Chapter 47 The truth

Chapter 47 The truth
Chapter 047

DARIUS

I turned to Dorian, fury burning through my veins. "What are they doing here?"

Dorian was still staring across the ballroom, his attention completely on them. I grabbed his face, forcing him to look at me.

"Stop staring at them," I demanded.

He shook his head, pulling away from my grip. "I am not staring at them. I am staring at Samantha."

"You have gone out of your mind."

"What is your problem with them being here?" Dorian countered, his expression genuinely confused.

"Did you invite them?" I could feel my jaw clenching. "Did you bring them here?"

"No. I did not invite them."

"Then how did they get in?"

"They probably heard about the gala and decided to attend," Dorian reasoned. "They are in our business class lectures. They have as much right to be here as anyone else."

"I should have instructed the guards not to allow them entry."

"Darius, you need to chill out. Stop behaving like some old man who cannot handle a little disruption. A lot of students are present at this gala. It is not bad for them to be here."

"It is very bad for them to be here," I insisted. "These two girls cause trouble wherever they go. I can feel it. Something is going to happen."

Dorian rolled his eyes. "You are being paranoid."

"I am being cautious."

"You are being obsessed."

I ignored that comment. "I am going to confront them."

"Darius, do not—"

But I was already moving. I was already crossing the ballroom towards where I had seen them. Dorian followed, probably to prevent me from doing something stupid.

I found Samantha and Raven on the other side of the room, chatting and sipping champagne like they belonged here and not intruders in my world.

I plastered on a mocking smile. "If it is not the human pests trying to contaminate everyone with their humanity."

Raven turned to me, her expression cool and amused. "I am starting to believe you crave my attention, Darius. You seem unable to stay away from me. You're always finding ways to be around me."

Anger flashed through me immediately. Because she was right. I did crave her attention. I did want to be around her, even when I hated myself for it.

But I would never give her the satisfaction of knowing that.

I stepped closer, invading her space. "What are you doing here with your pest of a friend?"

Samantha answered before Raven could. "We came to enjoy the champagne and the spectacular display Papa Pike has spent his money on. Hope you do not mind."

That made me even angrier. What the hell do they think they're? And did Samantha just talk back to me? Ravenna must really be coaching her to grow her guts "I do mind. Now, take your friend and leave this gala with immediate effect."

"No," Raven replied simply, taking a sip from the champagne and smiling down at me. "The champagne is so..." She clicked her tongue and closed her eyes.

"I wonder how much papa pike spent on all of these."

"Excuse me?"

Ravenna turned, giving me her attention, "You cannot order us around. We are not going anywhere."

"Do your worst," Samantha added, her chin lifted defiantly. "You could order your men to deal with us instead of doing it personally, just like you did with Ravenna. But just know we are not leaving."

Before I could respond, Dorian arrived and greeted them cheerfully. "Ladies! You both look absolutely stunning tonight."

Raven smiled at him. "You look quite handsome yourself, Dorian."

She kissed his cheek, and I felt my wolf snarl violently inside me.

Dorian turned to Samantha, his smile widening. "And you look so hot tonight."

Samantha frowned. "Continue trying your luck, Master Dorian and see where it gets you."

Dorian grabbed my hand, probably sensing I was about to do something violent. "Do not mind Darius. He is acting under the effects of too much drinking. He does not mean what he is saying."

Raven's eyes widened with mock sympathy. She patted my cheek. "Poor boy."

Samantha burst out laughing, unable to contain herself.

"I will be taking him now," Dorian announced, pulling me away. "You ladies enjoy yourselves."

As soon as we were out of earshot, I yanked my hand free. "What was the meaning of that rubbish you did there?"

Dorian had the guts to feign ignorance. "What rubbish?"

I shot him a glare. If looks could kill, Dorian would have been dead by now. Avoid me for the rest of the night."

Dorian laughed and bowed mockingly. "As you wish, Alpha heir."

I did not know why they were getting under my skin so badly. Why every word they spoke made me want to either strangle them or kiss them.

My eyes kept finding Raven across the ballroom watching as she danced with some of my classmates. I watched as they touched her waist, hands and her shoulders.

Atlas was furious. Enraged at seeing other men touch our mate in such a seductive way. Twice, I had acted on impulse, moving towards them with every intention of ripping her out of their arms.

But both times, I was stopped by women who wanted to dance with me. They're ladies from prominent families who batted their eyelashes and made conversation I did not care about.

I kept my eyes on Raven the entire time.

Then my father climbed onto the stage.

The music paused instantly, conversations quieted and everyone turned their attention to Richard Pike, standing in the spotlight like the king he believed himself to be.

"Good evening, everyone," he began, his voice carrying easily across the ballroom. "I want to thank you all for coming to this year's gala. Your presence here means more than you know."

Polite applause rippled through the crowd.

"Tonight is a celebration of success, partnerships that have flourished, business ventures that have exceeded all expectations." He gestured broadly. "I hope you have all enjoyed yourselves and have mingled with the elites, renowned businessmen and women who make up our incredible network."

More applause.

"I want to take a moment to thank my partners personally. Each of you has worked with me on various business deals. And I am proud to say that every single one of them has been successful." He smiled. "We have built something extraordinary together. Something that will last for generations."

The crowd murmured appreciatively.

"I also want to thank my son, Darius." My father's eyes found me in the crowd. "He has given me valuable advice over the years that has worked beautifully. He is the future of PikeCorp, and I could not be more proud of the man he is becoming."

I felt the weight of everyone's stares and the expectation pressing down on me.

"And now," my father continued, "the projector will show a replay of some of the business meetings I have attended over the past year. Moments that showcase the strength of our partnerships. The integrity of our deals."

He gestured to someone offstage, and the lights dimmed.

The projector came on. The screen remained blank for a moment, and I could hear the quiet hum of the equipment warming up.

Then the video began to play.

At first, I did not understand what I was seeing. The image was slightly dark, like it had been filmed secretly.

Then I recognised the office. My father's private office. The one he used for confidential meetings.

The audio crackled to life and my father's voice rolled out.

"We need to drive them out of business. I do not care what it takes. Blackmail or threats, whatever works."

My blood ran cold and I froze as I realized what was going on

This was not a promotional video. This was evidence of everything my father had done and hidden.

And it was playing for the entire ballroom to see.