Underrated Secret Billionaire

Chapter 4: The Unexpected Encounter

The drive to the evening gala had been long but not unpleasant. They’d made a stop at a suite owned by Sonia’s parents, where they both changed into new attires.

The soft hum of classical music filtered through the car speakers as Jalen and Sonia arrived at the grand venue of the event, the city's finest business gathering of the season.

As they stepped out of the car, a cool breeze swept past, stirring the sequins on Sonia’s emerald green dress and the crisp edges of Jalen’s black suit.

The entrance was already glowing with soft golden lights, welcoming guests of influence and prestige. 

Jalen was adjusting his cuffs when he noticed Tiana.

She stood not too far from the entrance, her arm interlocked with a younger man’s. Her posture was perfect, her smile practiced. But the moment her eyes met his, the mask cracked.

Her expression faltered, lips parting in confusion before drawing into a tight frown.

What is he doing here? She wondered sharply. How on earth did he get an invitation to a gathering like this?

She quickly scanned his attire. Though simple, it was elegant, not that she was willing to admit that. In her mind, Jalen still didn’t belong in these circles.

He was from a life she had left behind, a shadow from a past she’d rather erase. And yet, there he stood, breathing the same expensive air, as though he had any right to be among the elite.

‘He probably still thinks we’re married,’ she thought bitterly. ‘Poor man, still clinging to memories. Still not realising we’ve moved on.’

Her fingers tightened slightly around Carlos’s arm - her date, whose eyes had narrowed the moment he saw the exchange. Tiana’s irritation began to swell as Andrew’s words came back to her. 

“He punched me, Tiana. Just like that. No reason.”

It made no sense. Why would Jalen, the man who once brought her breakfast in bed and stayed up with her rehearsing speeches, suddenly attack her brother without provocation? Unless… unless he was really losing control. 

On the other end of the walkway, Jalen’s reaction was more reserved. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips as he caught Tiana’s discomfort. He hadn’t known she’d be here.

From the way her eyes flicked to him and back again, it was clear she hadn’t known about his invitation either. 

He almost laughed inwardly. That shock in her eyes; she hadn’t expected to see him among the high-profile guests. But it was the man beside her who caught his attention next.

The way the stranger placed his hand possessively on her waist made something stir in Jalen’s chest.

Was this the new man in her life? Already? 

The moment of quiet tension broke when Tiana marched forward, her heels clicking with precision. 

“What are you doing here?” she asked, her tone sharp, eyes narrowing. 

Sonia, who had been observing the subtle exchange, shifted slightly beside Jalen. The man next to Tiana stiffened, his jaw tightening as he gave Jalen a pointed look, clearly sizing him up. 

“I was invited,” Jalen said calmly, folding his hands in front of him. “By a friend.” 

Tiana scoffed and rolled her eyes, her gaze flicking away as though the conversation bored her. But something else caught her attention—Sonia. She looked at her with a brief flash of curiosity that she quickly buried under a layer of indifference. 

Sonia raised a brow and leaned closer to Jalen. “Who is she?” 

Jalen’s answer was quiet. “My ex-wife.” 

The words landed like a dropped glass.

Sonia turned fully toward him, blinking. “You were married?” 

Jalen nodded slowly, saying nothing more. It was clear it wasn’t a topic he wanted to expand on. 

Sonia’s eyes flicked back to Tiana, who now stood with the composure of a woman above it all, but inwardly, her heart twisted.

She remembered those long nights Jalen would work late just to help her prepare her brand proposal. How he stood by her through thick and thin, often neglecting his own dreams for hers. She’d built so much of herself with his help. 

And now he stood beside a woman that radiant and poised, and it stung more than she expected. 

“You came here for me, didn’t you?” Tiana said suddenly, her voice clipped with accusation. “Trying to make a scene?” 

Jalen looked at her, puzzled. “I didn’t even know you’d be here.” 

She let out a humourless laugh. “So you brought her, what, to make me jealous? To parade your new girlfriend?” 

Sonia bristled. “Excuse me?” 

“My heart belongs to someone else now, Jalen,” Tiana continued with a dramatic flair. “Whatever you think you’re doing, it’s pointless.” 

The words were cutting, but Sonia caught the undertone of something else; jealousy. Resentment. Perhaps even regret. 

Carlos, seizing his moment, stepped forward. “I don’t know who you think you are, but you clearly don’t belong here.” He sneered at Jalen’s outfit. “This place is for refined men. Not those who throw on a suit and think they’ve become somebody.” 

“Mr. Ordinary,” he added smugly, chuckling at his own insult.  

Jalen stayed calm, but Sonia stepped forward. “Watch your mouth,” she said coldly. “You don’t know the man you’re speaking to.” 

Carlos faltered, momentarily thrown off. 

Jalen turned slightly, casting a side glance at Tiana.

So this is the kind of man she’s keeping company with now? The arrogance, the shallowness, it was a far cry from the woman she used to be. 

Sonia leaned in and whispered, “They clearly don’t know who you are. Let’s not waste our time on them.” 

As she gently took his hand and began leading him toward the hall, Carlos scoffed behind them. “Let’s see how long they last. At least we have invitations and class.” 

His voice was loud, calculated, meant to draw attention.

Tiana remained still, watching them walk away hand in hand. She had nothing more to say, but her eyes lingered on Jalen, her heart strangely heavy. 

As if needing to reclaim her own dignity, she said, “The party is hosted by the Torres family companies, just so you know.” 

She said it like it should matter. Like it should change something. 

Sonia didn’t respond. But her pace didn’t falter either. 

Tiana turned away quickly when Carlos extended his hand again. “Forget him,” he said gently. “Tonight is about us.” 

She forced a smile and took his hand. Together, they walked into the hall like a picture-perfect couple. 

Inside the ballroom, the lights were low and warm, casting a soft glow over the polished floors and gilded ceilings. Soft jazz music played in the background as waiters moved through the crowd with trays of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. 

Jalen turned to Sonia, a look of curiosity on his face. “Are you... the business rep from the Torres family?” 

Sonia smiled proudly. “Yes. And you, Mr. Adesina, are seated right in front with me.” 

With that, she guided him to a seat in the front row, a quiet yet bold declaration of her own standing and perhaps a subtle message to anyone watching.