Chapter 315
The grand conference tent was glowing, but for the first time since the day began, the light didn’t feel harsh. Under the hum of the crystal chandeliers, the air smelled like a mix of expensive rosemary and the kind of relief you can only taste after a long fight.
Everywhere you looked, people were finally exhaling. You saw CEOs who had traded their usual stiff posture for relaxed, tuxedoed shoulders, and innovators laughing—not the polite, networking kind of laugh, but the deep, belly-felt kind that comes when a massive weight is finally lifted. The jazz band in the corner wasn’t just background noise; their music felt like a soundtrack to a victory lap.
It was more than just a party. It was that rare, quiet moment of peace that hits right after the chaos. The “bad guys” were gone, the dust had finally settled, and for tonight, everyone could just breathe and toast to the fact that they’d made it through.
At the heart of it all were Eliana Bennett and Rafael Vexley, the undisputed stars of the evening. Eliana still looking radiant in her flowing emerald gown that hugged her heavily pregnant belly perfectly, moved with a grace that belied her exhaustion. Her warm brown skin glowed under the lights, her honey eyes sparkling with a mix of joy and overwhelm. Her hair fell beautifully down her back, framing her soft face and pink lips that curved into hopeful smiles. Beside her, Rafael stood tall and happy his athletic build commanding attention in his crisp black tuxedo. His dark wavy hair was perfectly tousled, and his piercing steel-grey eyes—once feigned clouded—now gleamed with sharp intensity. No longer confined to a wheelchair or pretending blindness, he exuded a dangerously handsome aura, his chiseled jawline set in quiet triumph. Whispers rippled through the crowd: “I still can’t believe she’s now the new heiress to Holloway’s empire—one of the largest fortunes on earth!” “And him? Rafael Vexley, risen like a phoenix. Blind and crippled no more. What a power couple p>
Guests swarmed them like moths to a flame, champagne flutes in hand, eager for a piece of their glow. A silver-haired tycoon in a velvet jacket approached first, his eyes alight with opportunism. “Mrs Vexley. Congratulations on your inheritance. Might I have your contact? I’d love to discuss potential collaborations between our firms p>
Eliana blinked, her hand instinctively resting on her swollen belly as if to steady herself. The baby’s gentle kicks reminded her of the life growing within, a beacon of hope amid the chaos. She opened her mouth to respond, but the words tangled on her tongue, the weight of the evening’s events pressing down.
Rafael, ever the protector, slipped an arm around her waist, his touch firm yet tender. “Allow me,” he murmured to her, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down her spine. Turning to the tycoon, he flashed a sardonic smile. “Mr. Pierre, isn’t it? Eliana appreciates the interest, but tonight’s about celebration, not business cards. We’ll be in touch if it aligns with Holloway’s vision p>
The man nodded vigorously, retreating with a bow. But he was just the first wave. A glamorous woman in a sequined gown sidled up next, her voice dripping with faux sweetness. “Eliana, darling, the world is buzzing about you! Will you be joining the board at Holloway Enterprises? Learning the ropes from Kenneth himself? It’s such an inspiring story—from Rafael’s caregiver to his wife and now to Holloway’s heiress p>
Eliana’s cheeks flushed, her expressive eyes darting to Rafael for rescue. The pregnancy had amplified her emotions, making the spotlight feel like a blazing sun. “I… I haven’t thought that far yet,” she admitted softly, her voice laced with vulnerability.
Rafael chuckled lightly, his steel eyes narrowing in amusement. “My wife is focusing on her studies and our little one for now. But rest assured, when she steps into that role, she’ll redefine what it means to lead with integrity. Kenneth’s already grooming her wisely—board meetings will come in due time p>
The woman cooed in delight, pressing for more, but Rafael steered Eliana away gently, whispering in her ear, “You’re doing beautifully, my love. Let me handle the vultures p>
As they navigated the crowd, more questions flew like arrows. “Eliana, how does it feel to inherit such a legacy?” “Rafael, your recovery is miraculous—care to share the surgeon’s name?” Rafael fielded them all with his signature sarcasm, his sharp tongue deflecting while protecting Eliana’s fragile energy. She leaned into him, grateful for his strength, her hand occasionally brushing his as if to anchor herself in his unwavering presence.
Spotting a familiar face weaving through the throng, Eliana’s face lit up like dawn breaking. Henry Jackson, tall and handsome as always with sharp features and warm eyes, approached their table with a tentative smile. His dark suit fit him perfectly, accentuating his poise. “Mind if I join you two?” he asked, his voice carrying a hint of relief amid the chaos.
Eliana beamed, her honey eyes sparkling with genuine joy. “Henry! Of course! Please, sit. I don’t know half these people, and it’s overwhelming. You’re my best friend—having you here makes it all bearable p>
She reached out and clasped his hand across the table, her grip warm and almost sisterly, a gesture born of years of unspoken support. Henry squeezed back, his expression softening, but Rafael’s jaw tightened ever so slightly. A flicker of jealousy danced in his eyes—possessive, primal—but he quelled it with maturity, reminding himself of Eliana’s loyalty. “Welcome, Jackson,” Rafael said coolly, nodding. “The more allies, the better in this den of wolves p>
The trio settled into their seats as waitstaff presented plates of succulent lobster tails, artisanal cheeses, and decadent truffle risotto. The jazz band struck up a lively tune, and laughter echoed around them. Eliana released Henry’s hand to pick at her food, her pregnancy making her appetite finicky, but her spirits soared with her friend nearby.
