Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 229

Chapter 229: Behind my back Chapter 229: Behind my back Roderick came to an abrupt stop, turning sharply to face Ivy with a glare that could pierce through steel.

“You think I’m a jerk?

Fine.

Let me show you exactly what this ‘jerk’ is capable of.

From my side, I won’t do anything to break this arrangement setup by our elders,” he said.

Alekis watched the exchange with an amused smile, his attention soon shifting to the pair across the room.

“Look at them,” he remarked, his voice filled with delight.

“They’re already deep in conversation.

I dare say they’re warming up to each other quite nicely.” Fiona nodded in agreement, her gaze lingering on Mira Stone with an approving smile.

“I believe you’re right, Father,” she said confidently.

Turning to Mrs.

Stone, she added warmly, “I must say, I’ve taken an instant liking to your daughter.

She seems remarkable already.” “Oh, thank you for saying that, Mrs.

Fiona,” Mira replied graciously, her voice soft but appreciative.

Before Fiona could respond, Lucius stepped in, his tone firm yet polite.

“Fiona, you might want to remind your son to ensure Miss Stone’s happiness,” he interjected, glancing briefly at Roderick.

“He has a tendency to hurt people with his words sometimes,” he added, his statement carrying a subtle edge.

Fiona’s smile faltered slightly, her initial warmth replaced by a moment of uncertainty.

Why did Lucius feel the need to say that now?

She quickly masked her hesitation and offered a nod.

“Of course,” she said, regaining her composure.

“Roderick will undoubtedly do everything to keep Ivy happy.” Lucius turned to his father with a polite smile.

“Dad, if you’ll excuse us, I need to introduce my wife to a few more people,” he said smoothly, gesturing for Layla to follow him.

Alekis raised a hand to stop him.

“Not yet.

I need to make an announcement,” he said firmly.

“An announcement?” Lucius asked, curiosity flickering in his eyes.

“For the next chairman,” Alekis replied, his tone carrying the weight of the moment.

Lucius tilted his head slightly, murmuring, “Ah, I almost forgot about that.” Fiona interjected eagerly, “Father, are you going to do it now?

Roderick and Ivy are still away.” Her voice held a mix of excitement and impatience, her anticipation clear.

“In a while,” Alekis assured her, though he noted her eagerness.

She was practically glowing at the thought of her son being named the next chairman.

His gaze flickered to Lucius, who, as always, remained unreadable, his composed demeanor giving nothing away.

As a waiter arrived to serve drinks, Roger approached Lucius and leaned in to whisper something in his ear.

Lucius nodded, his expression shifting subtly.

“Excuse me for a moment,” he said with a small, polite smile before walking away with Roger.

They made their way inside the mansion, where Zayne was waiting, standing with a sense of urgency.

“What do you have for me?” Lucius asked, his tone sharp and direct.

Zayne stepped forward, holding a red file.

“An old file, Boss,” he said, handing it over.

Lucius took the file, his brows knitting together as he examined it.

“What’s this?” he asked, flipping it open.

Zayne hesitated for a moment, then replied, “The original file of your brother’s case.” Lucius froze, his eyes widening as he stopped blinking.

Without hesitation, he began scanning the contents of the file, his throat tightening as he took in the findings and evidence.

The detailed notes and photos painted a starkly different picture from what he had known.

“The dash cam footage might have critical evidence,” Zayne explained, his voice steady but low.

“The file the police reviewed at the time didn’t include any of this.

I wasn’t sure whether to tell you now, but I felt it couldn’t wait.” Lucius closed the file as he exhaled slowly, regaining his composure.

“You did the right thing, Zayne,” he said.

“I’m proud of your work.

This might be the break we need.” “Boss, Zayne mentioned last night that your brother and Matteo talked that day,” Aiden revealed, his tone cautious yet insistent.

“Did you check the call logs?” “Yes, I did,” Lucius replied, his voice low and tinged with bitterness.

“It seems I never really knew either of them.

They did everything behind my back.” His jaw tightened as he suppressed his feelings of betrayal.

With a deep breath, he pushed the thoughts aside.

“Well, let’s just enjoy the night.

It’s my dad’s special day,” he added, forcing a small smile.

Roger gestured for Zayne and Aiden to follow him, leaving Lucius alone.

He returned to his room, carefully placing the red file in the safety of his cupboard.

Satisfied that it was secure, he straightened his tie and made his way back to the garden.

By the time Lucius arrived, Alekis was already standing on the stage, commanding the attention of the guests.

Lucius moved silently through the crowd, finding Layla near the front.

He stepped beside her, leaning in close.

“I hope I’m not late,” he whispered near her ear.

“You’re not,” she replied softly, her eyes fixed on the stage.

Then, glancing at him, she added in a hushed tone, “Will you really do nothing?

I thought you’d expose Roderick’s questionable methods and weaken his chances of becoming the next chairman.” Lucius smirked faintly but shook his head.

“I’m not even the real son of the De Salvo family,” he said, his voice tinged with resignation.

“I have no right to ruin Roderick’s happiness.” Layla’s eyes widened in disbelief, her lips parting slightly.

She wanted to argue, to shake him out of his self-imposed restraint, but the look on his face silenced her.

For now, she decided to hold her tongue.

Alekis’s voice rang out, breaking the tension between them.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he began, his tone warm and welcoming.

“I am truly pleased to have you all here tonight, celebrating this special occasion with me.

My grandson put tremendous effort into making this evening memorable, and I hope you’re all enjoying it.” A smile graced his lips, and the crowd responded with polite applause.

As the applause quieted, Alekis’s expression turned more serious.

“You must be wondering why I’ve taken the stage so suddenly.

The truth is, I have an important announcement to make regarding the future of our family’s company and the next chairman,” he declared.

“I have decided the person who will continue the legacy of the De Salvo family,” Alekis said and glanced at Lucius before shifting his gaze to Roderick.

“My Grandson.”