The True Heir’s Ex Regrets: I'm The Real Billionaire!

Chapter 7

The Mercer Group grand banquet was the most important business event of the year. The entrance to the luxury hotel was packed with expensive sports cars, flashing cameras, and the wealthiest elites in the city.

 

Dane Mercer arrived on a battered electric e-bike.

 

He parked the cheap bike near the edge of the glittering driveway, completely ignoring the strange looks from the wealthy guests. To keep his true identity hidden from his family's enemies, he had to play the part of a poor student perfectly.

 

As he walked toward the massive glass doors, he spotted a familiar figure.

 

It was Mara. She was wearing a simple, inexpensive black dress, but she looked absolutely breathtaking. However, her hands were trembling. She was clutching a thick business proposal tightly to her chest, looking at the grand hotel with deep fear in her eyes. She knew that if she failed to get a contract tonight, her stepmother would drag her straight back to Vaughn Croft's personal hell.

 

Dane felt a strong surge of protectiveness. He walked up to her, a warm smile completely changing his usually cold face.

 

"You made it," Dane said softly.

 

Mara jumped slightly, then let out a breath of relief when she saw him. But instead of a casual greeting, she grabbed his arm in sudden panic. "Dane! Are you crazy being out in the open like this?" she whispered frantically. "What if Vaughn Croft's men see you? He swore he would send killers after you!"

 

Before Dane could comfort her, a sharp, annoying voice cut through the air.

 

"What are you doing here?"

 

Dane turned around. Lana and Cade had just stepped out of a sleek, million-dollar sports car. Lana was wearing a glittering designer gown, looking at Dane with absolute disgust.

 

"Are you stalking me now?" Lana demanded, marching right up to him. "I told you to get lost yesterday. Do you have absolutely no shame?"

 

Dane looked at her blankly. "I came here for work. It has absolutely nothing to do with you."

 

Lana burst into loud, mocking laughter. Several wealthy guests turned to look. "You came to the most exclusive banquet in the city for work? On a rusty e-bike?" She pointed at his plain suit. "What kind of work? Are you working as a waiter to pay off your student loans?"

 

Cade stepped up beside Lana, puffing out his chest arrogantly. He smirked at Dane. "Actually, even the waiters here have to go through rigorous background checks. With the way you dress, like a beggar off the street, you wouldn't even pass the initial selection."

 

Cade adjusted his expensive tie. "But I am a generous guy. I know the manager here. If you beg me, I can introduce you for a dishwashing job in the back."

 

"No thanks," Dane said coldly. "I am really here for business."

 

Lana rolled her eyes, her face full of haughty superiority. "Cade is kind-hearted enough to throw you a bone, and you still put on airs. This banquet only invites the city's billionaires and top celebrities. There is absolutely no place for a poor loser like you."

 

Just then, Lana's eyes shifted. She finally noticed the woman standing quietly beside Dane.

 

Lana froze. Her face instantly twisted with ugly, burning jealousy.

 

She recognized Mara immediately. At every single Hayes Family annual gathering, Mara was the one who drew everyone's attention. Mara was naturally stunning, graceful, and intelligent. Lana had always hated her for it.

 

A cruel smile crept onto Lana's lips.

 

"Well, well, well," Lana mocked loudly. "If it isn't YOU. Horizon Corp is about to go completely bankrupt, and you still have the mood to be out here eating, drinking, and having fun?"

 

Lana stepped closer, making sure the gathering crowd could hear her. "I heard our family finally married you off to Vaughn Croft yesterday. What happened? Did you run away? Or have you already changed your target for seduction?"

 

Cade's eyes dragged up and down Mara's body, filled with obvious, disgusting lust. He licked his lips. How could a poor loser like Dane, after being dumped by Lana, immediately find a woman this beautiful?

 

Mara's face turned pale. Hearing Vaughn Croft's name made her stomach violently drop. She bit her lip, trying desperately to hold back her tears of humiliation.

 

Dane felt absolute fury boil in his chest. He took a deliberate step forward, shielding Mara behind his back.

 

"That's strange," Dane said loudly, his voice icy and dangerous. "How come I hear dogs barking loudly at such an upscale banquet?"

 

The crowd gasped. Cade's face turned red with anger.

 

Lana pointed a furious finger at Mara. "You dare insult me for her? She is damaged goods!"

 

Dane did not hesitate. He reached out and wrapped his arm firmly around Mara's waist, pulling her close to his side. Mara gasped softly, but the warmth of his hand immediately made her feel safe.

 

"What does it have to do with you that I am attending this banquet with my girlfriend?" Dane challenged, staring Lana down.