The Understated billionaire: The Ex-son-in-law's rise

Chapter seven

Bella clenched her fists as she and Malcolm walked away from Camila’s guarded table. The sting of humiliation burned on her face like a slap. Malcolm kept his expression neutral, but a twitch in his jaw betrayed his frustration. They had just been treated like nobodies, as if their presence was nothing more than a nuisance.

Greenshift Energy Industries was failing. Tonight was their one shot. If they couldn’t secure a collaboration with Global Commerce Federation (GCF), their company would inevitably collapse, and every guest here probably knew it. The whispers they heard confirmed it.

“Defaulted on a major contract…”

“They’re desperate for an investor…”

“Global Commerce Federation won’t waste time on a sinking ship…”

Malcolm forced a smile, but his voice dropped to a grim whisper. “We can’t leave without getting through to them. Whether they’re arrogant or not, Global Commerce Federation is our last lifeline.”

Bella nodded slowly, though her attention was fixed on Lucas and the mysterious woman beside him. She still couldn’t digest the scene she had witnessed. Lucas, looking composed and expensive, standing protectively near someone with an identity so high she needed bodyguards.

Who is she? Why is Lucas with her?

She shook the thought aside as Malcolm grabbed a waiter by the arm and asked quietly, “Do you know who the head of Global Commerce Federation is?”

The waiter stiffened. His polite smile faltered. “Sir… banquet staff are not allowed to discuss VIP identities.”

Malcolm frowned and approached another guest — a minor businessman. “Excuse me, do you happen to know who the leader of Global Commerce Federation is?”

The man adjusted his glasses, smiled awkwardly, and excused himself without answering. It wasn’t just avoidance; it was fear. People acted like the company's identity was classified.

Bella’s chest tightened. “Why does it feel like everyone’s terrified to even speak about them? What kind of company–”

Malcolm cut her off, straightening his blazer. “Fine. If no one wants to talk, we’ll get close to ourselves. We just need to try again. Politely.”

Bella followed as Malcolm circled the room, searching for another opportunity. Camila sat quietly, speaking with foreign dignitaries, award-winning philanthropists, and military officials who treated her like a treasured guest. Not like a socialite but like an equal.

She wasn’t networking for favors.

People were the ones seeking her.

Bella’s stomach twisted.

Malcolm inhaled deeply, fixing his tie with renewed resolve. “We approach politely this time. She looks like a high profile sponsor, but sponsors love publicity and good press. If we offer benefits, she might listen.”

Bella nodded even though her eyes stayed glued to Lucas. Malcolm didn’t notice, but someone else did.

Lucas.

He wasn’t looking at Bella directly, but he was watching her movements from the corner of his eye, alert, cold, assessing. He knew exactly what she was thinking.

He knew she was foolish enough to try something.

Across the room, Camila raised her glass slightly, her gaze sliding toward the pair. A small, amused glint flashed in her eyes, as if she already knew how hard they were struggling, and how futile it would be.

She leaned subtly toward Lucas, whispering something soft. Lucas’s expression didn’t change, but he nodded once a silent warning confirmed.

If Bella tried anything reckless again, this banquet wouldn’t just be humiliating.

It would become unforgettable.

Bella’s phone buzzed aggressively in her clutch. The caller ID flashed 'Mom' in bold letters. Her stomach sank.

She had barely whispered, “Hello?” when her mum anxious, wailing voice exploded through the speaker.

“Bella! How’s it going? Did you meet the boss? Have you secured the contract? You must win it back at all costs! Do you hear me? Our company is hanging by a thread!”

Heads turned. Bella’s cheeks burned. She forced a calm tone. “Mom, I told you I’m still working on it.”

 “Still?! Why aren’t you with the boss? Why are you wasting time? Do you know how much humiliation our family has suffered because that useless ex con you married left us bankrupt?! You have to get this contract, Bella!”

Bella’s fingers tightened around the phone. That useless ex-con…? Her eyes involuntarily flicked back to Lucas, straight shoulders, impeccable suit, calm aura. He didn’t look useless, and he definitely didn’t look like a failure tonight.

 “Have Malcolm speak on your behalf if you can’t! Just make sure Group A signs with us. I don’t care what you have to do, just don’t mess this up!”

The line went dead before Bella could respond. Slowly, she lowered her phone. Her pride, already bruised by the bodyguards blocking her path, cracked a little more. She wasn’t just chasing a business deal.

She wanted answers.

How did Lucas go from nothing to this?

Malcolm tapped her elbow subtly. “We need another method. She’s surrounded by high-level figures. We’ll get nowhere trying to approach her directly.”

His eyes darted toward a group of assistants and executives standing a little distance away from Camila, well-dressed, sharp, and quietly observant. Among them was a woman with a sleek bob and silver tablet in hand, giving orders with precision.

Malcolm straightened his tie. “Watch and learn.”

He approached her with a courteous smile. “Good evening, Miss. I’m Malcolm from Thornton Industries. If possible, I’d love to show our proposal to your boss. Here’s my card.”

He held out the business card with both hands, respectful and hopeful. Bella held her breath.

The woman didn’t take it.

She didn’t even look at it.

Just a calm, dismissive reply “No need.”

Malcolm blinked. “Pardon?”

She continued typing on her tablet without lifting her eyes. “Our boss will choose whom she wishes to speak to. You may wait like everyone else.”

Bella felt the sting of embarrassment crawl down her spine. Malcolm attempted again, voice strained but polite. “If the boss could only take a look at our work...”

“No.”

This time, the executive turned and walked away.

Malcolm stood frozen, the card still in hand. A few nearby guests had noticed, whispering quietly. Bella could practically hear her mother’s voice screaming in her head.

She swallowed, humiliated. “She didn’t even look at you.”

Malcolm forced a stiff smile. “It’s fine. They’ll notice us once the boss starts meeting guests.”

Bella looked around. No one, not one person seemed eager to approach Camila. They were waiting. Watching. Holding their breath like she was a queen who spoke only when she wished.

A chill ran down Bella’s spine. Just who is she…?