Henry, however, seemed distracted, his warm eyes clouded with worry. He pulled out his phone under the table, dialing a number for the umpteenth time that evening. The line rang once, twice, then went to voicemail. He sighed, rubbing his temple.
Rafael noticed, his piercing gaze missing nothing. “Trouble in paradise, Henry? You’ve been glued to that phone all night. Have you reconciled with Isabella yet p>
Eliana turned sharply, her curly hair swaying as she fixed Henry with a concerned look. “Yes, Henry—what’s going on? Were you able to apologize for lashing out on her yesterday p>
Henry set his fork down, his handsome face etching with sadness. He ran a hand through his hair, his voice dropping to a confessional tone. “Yes, I apologized but it’s complicated. Yesterday, after everything settled, Isabella confessed her feelings for me. Real feelings—not just friendship or… whatever we had. But then she told me to stay away. Said she needed to get over it, that I was in love with someone else. Someone like… well, she mentioned you, Eliana, thinking I still pined for the past p>
Eliana gasped, her lips parting in shock. She placed a hand on her belly instinctively, as if shielding the baby from the emotional turbulence. “Oh, Henry! What did you say? Did you tell her how you feel? That it’s her now, not me p>
Henry shook his head, his warm eyes glistening with regret. “I tried. God, I tried. But she wouldn’t let me get a word in. She was so adamant—practically chased me out of her tent. Said it was for the best, that she’d only hold me back p>
Rafael leaned back in his chair, crossing his arms over his broad chest, a smirk playing on his chiseled lips. But his tone was serious, laced with brotherly exasperation. “You’re an idiot, Jackson. A certified fool. Women like Isabella don’t confess lightly. If you let her slip away, she’ll build walls higher than mine ever were. And trust me, cracking those is no easy feat p>
Henry winced, dialing again. The phone beeped—switched off, just like his earlier attempts. “I’ve been trying all day. With the revelations, the arrests… I haven’t had a moment. And now her phone’s off. What if she has already blocked me p>
Eliana’s heart ached for him, her kind-hearted nature bubbling over. She reached out again, patting his arm gently. “Henry, we can’t let that happen. She’s hurting, thinking she’s second best. But you’re in love with her, aren’t you? I can see it in your eyes—it’s stronger than what you felt for me. Deeper, more real. I can see it all.
Henry nodded slowly, his voice cracking with emotion. “It is. With you, Eliana, it was explosive—young, passionate. But with Isabella… it’s like a steady fire. Warm, enduring. Maybe even stronger. I met her that night at the bar, broken over her cheating fiancé’s murder plot. I was also hurting from everything that happened with us. We helped each other escape that nightmare, and ever since, she’s been in my thoughts. Not just gratitude—real love. I need to tell her p>
Rafael arched an eyebrow, his sarcastic edge softening into genuine advice. “Then stop moping and go find her. Before she boards a plane and vanishes like the wind. That happened to me with Eliana, remember p>
Eliana’s eyes lit up with determination, her emotional resilience shining through. “We’ll go together! To her tent. I’ll talk to her, Henry. Make it clear there’s nothing romantic between us—never was, really. You’re my brother in all but blood. She needs to hear that from me p>
Henry’s face brightened, hope flickering in his warm eyes. “You’d do that? Eliana, you’re amazing. But… you’re pregnant. You sure you’re up for it p>
She waved him off with a laugh, her hopeful smile infectious. “Pfft, this little one and I are tougher than we look. Besides, it’ll be an adventure. Right, Rafael p>
Rafael glanced around the room, where clusters of CEOs hovered like sharks, waiting to pounce with more questions. He sighed dramatically, but his eyes twinkled with mischief. “Fine. Anything to shake off these corporate leeches. They’ve been circling us all night, sniffing for deals. James!” He beckoned his secretary and best friend, who was nearby, adjusting his glasses over his dark hair.
James approached with his usual kind, loyal grin, ever the faithful shadow. “Rafael? Need an extraction p>
Rafael nodded, a sharp smile tugging at his lips. “You know me too well. We’re ghosting this place. Quietly round up the men—we’re paying Isabella a visit. Time to convince her to take this fool Jackson off everyone’s hands p>
James chuckled, folding his arms. “On it. You know, this feels like one of those spy novels. Pregnant heiress, reformed billionaire, lovesick doctor… what’s next, a helicopter chase p>
Eliana giggled, the sound light and melodic, easing the tension. “Let’s hope not. My ankles are swollen enough without running p>
Rafael helped her up, his hand lingering on her back protectively. Henry stood too, gratitude etched on his face. “Thank you, both. I don’t deserve friends like you p>
Rafael smirked, clapping him on the shoulder. “Don’t get sappy, Jackson. Just don’t screw this up when we find her p>
Quietly, under the cover of the jazz band’s crescendo, the group slipped away. James led the way, with Rafael’s men materializing like ghosts: Oliver melting from the shadows, hawk-eyed and thin; Will, the muscular tinker, sleeves hiding tools; Liam, reading the room’s intentions; Kai, shadow-like and dangerous; Viktor, steady as a driver; and Jax, orchestrating it all. They formed a protective ring around Eliana, their presence a silent vow of safety.
As they exited the dinner tent into the cool night air, the stars twinkling overhead like witnesses to their quest, Eliana whispered to Rafael, “This feels right. Helping Henry… it’s like closing old Chapters for new beginnings p>
He squeezed her hand, his voice soft and emotional. “For all of us, my love. For all of us p>