Real Heiress: Flash Marriage With Boyfriend's Uncle - Chapter 98

Chapter 98: Layla, the Director

In the evening, Layla got ready in the dress that Lucius had gifted her. She ran her fingers through the gold necklace with red emeralds embedded on it. This was the first time she looked so beautiful on her birthday.

“Madam, you look so beautiful today. Master won’t be able to take his eyes off you,” said the maid, who helped her in making her hair.

A small blush crept on Layla’s cheeks to hear that. She felt the palpitations of her heart, the feeling was giving her butterflies already.

“Thank you,” Layla told the maid before standing up. Holding the clutch, she walked out of the room. As she descended the stairs, her eyes fell upon Lucius, who was in a black tuxedo suit with his back toward her.

The sound of the heels on the marble staircase made Lucius turn to her. The time stopped for him as his eyes glued at Layla. The red dress fit her perfectly, accentuated her curves. The lose hair with curls at the bottom go well with the dress. He was stupified seeing the beauty of his wife. He slowly walked to her and by the time she reached the last stair, he reached the bottom of the stair and extended his hand out.

Layla placed her hand on his, taking a step down, not leaving his gaze even for a second. “Say something,” she said.

“I’m out of words,” Lucius replied.

She smiled and lowered her eyes for a moment. “My dashing husband, quietness doesn’t suit you,” she whispered, again meeting his gaze.

“This dress has always been made for you.” Lucius lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles. “You are the birthday queen for today’s evening,” he asserted.

“You flatter me too much, Lucius. But thank you. It makes me feel very special,” she said with gratitude. “Dad wants me to be a part of Orabela’s birthday as he would declare me the Director tonight. Though I have no intention to see their faces, but it is necessary.”

“Layla, tonight is your chance to burn Orabela in jealousy. So, be confident about that,” he pronounced, placing his hands on her shoulders.

Layla inhaled a deep breath and nodded her head. Holding Lucius’s arm, she walked out with him and entered the grand limo, waiting for them.

As they arrived at the grand hall, all eyes shifted toward them. Layla felt the weight of their attention but held her head high, her confidence bolstered by Lucius’s reassuring presence.

Orabela’s welcoming smile vanished the instant she saw Layla, her face paling as guests began murmuring in awe of Layla’s beauty, their admiration stolen away from the birthday girl.

Orabela’s gaze darted to Roderick, only to find him transfixed by Layla’s presence, his expression betraying his fascination. For the first time, Orabela felt a wave of unease ripple through her—a taste of the inferiority she had so often made Layla feel.

“Rick, why are you staring at her?” Orabela asked, a slight edge in her voice, but Roderick remained oblivious, his gaze still fixed on Layla.

“Rick!” she snapped, her voice louder this time.

Startled, Roderick blinked, snapping out of his daze. “What? What happened?”

“You’re not supposed to be looking at another woman like that,” Orabela said, frustration evident in her tone. “What will everyone think if they see you staring at Layla? You’re making me feel… insecure.”

Roderick rolled his eyes dismissively. “Can you stop with the nonsense for one night?” he muttered. “Be grateful I’m still with you. You couldn’t even manage to secure the Director’s position. What’s the point of being the ‘heiress’ of the Rosenzweig family when Layla is clearly stepping into that role?”

Orabela’s expression shifted from hurt to fury. “What did you just say?” she demanded, her voice rising.

Before she could continue, her mother, Miriam, stepped between them. “Bella, lower your voice,” she hissed. “People are watching.” Her disapproving gaze then fell on Roderick. “Roderick, this is Bella’s birthday. There’s no need to stir up drama and ruin her night.”

But Roderick merely shrugged before heading to his uncle, his attention already drifting back toward Layla, whose elegance seemed to draw the admiration of the entire room.

“Let’s go. We should greet Layla and her husband. It would be inappropriate if your father does it alone,” Miriam murmured, casting a pointed look at Orabela.

With a reluctant nod, Orabela walked forward, glancing back at her grandmother, who subtly gestured for her to keep her composure. Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile as they approached Layla and Lucius.

“Layla, happy birthday,” Orabela said, her voice smooth but insincere. “I’m sorry—I was so busy with my own celebration that I forgot to wish you this morning.” She pasted on a polite smile. “You look… lovely.”

