Chapter 18%
A sudden invitation came to the Valcruz house in a velvet box.
“Miss Jessica, the Thome heir’s butler, personally came to deliver the invitation, there is no doubt that
Jessica opened it with a smug smile as a maid praised her endlessly.
bt that he is really interested in you.”
Inside was a special edition expensive perfume bottle, the liquid inside shimmered a faint rose–gold like glitter gold. And along with that,
a glittering diamond pendant rested inside in a handwritten note.
[Wishing to meet you soon Miss Jessica.
This fragrance reminded me of you…sweet and lovely.
Please wear it to the Thome foundation day party so that I can distinguish your sweet self from others”
-Xander Thome.
Jessica read the note again and again, a satisfied smile on her face as she brought the card closer and inhaled it like a drug.
“Xander Thome…I will surely make you mine.
He had sent her a gift. He had invited her.
Three days passed and it was the day of the Founding Party. The Thome estate glowed like heaven but the servants looked uneasy, their body alert for the rumor that had spread all across the estate- Xander Thome was locked in his room for more than three days
Resembling a ghost he was neither talking or sleeping…and refused to eat a single bite, the sounds of objects breaking along with a man’s desperate cries could be heard all across the mansion making people fear what anger he was going to unleash
Golden chandeliers sparkled above a marble floor polished to like mimors. Aristocrats, Investors, and heirs flocked the party as the rumors of the mysterious Thorne heir making his first appearance but none had seen his face. Not yet.}
At the center of it all, Jessica Reeves stood in a sequined lilac gown, face powdered with smug anticipation. She had arrived on the arm of a minor viscount, smiling at every lens like she already owned the night.l
“He is going to propose tonight.” she whispered to her entourage. “Just wait”
And when the butler’s voice rang out like a decree, the room fell silent.
“Ladies and gentlemen… please welcome the heir to the Thome legacy–Xander Thorne.”
Gasps swept the room like wind through dry grass.
From the upper landing, Xander descended slowly in a sharp black tuxedo, a stark diamond pin with the head of a lion at his collar catching every eye. His hair was brushed back presence magnetic and lethal,8
Jessica’s mouth fell open.
“Xander?” she breathed. “Thorne?”
The bodyguard whose proposal she did not showed up to now descended like royalty? Her eyes widened before she made up her mind quickly..no matter the consequences, she must please him anyhow.8
He did not glance at her.
The music stopped and every eye turned towards himil
Xander took the mic. “Thank you all for gathering tonight. In honor of legacy. Of loyalty. Of truth.”
He paused.
Then his eyes cold and unreadable finally met Jessica’s.l
“And of the women who taught me what those words do not mean. I lived in Valruz estate undercover because I was on a secret mission but now I have finally come to take back my rightful position.””
Applause rang out and Mason Valcruz was about to greet Xander when Jessica flushed stepping forward.
Unsure if it was a compliment or warning she smiled at Xander like a pitiful flower who was innocent and did not know a thing of malice.!
“Mr. Thome!” she exclaimed. “You should have told me-‘1
“You are the guest of honor Jessica.” Xander interrupted, voice smooth. “Why would I ruin the surprise?”
He extended a hand and she took it greedily.X
“I have arranged something special, my dear he continued. “A private performance. Just for you.”
Dancers stepped away!!
The orchestra changed tune with something sharp, seductive as female surrounded Jessica, taking her in the middle. If it was just a normal even Jessica would have slapped the rough hands away but now she only looked confused at Xander.!!
“Would you dance for us Miss Valcruz?” Xander smiled but she knew it was not a suggestion but a command.
Jessica blinked. “Xander…You mean.. with you?right?”
“No” Xander said flatly. “Alone.”
The spotlight turned.
Everyone watched.
Jessica hesitated for dancing in a party was considered a shame but then laughed.
“Of course. Anything for you.
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She took center stage and danced slowly at first, spinning in practiced grace, every move calculated for the camera. The music grew faster. The tempo soon harder. Her heel slipped once, but she recovered. Her chest heaved.
The claps were polite, almost hesitant.}
When she finally finished, Xander didn’t clap.
The claps, when they came, were thin and cold.
And Xander?%
He didn’t clap at all.
He simply stepped forward, took the mic again, and said “Thank you for your performance.“8
And yet his aura was so murderous like he was looking for a performance which was going to be much better and humiliating.
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