Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 71

Chapter 71: Elevating Her Sense of Vanity
When Lariette was surprised by Declan and Rafael’s sudden appearances at Chairman Delaney’s villa, Stephanie was having fun at her elaborate birthday party.

The pampered daughter of the Elsher family often had glamorous birthday parties but, this particular one was above and beyond the previous ones. After all, this was in conjunction with her wedding later in the afternoon.

The celebration was held in one of the ballrooms of the five-star hotel by the beach.

Sparkling chandeliers suspended from the high, arch ceiling, basking the entire venue under their soft lights. Red and white roses adorned the ballroom, adding a romantic touch.

The guests were adorned in designer gowns and tuxedoes. Evidently enjoying the glamorous ambiance of the party, they mingled around with flutes of champagne in hand.

Because it was midnight, most of the guests were young folks. The older ones simply joined the prelude of the celebration around two hours ago.

“Phanie, happy birthday!”

“Wow~ Our bride-to-be looks so glowing with happiness!”

“Of course, she is! She’s marrying Matthias!”

Donning a white wrap dress accentuating her slender figure, Stephanie happily received birthday wishes from the guests. Pride surged from her heart, elevating her sense of vanity.

“Thank you, everyone. I hope you’ll enjoy this party. The reception won’t be until five in the afternoon so, you’ll have plenty of time to recover from your hangover.”

Stephanie glanced around as she returned the greetings. She crafted her smile carefully, including calculating every word to appear modest.

But.

She was far from being humble.

“Hahaha! That’s so true!”

“Let’s get wasted tonight and tomorrow night!”

“Come on!”

Peals of laughter echoed in the ballroom as the guests were amused and agreed with Stephanie. They knew how grand the wedding reception would be.

After talking more to the guests, Stephanie excused herself to look for her family.

Samantha and Jonathan were available but, they clearly looked exhausted due to how late it was. They most likely would return to their private villa soon.

As for her brothers…

“Eric, where are Dec and Ray?”

Stephanie immediately asked Alaric once she met him. Her blue eyes darted around the ballroom but, she saw no traces of Declan and Rafael.

The two men were present when Stephanie blew the candles and cut the cake. Declan and Rafael also hugged her before giving her their gifts.

But… where were they now?

Alaric shook his head, shrugging while also looking around the place. He saw Declan and Rafael leaving from afar thus, he didn’t get to ask them.

“I don’t know too. Perhaps they need to go somewhere? Don’t worry, they’ll return soon.”

Stephanie nodded lightly despite thinking something was wrong. She inwardly shook her head, trying to chase away the unpleasant feelings.

“Phanie, happy birthday.”

The familiar voice sent tingles down Stephanie’s spine. Without showing anything was amiss, she smiled at the guest who had just greeted her.

It was Leon. Dressed immaculately in a tuxedo, he wished Stephanie a happy birthday. There were no signs of their previous illicit encounter from yesterday morning.

“Leon, thank you! Hehe, do you get me a gift?”

Stephanie’s question earned Alaric’s laughter and Leon’s smile. Her second brother playfully smacked the latter’s back.

“Of course, he is! He’s like the fourth brother you don’t have. He’ll surely get your priceless gift without failure. Oh! You haven’t seen him yesterday, right? He’s staying with us.”

Alaric and Leon had been friends since childhood, leading the former to often say his friend was like Stephanie’s brother. He had watched how well Leon treated his beloved sister.

Never once did Alaric think that Leon harbored feelings for Stephanie, nor did he expect that his friend and his sister were having a scandalous affair.

“I heard about it from the maids,” replied Stephanie with a demure smile, “Leon is like family.”

Well, only Leon knew what Stephanie said was a lie. She had already met the man in secret earlier today.

Stephanie talked more to Alaric and Leon before leaving. From the beginning until the end, the two people truly acted as if they were close friends, not affair partners.

Striding forward on towering silver heels, Stephanie headed in a direction. With every step precise and steady, her heels clicked softly against the polished marble floor.

Her blue eyes zeroed into the figure in a black suit, sitting alone in one of the seating areas.

“My dear~”

Stephanie softened her voice, calling Matthias with much honey in her tone.

Her husband-to-be, Matthias, leaned on one side of the two-seater plush couch. A half-drunk champagne flute stood on the table opposite him.

Matthias’ piercing green eyes carried the same indifference despite him actually being at his betrothed’s birthday celebration. Nevertheless, Stephanie didn’t let such a thing ruin her mood.

After all, this man would be hers tomorrow! No one could steal him from her!

“Dear, are you having fun?”

Sinking into the seat next to Matthias, Stephanie leaned her body toward him while wrapping her arms around his right one. She deliberately let her ample bosom touch the man’s arm.

Matthias glanced at Stephanie, seeing the glimmering delight in her blue eyes. His mind replayed the scene he saw earlier yet, nothing was leaked on his countenance.

“I do,” Matthias replied curtly, his voice lacking emotions, “You seem to have fun.”

“Hehe, of course~”

Stephanie rested her head on Matthias’ shoulder, happy to show how close she could be with one of the most sought-after men in high society, especially someone as rigid and unapproachable as Matthias.

The guests threw them both admiring and enviable glances, raising the level of her vanity more.

“My dear~”

Leaning in closer to Matthias, Stephanie’s eyes glinted with a coy allure. She lowered one of her hands lightly on his thighs, tracing slow circles.

What she meant was clear. She wanted him.

Stephanie tilted her head slowly as she whispered in Matthias’ ear, the warmth of her breath fanning his skin.

“How about you stay in my room tonight? Take it as a gift for my birthday?”

Stephanie knew her parents and her future in-laws didn’t really agree about letting her stay with Matthias right before their wedding but, she didn’t care.

Matthias hadn’t slept with her this month, much to Stephanie’s irritation. Even though he only touched her because of his needs, not due to him having affection for her, she didn’t care.

At least, she was the woman who shared the same bed with the enigmatic Matthias Silvera. No other ladies could do the same.

Matthias glanced at Stephanie’s hand on his thigh, his expression remaining unmoved. He murmured a curt response with no change in his flat tone.

“I’ve given you a birthday gift. Wait until after our wedding.”

Matthias’ clear rejection caused the smile on Stephanie’s face to falter. Frustration flickered in her eyes for a split second but, she quickly gathered her composure.

“Then, I’ll show you my best self for our wedding night,” Stephanie whispered again in Matthias’ ear, her voice having a slight crack, “Please anticipate it, my dear.”

Matthias replied with nothing, his disinterest was like a silent wall between them. His dark gaze returned to the front, staring far out the distance.

Stephanie smiled on the outside but, her stomach was twisting inwardly. She repeatedly chanted the same words she often used whenever Matthias’ indifference hurt her.

Be patient. Be calm.

He would be hers soon.

As Stephanie’s gaze remained on Matthias’ side profile, she didn’t realize Leon was staring at her from afar. A smirk was curled on his lips as he understood the particular defeated look on the lady’s face.

“Seems like it’s my duty to pleasure her tonight.”

Murmuring those words under his breath, Leon turned to leave the ballroom, heading to his next destination—Stephanie’s chamber.