Chapter 11

~Natalie~

I stood there,grounded to the spot as Verin spoke. I could feel everyone's eyes turn to look at me coldly and with spite. I felt so embarrassed. I should've known he'd try to set me up and embarrass me openly.

I could see Lucien's dark, victorious smile from the corner of my eyes. I gritted my teeth again. I would not let him see me that embarrassed.

I raised my head, putting on a big smile as I walked towards Verin with pride. “My apologies, Lord Verin. I had no idea we were going to bring masks.”

“No idea, wife? I told you last night.” Lucien smirked at me devilishly, his hands in his pockets. That son of the devil was hell bent on setting me up and making me a laughing stock.

I heard whispers start around me,most of them calling me a disgraced heiress who didn't know her place in the business world.

Forming a plan in my mind,I smiled. Slowly,I walked towards Lucien and smiled at him. “Babe,you said that while you were driving me crazy, I wasn't even listening.”

Lucien raised a brow, probably wondering the kind of game I was playing. Vermin's gaze on me didn't waver at all. I quickly used my small purse to improvise a mask. I couldn't afford to be embarrassed, no matter what.

Finally, Verin signalled the guards at the door. The doors swung open and the beautiful damsel came to view.

I looked at the soon-to-be bride, Aliya, Verin's daughter. She was luxuriously dressed in a champagne gold dress that reached just above her knees, and matching accessories. Her curly hair was let down, complimenting her eye color.

Slowly, she catwalked into the hall, her groom trailing behind her. He was dressed in a black suit.

I stared at the cold smile she had on, a smile to convince the press that she was in a happy marriage, but I could clearly tell it was arranged.

She walked over to my side, linking arms with her father as her cold lips pecked him on the cheek.

As she set her eyes on me, she frowned. “Father,what's a loser like her doing here?”

Lucien frowned as he walked forward, firmly grabbing me by the waist. “Do not speak about my wife like that.”

My eyes widened, surprised by the sudden move. Slowly, he leaned in closer. “It's just payback for earlier.”

Aliya faced Lucien and bowed her head slightly. “I'm sorry for the disrespect.”

“It's okay,” Lucien smiled at her. I looked around, wanting to see if I'd get a signal that could be related to the unknown helper who had contacted me, but I saw nothing.

“Looking for someone?” Lucien asked with the usual smirk. I quickly fixed my posture and looked at him. “No, I'm just admiring the decor.”

Lucien chuckled before leaving my side and going to talk with the other businessmen.

Feeling alone, I decided to get a drink for myself at the counter. I found a mask on the table so I decided to use it.

I sighed as I looked at the caliber of people in the room. Business men,tycoons and top celebrities from all walks of life were present.

I could hear the group of women behind me whisper my name. They clearly had no idea I was seated beside them.

I adjusted the mask on my face and listened attentively to their conversation.

“Didn't you see Leon's daughter earlier, she just completely disgraced herself.” The first woman said, sipping from her glass of champagne.

“Yeah, I saw her. Her name is Natalie. She's really popular in the business world.” The other woman laughed.

“Well, it's good that Lucien crushed her pride. We can't afford another competition.”

“Hmm, true. The business world is only for a few women.”

“Leon made a good choice by not handing the company over.”

Yes, maybe they were right. Maybe I wasn't fit for business and should be playing dress up princess instead. But,I didn't care anymore.

I raised my glass, uninterested in their conversation and wanting to drink, but the first woman pumped into me, making me spill the champagne on my dress.

I looked back at her, but she was too drunk to even notice she had spilled champagne on me. I frowned, feeling my underwear already drenched by the liquid.

I stood up, asking the nearby usher where the bathroom was. I quickly gulped down the content from a random cup before walking towards the direction of the elevator.

As I stepped into the elevator, I met Lucien inside. He was mumbling some words, clearly drunk. I rolled my eyes before getting inside. The elevator door closed and I tapped on the level I wanted to go to.

“You…you ruined the dress?” Lucien raised a brow. “I didn't, some people spilled champagne on me.” I folded my arms.

He smiled, half drunk. He staggered towards me and pinned me to a corner. I could smell the heavy alcohol on him.

“What are you doing?” I frowned.

“You…you look just like him. He destroyed my family.” Lucien's eyes darkened as he looked at me like prey he was about to devour.

“Wh…who?” I asked, confused about what he was talking about.

“Natalie,” he whispered my name like it was a secret he wanted to keep forever. The way his breath hit against my sensitive skin made me gasp.

I bit my lower lip, not wanting to get involved in something I would later regret.

“You…you look so sexy today.” He whispered against my neck as his lips trailed down to my collar bone.

He looked me in the eyes, and for a while I was lost in his. Slowly, he lifted my chin with a finger and covered my lips with his own. The moment our lips collided, I melted in his touch.

My teeth fought to keep his tongue out, but he won instead. His tongue invaded my mouth without warning, exploring and claiming without any hesitation.

My arms wrapped around my waist tightly as he brought me closer to himself.

Ding

The elevator stopped at the desired level.