Chapter 111 The Victory Banquet
Chapter 111 The Victory Banquet
Cora turned away from Julian, forcing her eyes shut as she took a long, steady breath.
Get a grip, Cora.
You know exactly what kind of man Julian Watson is — untouchable, dangerous, impossible to control. Men like him don’t fall in love with women like you.
You can’t afford to lose yourself. You can’t afford to feel.
When she finally opened her eyes again, the flicker of hope that had dared to surface was gone — replaced by calm, cold reason.
Julian’s voice broke the silence behind her. “It’s about time. You should start getting ready.”
And just like that, he walked out.
Cora stood frozen for a second, then exhaled shakily and pressed a hand to her chest.
Good thing I built that wall before he walked back in.
——
Her assistants entered with boxes of jewelry and brushes in hand. Cora buried her feelings under a perfect mask and let them get to work.
Makeup. Hair. Nails.
Every movement professional, every gesture practiced.
Being Mrs. Julian Watson meant there was a full team for everything — a process, a rhythm, an image to maintain.
Thirty minutes later, she was flawless.
Julian appeared at the top of the stairs, freshly dressed.
When he descended, she realized his suit was clearly designed to match her gown — ivory with the faintest silver-gray undertones.
Her chest tightened. So he thought about this in advance…
Julian approached, his tone smooth as glass.
“You look stunning tonight, Mrs. Watson.”
He took the necklace from the assistant and fastened it himself.
Cora caught his reflection in the mirror — calm, focused, unreadable. She said nothing, afraid even her breath would betray the heat rising in her cheeks.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
He offered his arm.
By now, her body moved on instinct — slipping her hand through his, falling into step beside him.
At some point, she’d gotten used to this. To the rhythm of them.
The thought made her almost laugh. Time has a way of lying to you, doesn’t it?
But she reminded herself again — she wasn’t here to stay.
——
Liam’s new mansion was right next door to theirs.
By the time the car arrived, the entire venue was buzzing.
As soon as Julian stepped out, applause erupted like fireworks.
When he reached for Cora’s hand, every camera flash turned to her.
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
The internet rumors had been true — Mr. Watson was married. And his wife… was pregnant.
No one could deny what they saw: the matching rings gleaming on their fingers, and the gentle curve beneath her gown.
Liam’s eyes darted from Julian to Cora — and for a split second, his composure cracked.
Qara…
No. Not Qara.
But tonight, Cora looked exactly like her.
His assistant cleared his throat softly.
Liam blinked, then straightened, wearing that practiced Mayer-family smile as he stepped forward to greet them.
“Mr. Watson,” he said warmly, shaking Julian’s hand.
Cora nodded politely, her smile graceful, rehearsed. She’d been coached for these occasions — a little stiff, but never out of place.
“Apologies for the delay,” she said. “I hope we’re not interrupting.”
“Not at all,” the guests assured her immediately.
Liam gestured toward the entrance. “Please, come in.”
——
Beside Liam stood a young woman — tall, elegant, her features soft yet striking. Cora assumed she was his date.
To her surprise, the woman met her gaze and smiled.
Cora smiled back instinctively.
Inside, the lights brightened and applause swelled again.
Liam and Julian took the stage together while Cora and the young woman stepped aside.
“Thank you all for coming,” Liam began, his tone smooth and magnetic. “Tonight marks the success of the Mayer–Watson energy partnership. Mr. Watson and I hit it off immediately, and this project is only the beginning.”
He lifted his glass slightly. “Now, please welcome Mr. Watson.”
Julian’s voice followed, low and authoritative. “Mr. Mayer gives me too much credit. Everyone knows I’m not the easiest man to work with — but where Watson Group goes, Mayer Group will always have a place at the table.”
Applause roared again.
——
Down below, the young woman leaned closer to Cora. “Mrs. Watson, I’m assigned to assist you tonight. If you need anything at all, just tell me. My brother insists you’re the guest of honor.”
Cora smiled. “That’s very kind. And you are…?”
“Oh—Lila. Lila Mayer.” Her eyes sparkled with warmth. “I feel like we’ve already met somehow.”
Cora returned the smile. “Then drop the formalities. Call me Cora.”
“Okay, Cora,” Lila said brightly. “I heard you’re twenty-five? I’m twenty-four.”
Cora chuckled. “Almost twins, then.”
The speeches on stage ended. As guests crowded forward to toast, Lila quietly guided Cora toward a quieter corner.
“My brother said you shouldn’t stand for too long — it’s not good for the baby,” Lila said, pulling out a chair. “You can see everything just fine from here.”
Cora eased down gratefully. “Thank you. That’s thoughtful of you.”
A waiter soon arrived — champagne for everyone else, but a warm glass of milk for her.
The simple gesture made her heart soften despite herself.
Lila sat across from her, studying her face.
Cora knew that look immediately.
“You’ve seen her, haven’t you?” she said softly. “Qara.”
Lila blinked, caught off guard, then smiled awkwardly. “Forgive me. It’s just… you really do look like her. When my brother first said so, I didn’t believe it. People can resemble each other, but exactly the same? Impossible. And yet—”
Her gaze deepened, almost uneasy.
“The moment I saw you… I realized I was wrong.”