Chapter 62 Devereaux Global Summit
Flash.
Flash.
Flash.
The world exploded in white light the moment Deborah stepped out of the Valmere limousine.
The red carpet stretched ahead like a runway of fire, swarmed on both sides by reporters, cameras, flashing bulbs, and murmuring crowds. The massive hotel glass, gold, and steel towered above the night like a monument to power.
Beside her, Caelum exited first, adjusting his cufflinks with practiced confidence. Lysander followed, then Lucio, Casper and Aston, each dressed in immaculate suits that made the media erupt in a storm of excitement.
But when Deborah finally emerged poised, breathtaking, flawless.....the cameras went feral.
“Knight Valmere is really handsome!”
"Miss Valmere.....here!”
“Oh my gosh the Gods are here! I want to marry Caelum! He is sooo hot!”
Knight stepped out last, subtly positioning himself on her right. It looked casual, polite… but everyone close enough could see the controlled sharpness in his eyes like he was prepared to intercept anything harmful.
The Valmere heirs moved forward in formation.
Every flash of light felt like a firecracker exploding inches from her face, but Deborah kept her posture serene and chin up, shoulders straight, her black velvet dress flowing elegantly as she walked the carpet with the grace of someone born into power.
The media’s shouts grew louder.
“Valmere family please! One pose!”
They stopped at the center of the carpet.
Deborah’s brothers adjusted slightly, creating space for her at the center of their formation exactly where she belonged.
Five seconds. A hundred cameras. A thousand flashes.
Her eyes watered from the brightness, but she didn’t blink.
Then.....
“Miss Valmere! Over here... questions!”
A staff member from the summit approached with a clipboard. “Please answer a few. Short and quick.”
Deborah nodded. Knight and Caelum stayed at her right close enough to intervene, far enough to remain respectful.
The first reporter, dressed in a navy suit, raised her microphone.
“Miss Valmere, how important is the Devereaux Global Summit to the Valmere Corporation?”
Deborah smiled professionally. “It’s one of the most influential gatherings of the year. Collaboration with global leaders is essential, and we’re honored to participate.”
“Next question!” the coordinator called.
A second reporter, a woman with a sharp bob haircut, stepped forward.
“Is it true the Valmere Group plans to announce two new global partnerships tonight?”
Deborah answered flawlessly, voice steady and elegant. “Partnerships are always considered carefully. We’ll release official details once everything is confirmed.”
Another reporter raised his hand.
“What role will you personally play in the upcoming Valmere expansion in Europe?”
Deborah’s smile softened. “I’ll be working closely with our tourism and hospitality branches, strengthening international connections.”
Flash. Flash.
The fourth reporter stepped forward, clearly eager.
“Miss Valmere, how do you handle the pressure of being the only daughter of one of the most powerful families in the world?”
She inhaled gently before replying.
“Pressure only becomes heavy when you fear it. I choose to carry it with purpose.”
The cameras went wild at her answer.
But then....A fifth reporter pushed forward. Not scheduled. Not approved.
A woman with red lipstick and too-bold confidence.
“Miss Deborah Valmere!”
Knight’s eyes sharpened instantly.
“Are you currently open to accept a man who wants to court you?”
Deborah’s breath caught. The world seemed to freeze.
The cameras leaned in. Her brothers turned their heads sharply. Her hands went cold.
She....could not answer. Not without lying. Not without revealing forbidden wounds.
"You don't need tk answer that, deborah," Caelum whispered.
The silence stretched.. And that’s when Knight stepped forward. His voice was low, sharp, and full of authority.
“She doesn’t answer nonsense questions.” Gasps broke through the crowd. Cameras burst with frantic flashes.
The staff immediately waved them forward. “Thank you...this way, please! Inside!”
Knight placed a guiding hand on her back not touching, but close enough for her to feel his warmth through the thin fabric of her dress. Protective. Controlled. Dangerous.
Deborah exhaled slowly, reclaiming her composure as they entered the grand lobby.
Inside, the ballroom glittered with chandeliers, gold-trimmed walls, and the hum of elite conversation. CEOs, ambassadors, and heirs turned as the Valmere family walked in respect and caution in every stare.
Casper was already speaking with one of the European directors. Caelum greeted the chairman of Devereaux Industries. Deborah moved gracefully through groups of business leaders, shaking hands, exchanging polite conversation.
A CEO smiled warmly at her.
“Miss Valmere, it’s an honor. We heard about your work with the tourism division. Impressive achievements.”
“Thank you. We have several new initiatives coming next quarter.”
Another executive joined. “You’ve grown remarkably. Your father would be proud.”
The words caught her off guard but she smiled, grateful yet controlled.
They discussed partnerships, shipping expansions, new tourism contracts, technological investments...all while cameras discreetly recorded every expression.
Knight stayed behind her, blending into the room like a shadow with a pulse, always watching.
Deborah caught him staring once sharp, unreadablebut and she quickly looked away.
Suddenly, the lights dimmed. A soft chime echoed through the ballroom.
The host stepped onto the elevated stage, microphone in hand, his voice rich and commanding.
“Ladies and gentlemen… thank you for gathering tonight for the grand opening of this year’s Devereaux Global Summit.”
The room quieted instantly. Deborah’s heart thudded in anticipation, nerves, and something else she couldn’t name.
The host smiled, eyes scanning the crowd.
“And now… for the most anticipated arrival of the evening…”
People turned. Deborah felt a chill crawl up her spine. The host raised his voice....
“Let’s all welcome….......”