Chapter 25
Sebastian’s thoughts were cut short by his mother’s sharp voice. “I allowed you to come tonight so you could keep an eye on Sebastian,” Madam Creed said coolly, not bothering to lower her voice.
Elara stiffened. “Don’t let him sneak off to look for Amara,” Madam Creed continued. “And remember your place p>
She paused, letting the words settle. “You’re still just his secretary.” Elara forced a small smile. “Understood p>
Inside, she exhaled in relief. At least, for now, Madam Creed wasn’t forcing her to sign the divorce papers. For now, she still had time. And in this family, time was everything.
Sebastian’s phone vibrated in his hand. He glanced at the screen and stepped aside, his heart already pounding. “Speak,” he said quietly.
“Mr. Creed,” Mr. Lomal’s voice came through, tense. “We’ve hit a dead end p>
Sebastian’s grip tightened. “What do you mean?” “Mrs. Creed’s number has been deactivated,” the detective said. “Completely shut down.” Sebastian’s breath caught.
“There’s more,” Mr. Lomal added. “She also closed her bank accounts. All of them p>
Silence. Sebastian felt the blood drain from his face.
“She… closed her accounts?” he whispered. “How is that possible?” She must know, his mind screamed. She found out about Elara. About everything.
“I can’t trace her anymore,” Mr. Lomal said. “It’s like she vanished on purpose.” The call ended.
Sebastian stood frozen for a moment, the noise of the party fading into a dull hum. Then he turned sharply, already moving toward the exit. I have to find her. Right now. I have to explain everything.
“Sebastian.” His mother’s voice snapped like a whip. He stopped. “The party is about to start,” Madam Creed said coldly. “Where do you think you’re going p>
“I’m going to find Amara,” he said without hesitation. She stared at him as if he’d lost his mind. “Are you insane? Do you think you can just come and go as you please and still expect these people to support you p>
Her voice dropped. “If you walk out now, all of us will suffer.” Sebastian clenched his jaw. Before he could answer, Elara spoke carefully, almost sweetly. “That’s right, Seb. Since we’re already here… shouldn’t we at least see what the famous French heiress looks like p>
Just then, Ping. All their phones vibrated at the same time. Sebastian frowned and looked down.
A video notification. So did his mother. So did Elara and everyone in the room. The room around them seemed to slow as Sebastian tapped the screen.
The video began to play. And in that instant. Everything he thought he knew was about to collapse.
“Isn’t Sebastian supposed to be deeply in love with his wife?” a man whispered loudly, not bothering to lower his voice. “How could he be hooking up with another woman p>
“He’s just been pretending all this time,” another replied with a scoff.
“Then where is his wife?” someone else asked. “Why would he attend a party like this with her p>
The murmurs spread like wildfire, wrapping around Sebastian until he could barely breathe. “Bring the organizers here. Now!” Madam Creed shouted, her voice slicing through the room.
Sebastian stood frozen, his mind far away from the crowd, far away from the flashing screens and accusing eyes. All he could see was Amara, watching this video somewhere, her hands trembling, her heart breaking all over again.
She must be hurting, he thought desperately. This will destroy her. “I have not offended anyone!” Madam Creed snapped. “Delete that video immediately! Who leaked it? Tell me who sent it out p>
“I..I don’t know,” one of the waitresses stammered, pale with fear.
“The surveillance system here is airtight,” another staff member said shakily. “It couldn’t have come from us p>
Elara folded her arms, her lips curling faintly. “Then it must have been Amara,” she said coolly. “I don’t care if I lose face, but Madam Creed values her reputation more than anything p>
Madam Creed’s eyes blazed. “How dare that woman cause a scene here?” she hissed. “She really thinks she still matters?” Sebastian’s head snapped up.
“Do you think His voice cracked before he could stop it. “Do you think the video could reach Amara? Could she know now… that I cheated on her p>
Madam Creed scoffed harshly. “Vicious woman. She can’t even give you a child, what’s wrong with finding another woman? If she dares show up here tonight, I will deal with her myself p>
A calm voice cut through the chaos. “And you will deal with who, exactly?” The accent was unmistakably French. The room fell silent. Madam Creed stiffened, then turned slowly.
“This is… a big surprise. Hello, it is nice to finally meet you,” she forced out.
Madam Pedro stood tall, her presence commanding without effort. “There is nothing between Sebastian and that woman,” Madam Creed rushed to say. “It’s all a misunderstanding,” she added
“My daughter has just returned home after a long time. Please, leave. You’re making a scene.” Madam Pedro’s eyes were cold, unwavering.
And somewhere within the walls of that flower-filled mansion, the name Amara Pedro Piers was about to shake everything they thought they controlled.
Amara stepped down the grand staircase, and the room subtly shifted.
She wore a mask, delicate, elegant, concealing half her face, but it did nothing to dull her presence. The finest men of the evening turned instinctively, drawn by something they couldn’t quite name. Conversations faltered. Glasses paused midair. Eyes followed her descent as if she were gravity itself.
She moved with quiet confidence, her posture straight, her steps unhurried. One by one, men approached introductions offered, compliments layered with admiration and curiosity. Amara accepted them with polite smiles, exchanging brief words, forcing herself into conversation even as her heart thudded painfully in her chest.
Then…Sebastian felt it. No announcement. No explanation. Just a sudden, unmistakable pull that tightened around his chest.
His gaze snapped toward the staircase, breath catching as the masked woman crossed the floor. He didn’t know her face, but he knew that feeling. He had lived with it. Loved it. Lost it.
Amara… His feet moved before his mind caught up. Madam Creed noticed immediately.
A satisfied smile curved her lips. So this is the French heiress, she thought. Finally, something has caught his attention.
Elara noticed too.
Her nails dug into her palm as she watched Sebastian drift away, his eyes locked on the masked woman as if the rest of the room had vanished. Panic flared sharp and ugly in her chest.
Amara sensed him approaching.
Her pulse spiked. The air felt too tight, too familiar. Before he could speak, before he could hear her voice, she turned smoothly and excused herself, disappearing down the corridor leading to the guest rooms.
Sebastian didn’t hesitate. He followed.
Down the quiet hallway, away from the music and whispers, his footsteps echoed with growing urgency. He watched her back, the way she moved, the way her shoulders tensed as if she knew he was there.
Behind them, Madam Creed beamed, convinced this was fate at work. Elara, however, was already dialing her phone.
“Bring Seren to the party,” she said sharply to the nanny. “Now.” Her eyes burned as she lowered the phone. You can run all you want, she thought bitterly. I still have my trump card.