaring ceilings. Classical architecture. Hundreds of guests in formal attire.This was the architectural elite of the city. The kind of gathering I'd once dreamed of attending.I scanned the room for familiar faces.That's when I saw him.Professor Elliot stood near the windows. Distinguished silver hair. The same kind eyes behind wire-rimmed glasses I remembered from university.He looked exactly as he had six years ago. Elegant and intellectual. The man who had first recognized my potential.When he

Elara's POVHalf an hour later, I saw Damien's black sedan returning.His assistant climbed out with a large umbrella. Walked toward where I was still waiting under the awning."Mrs. Blackwood," he said politely. "Mr. Blackwood asked me to drive you home."The offer was delivered with professional courtesy. But I could hear the obligation in his voice.This wasn't kindness. This was duty."I don't need a ride," I said firmly.The assistant looked uncomfortable. He pulled out his phone and called Damien directly."She says she doesn't want to come," he reported quietly.Even from several feet away, I could hear Damien's sharp response."Fine! Let her rot out there for all I care!"The dismissal was clear. Angry. Like I was being unreasonable for refusing his grudging charity.His assistant hung up the phone. Gave me an apologetic look.The car pulled away into the rain. Taillights disappearing into the storm.I stood there feeling oddly vindicated. At least now his true feelings were ob

Elara's POVVictoria's words hung in the air.The dining room fell completely silent.Even the old clock seemed to stop ticking.Cecile's face went completely still. Her teacup remained suspended halfway to her lips."It's not him, Grandma," I tried. "I'm the one..." Cecile raised a hand, silencing me. "Hush, child. I know exactly whose fault this is. And I will not let him hurt you again.”Her glare was still fixed on Victoria."Isabella Reed is back?" Cecile's voice was dangerously quiet.Victoria's confident smirk began to falter.She'd clearly expected praise, not this icy reception."I... yes, Grandmother. She returned a few weeks ago."Cecile set down her teacup with deliberate precision. The fine china clinked against the saucer like a warning bell."Victoria, leave us. This is a family matter.""But Grandmother...""Now."The single word carried absolute authority. Victoria fled without another protest.Cecile stood gracefully and moved toward the ornate tea service on the sid

Elara's POVAfter Cecile left for her morning appointments, I hurried upstairs to examine what I'd glimpsed in the dining room mirror.The ornate bedroom was a gilded cage in the morning light. Everything about this house reminded me of performances and pretense.I pulled out my phone and angled the camera to get a clear view of my neck.My breath caught in my throat.There were several dark marks along my throat. Unmistakably intimate bruises that hadn't been there yesterday.Evidence of what Damien had done while I slept helplessly beside him.The sight made my stomach turn with a mixture of shame and blazing fury.How dare he?How dare he brand me like property while I slept?The hypocrisy was breathtaking.If he loved Isabella so much, why was he still treating me like this?What right did he have to touch me intimately when his heart belonged entirely to another woman?I remembered the feel of his arms around me during the night. The way he'd held me possessively even in sleep.My