Chapter 64 The moment that shattered her
The Devereaux Global Summit glowed like a kingdom built from glass and wealth. Chandeliers dripped from the ceiling like rivers of frozen gold, scattering warm light across polished marble floors. A live orchestra played softly in the background, weaving a gentle, elegant melody that carried through the grand ballroom.
It was the kind of event where every step left an impression, where every face carried power, wealth, or influence. For the Valmere heirs, this was familiar ground, another realm where dominance was expected, where every conversation was a negotiation, and every smile meant strategy.
Caelum stood near a cluster of investors, posture sharp, voice calm but firm as he reviewed projections they were desperate to show him. Lysander charmed hotel owners, effortlessly easing them into a discussion about international partnerships. Lucio intimidated half the tech-security moguls in the room by simply crossing his arms and giving straightforward, unfiltered analysis. Aston laughed lightly with shipping tycoons, giving expert breakdowns of trade routes. And knight remained in a quieter corner with a global security representative, his presence alone commanding respect.
Deborah sat at their reserved table, swirling the wine in her glass gently. The deep red liquid caught the light, casting fractured reflections across her eyes. From a distance, she appeared calm, elegant, collected, and poised just like a Valmere should be. But beneath the silence, her chest still ached from everything she had been trying to hold together.
The ballroom glittered with voices and light. The hum of negotiations blended with soft laughter and clinking glasses. It was beautiful. Overwhelming. Heavy.
When Deborah looked up, her eyes drifted toward a corner of the ballroom where her father, Rionessi Valmere, stood beside Fundano. The two brothers were speaking with Alistair Devereaux, their faces tight, brows furrowed. The air around them had a different tension... quiet, sharp, almost dangerous. It drew her curiosity immediately.
She rose from the table slowly, brushing her gown with her fingertips to smooth out invisible creases. Her heels clicked softly on the marble floor as she moved between guests, planning to step toward the comfort room to steady herself.
But then she stopped. Her heart dropped instantly.
Just a few steps from the indoor fountain where floating orchids glowed softly in gentle blue light, stood Luther there.
Deborah’s breath hitched so sharply it almost clicked in her throat. She froze behind one of the marble pillars, instinct guiding her to hide before she even realized she had moved.
He wasn’t alone. A woman stood beside him.
Tall, elegant, stunning.... dressed in a gown that hugged her figure like it had been crafted for her alone. She leaned in closer as she spoke, her hand lightly brushing luther’s arm in a way that felt too familiar, too comfortable.
Deborah’s fingers slowly curled against the fabric of her dress, gripping it tightly. Her pulse hammered against her ribs with painful force.
She couldn’t hear their conversation through the orchestra’s soft music, but she could see the woman’s gentle smile, see how she tilted her head toward luther as though she was all he could see.
And Deborah felt it. A deep, cold ache slow and suffocating spreading through her chest.
The woman laughed softly and touched luther again. Her fingers lingered. She leaned close enough that her perfume almost seemed to reach Deborah even from where she stood.
Deborah swallowed hard. Her eyes stung. Her throat tightened. She didn’t blink. She didn’t breathe.
Her heart trembled in her chest, a fragile thing trying not to crack apart.
Then it happened.
The woman slid her hand up, cupping luther’s jaw with an intimacy that felt like a blade slicing straight through Deborah’s ribs.
And she kissed him. Not hesitant. Not shy. Not accidental.
A soft, deliberate kiss on his lips....full, claiming and..... confident.
Deborah’s vision blurred at the edges. The ballroom dissolved around her. The music muted. Her breath broke.
Her knees weakened so suddenly that she grabbed the edge of the pillar to steady herself. Her entire body trembled, her chest squeezed so tight she felt she couldn’t draw in a full breath.
Her eyes burned hot, but she forced the tears to stay where they were... fighting, trembling, refusing to fall.
She stood completely still hidden, hurting, and silent.
The woman pulled back from the kiss and smiled at luther, brushing her thumb gently across his cheek. Her voice rose just enough to carry through the space between them, clear and sweet.
“I love you, babe.”
That was the blow that shattered everything inside Deborah.
Her breath caught. A tear slipped....slow, uninvited and down to her cheek before she could stop it.
She quickly wiped it with the back of her hand, but her fingers shook uncontrollably. Her chest tightened again, sharper this time. The pain spread like a bruise forming under her ribs, deep and unrelenting.
The orchestra played on. The ballroom sparkled.
Deals were made. People laughed.
Meanwhile, Deborah felt herself collapsing inward. quietly, invisibly while standing behind a cold marble pillar.
She tore her gaze away, blinking rapidly, trying to breathe. Trying to be strong. Trying to be a Valmere.
But the truth was clear.
No matter how strong she pretended to be, nothing could stop the heartbreak sitting heavy and cold in the deepest part of her chest.
But then.... a manly voice echoed in her ear. "Are you okay... Debs?"