The Last Bloodline; The Tale of the Master’s Revenge

CHAPTER 009

Miss Evelyn stood at the entrance, the crimson of her gown glowing under the lights like a flare. Her gaze swept over the guards, cold and commanding, a presence that silenced even the murmur of the crowd.

The guards froze, glancing at each other, confused.

Melissa’s confident smile faltered. “You… you know him?”

Evelyn stepped forward, slipping her hand around Marcus’s arm with deliberate grace. “Of course I know him. He’s my guest.”

A ripple of shock moved through the onlookers. The guards quickly released Marcus, bowing their heads slightly to Evelyn before stepping back.

Evelyn’s lips curved into a faint smile that never reached her eyes as she looked at Melissa. “Is there a problem here?”

Melissa stammered, but the words caught in her throat.

Marcus said nothing, only adjusting his suit, the faintest smirk tugging at his mouth.

Melissa’s voice carried like a blade across the ballroom. “Wait. Do you know who this man is?” She stepped forward, her heels striking the polished floor, her red gown flowing behind her like a warning. Her sharp eyes fixed on Marcus before she spun to address the circle forming around them.

“Marcus,” she spat his name, then turned to the tall man beside her. “Daniel Hargrave. Hargrave family, do you see what’s happening here? He snuck in. He’s my ex-husband, and trust me, he is a con and a liar. He probably stole that suit!” She lifted a hand to her mouth in exaggerated shock. “Yes… that’s it. He stole it. Because there’s no way he could afford it otherwise.”

Daniel placed a protective hand at the small of her back, his tone smooth and commanding. “Miss Evelyn, permit us to call security to remove him immediately.”

The guards straightened up on both sides of Marcus’s arms, ready to drag him toward the door. But before they could take a step, Evelyn’s crisp, commanding voice cut through the air.

“Take your hands off him now!” She strode forward, her heels clicking on the floor as she held her chin high. The crowd parted instinctively, whispers buzzing.

“Miss Evelyn,” one of the guards stammered. “We were told…”

“I said take your hands off him.” Her eyes narrowed dangerously, her voice low but lethal. Reluctantly, the guards released Marcus, their confusion painted across their faces.

Melissa’s mouth fell open. “Evelyn… why are you defending him? He’s nothing but trouble! He’s not supposed to be here!”

Evelyn’s gaze flicked to her, calm but unyielding. “He is my guest. And if you value your place in this hall, you will remember that.”

Gasps rippled through the gathered crowd. Daniel’s jaw tightened, but before he could speak, the great double doors at the end of the hall swung open.

The murmuring hushed at once.

An elderly man entered, tall despite his age, his silver hair neatly combed, his cane tapping against the marble with each deliberate step. His presence commanded the room without a word. This was Victor Sterling, Evelyn’s grandfather, the man everyone here owed a sliver of respect or fear.

Melissa brightened instantly, her lips curving into a smile as she tugged Daniel forward. “Mr. Sterling, what an honor…”

But the old man didn’t so much as glance at her. His sharp eyes slid past Melissa and her polished lover as though they were air. Instead, they landed squarely on Marcus.

The cane tapped once and then twice, and then Mr. Sterling walked straight toward him.

Daniel straightened, expecting a word of approval, a smile, anything, but Victor’s gaze never left Marcus.

When he stopped before him, the old man’s stern face softened. Slowly, he reached out and placed a steady hand on Marcus’s shoulder.

“Marcus,” Victor said, his voice calm yet commanding enough for the whole hall to hear. “I was wondering when you’d come.”

The crowd erupted in murmurs. Melissa’s painted smile froze when she heard that.

Melissa and Daniel had expected the worst—if Mr. Sterling took action against Marcus, then it was over for him. But instead, he squeezed Marcus’s shoulder and gestured toward the grand staircase that led to the upper floor. “Come with me, my boy. We have much to discuss.”

Just like that, in front of everyone, Victor Sterling guided Marcus away from the circle of stunned guests. They ascended the stairs together, the old man leaning lightly on his cane while keeping Marcus close at his side.

Whispers followed them like shadows.

“Who is he really?”

“Mr. Sterling never takes anyone to the private lounge…”

“He must be important…”

Down below, Melissa stood frozen, her lips trembling with disbelief. Daniel tried to mask his irritation with a forced smirk, but the stiffness in his jaw betrayed him.

Melissa finally found her voice, sharp and trembling. “This can’t be happening. Who was Marcus to Mr. Sterling?”