Layla’s gaze was calm as she returned the sentiment. “Thank you, Bella,” she replied. “And I apologize, I didn’t bring a gift for you. My father mentioned it was going to be a big day for me, and I must have forgotten that my half-sister and I share a birthday.” Her tone was light, but there was an undeniable hint of steel behind her words.

Orabela’s smile faltered momentarily, but she quickly composed herself, masking the sting of Layla’s remark. She couldn’t deny that tonight, it felt as if the spotlight had shifted—no longer centered on her, but on Layla.

Roderick blinked in surprise, realization dawning that he had forgotten Layla’s birthday once again. He shifted uncomfortably, his gaze darting between Layla and Orabela, unsure of how to respond.

“Let’s not spoil the mood tonight,” Darius interjected smoothly, sensing the tension. “The cake will be cut shortly—for both of you.” He looked around the gathering, his eyes briefly meeting Lucius’s.

Lucius took the opportunity and added with a confident smile, “Why not start the evening with the announcement everyone’s been waiting for, Mr. Rosenzweig?”

“Of course,” Darius replied warmly, nodding his approval. He motioned for everyone to take their seats, offering Lucius a brief nod of respect. He then turned to his wife, who subtly signaled her support, urging him to treat Layla with the kindness she deserved.

Darius stepped onto the stage, microphone in hand, his voice calm yet commanding. “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s a privilege to have you all here tonight to celebrate the birthdays of my daughters,” he began, his gaze sweeping over the attentive crowd. “My younger daughter, Layla, is now proudly part of the De Salvo family. As you all know, our family has faced challenges recently, but I assure you, things have been resolved.”

A murmur went through the crowd, and Darius let the anticipation build for a moment before continuing. “With that in mind, I am honored to announce that from today onward, Layla De Salvo will take her place as the Director of the Rosenzweig Group.”

The room erupted into applause as guests clapped, some exchanging surprised glances while others nodded approvingly. Layla felt a rush of pride, though she remained composed, giving a gracious nod in response to the congratulations surrounding her.

Seated nearby, Orabela leaned close to her grandmother, her voice barely above a whisper. “Why aren’t the board members objecting?” she muttered.

Lady Agatha gave her a reassuring pat on the hand, her expression knowing. “Patience, dear. They will speak up—just wait.”

Meanwhile, on stage, Darius turned to Layla, his smile warm. “Layla, come up here,” he called, inviting her to join him.

Layla took a steadying breath as she rose, glancing at Lucius, who gave her an encouraging nod and a warm smile, urging her to go forward. With a soft nod in return, she stepped up to join her father, her heels clicking quietly against the polished floor.

As she reached the stage, Darius extended the mic to her with a proud smile. “I trust you will lead the company to new heights,” he said, his voice brimming with confidence.

Layla took the mic, feeling the eyes of the audience fixed on her. She paused for a moment, letting her gaze sweep across the crowd—a sea of familiar faces, each expectant, some surprised, others quietly murmuring.

“Thank you, everyone, for being here tonight,” she began, her voice steady though her heart raced. “This is an honor I never expected, but I promise to dedicate myself wholeheartedly to the Rosenzweig Group, working to make our family and this company proud. I hope to continue building on what my father has established. But the person who made me see my worth the most was my husband, Lucius De Salvo. If not for him, I have not been standing here.” She shifted her gaze at Lucius with admiration in her eyes.

Just as the applause began to settle, Orabela raised her voice, cutting through the moment. “Why don’t we ask the board members if they truly want an inexperienced person like Layla to lead the company as the director?” Her tone was pointed, a challenge hanging in the air.

Darius shot her a disapproving look. “No one has a problem with Layla’s appointment,” he stated firmly, turning to the board members gathered on the other side of the stage.

The eldest member, a distinguished man with silver hair, stepped forward. “We fully support the chairman’s decision. In fact, since Mrs. Layla took on the role, the company has seen improvements and is back on track,” he declared, his voice resonating with authority.

Orabela’s expression shifted to shock, her eyes darting to her grandmother for reassurance. The unexpected support for Layla left her reeling, and she struggled to maintain her composure.

Lucius, however, wore a smirk, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama. He turned his gaze toward Layla, who seemed momentarily rattled by the attention but quickly regained her poise.

Now, it was his turn to throw a bomb in the hall. Turning his head, he glanced at Roger, who nodded and an audio began playing.