THE SECRET BILLIONAIRE

Chapter 7

Carl walked inside. He stood at the extreme of the hall, in the sea of tailored suits and glowing gowns. Murmurs of Detests surrounded him, like his presence had poured salt in their wine but didn't look at them. He settled at the back, the box of fortune resting on his lap. His eyes locked on Elira. He smiled, drinking in her gorgeous appearance. She retained that beauty that always makes his heart flutter and fluctuates.

Elira grabbed the microphone and the hall hushed, the hums of conversations dimmed and the clinking of glasses halted.

“Welcome, welcome to a night of win. A night of jubilation. This is more than a celebration. It is a dream coming true,” He voice soared, the stage light bathing her like halo. She clicked forward. “This night is not just about me. It is about you. About everyone here who had supported Kessing Enterprise. I couldn't have done it alone and I'm grateful you supported a small girl. Welcome. And happy birthday to me.” She smiled at her own statement.

The hall applauded, some standing as the hall buzzed.

“Small girl with big God!" Someone screamed.

“Happy birthday Elira!”

“I love you Baby!"

Then she stepped forward, slow and deliberately.

She raised the microphone and the noises shattered into whispers.

She continued, her voice sharp with the confidence of someone who'd walked into rooms where billions were called.

“And my deepest appreciation goes to my parents,” Her gaze landed on her mother in the front row. Her mother had been her rock, her strength and the one who'd pushed her even when she'd felt glued.

“And to those who believed in Kessing Enterprises, to my staff and friends who didn't bailed out.” She paused, allowing her words land, the smile on her face widening.

“And my deepest gratitude goes to the man who stood by me—” She Paused, the smile on her face faltered. The ballroom fell into silence. “— but it's so painful he couldn't make it to the event.”

Carl shifted slightly, gripping the box tightly. A feeling of glee washed over him, knowing that his wife still remembers him but he's yet to know that Elira also has a surprise wrapped for him. A dagger wrapped in silk.

Carl thought Elira must have forgotten him all these years he was away in that dungeon for her sake. But she was about to announce his name in front of the world, she is proud of him and Carl couldn't help but bask in the moment.

He leaned back, waiting to hear her call his name and he'd shock her and step outside. He couldn't wait to see the expression on her face. Maybe she'd collapsed out of the sheer shock.

“Henry Vernovas.”

“Right here, Baby." The door swung open and Henry walked in, three bodyguards trailing behind him, his head wrapped with bandage and a silver cane rested supported his movement as he limped to the front.

Heads turned, murmuring buzzed.

Carl sat there, static like a stone. It looks like he had just been punched in the gut. Elira had called out another man in such a tender way as though she was referring to her husband. And it was the same man, the scumbag who'd screwed an old hag and drugged Cassandra, the same man he'd dealt with earlier.

What was happening.

Something was breaking inside of Carl. He clenched his fist, his anger igniting but he forced his body back...maybe Elira was only appreciating Henry. Maybe he's just a friend or a business associate.

But right in front of the hall, Henry went on his knee. The hall rose to their feet, knowing what was coming next.

“Awwwnn” The females had started screaming.

“It is finally happening! Elira and Henry! EH 2025." Another girl screamed.

Elira's eyes widened, surprise flashing in her eyes as Henry took out a diamond ring from a velvet box. The fingerpiece caught the light and scattered it like scintillations, announcing lavishness and demanding attention.

Elira stumbled back, her jaw almost hitting the pavement. Her hands flew to her mouth in sheer shock and surprise.

She looked at her mother, Sarah. She smiled at her and nodded gently like she was telling her this was the moment she'd been waiting for and it's happening right now. Take it!

The hall erupted as the people began to chant; “Say yes Elira! Say yes Elira!"

Elira looked at their faces. Her parents smiling, her friends cheering, staff clapping. It was as if the world had paused to watch this moment.

Then she looked back to the man kneeling on one knee in front of her with a ring that probably cost millions of dollars.

He's the right man for her. The heir of the Vernovas family, a powerful family in the city. Henry had supported her, walked with her through storms, lavished her with expensive gifts and for that alone, he'd proved to be worthy but how easy was it for her to forget the man who went to jail because of her, the man who left everything and took upon himself her fault and crime.

He literally gave his life for her to live.

Carl's heart twisted in his chest. Elira smiling at Henry and everything that was happening was like a slap to his face.

He expected her to push Henry off and slapped the ring away, to yell it right into his face that she has a man who she loved but happened next revealed the dagger hidden in the silk.

Elira guided his hand and the ring slipped into her finger. The crowd erupted, claps and screams of admiration echoed the four walls.

Carl felt his world lurched. His wife just accepted a proposal from another man? His finger curled tight, fingernails digging into his palm that blood dripped. The necklace felt useless now. Heavy and cold.

Henry stood up, smiling like he'd won in life. His arms wrapped around her waist and he leaned, kissed her right in front of everyone.

Carl almost exploded where he sat, anger twisting into rage inside.

And Elira leaned into the kiss, devouring his lips like a hungry beast and the stupid guests kept cheering.

Carl had heard and seen enough. He stood up, picked the box. He wanted to walk away, from her betrayal and ungratefulness but he turned, walking down the hall, to the front.

Elira turned and her eyes fell on him.