Chapter 365 Flames in the Ballroom
Emma’s father wasn’t someone casy to win over in the industry.
“How did you even pull that off?” Eliza asked.
Finished
“When the price is right, deals are scaled.” Matteo didn’t elaborate, but his gaze shifted subtly–someone had entered the ballroom.
That someone had also spotted Eliza and Matteo tucked away on the upper landing.
Nolan’s expression darkened immediately.
Meanwhile, Matteo leaned in closer to Eliza, whispering near her ear. “Between you and me, I’m honestly curious–what kind of magic did you use to make the most powerful men in Westbrook bow at your feet?”
Eliza frowned, unsure what he meant–until she felt a heated gaze fix on her back. She started to turn but Matteo raised a hand and pressed it gently against the side of her neck.
“Matteo, what the hell are you doing?”
“I want to see just how far that man would go
for you.”
There was something darkly amused in his voice, and a subtle smile played on his lips as he leaned in, as if to kiss her-
Only to be interrupted by a strong hand gripping his wrist.
Zayden.
Even Eliza was stunned to see him.
“Mr. Matteo,” Zayden said evenly, “Madam Teresa wishes to speak with Ms. Sue. I came to deliver the message–unless you have a problem with that?”
He stared Matteo down without the slightest hesitation.
Matteo tilted his head in curiosity, as if only now recognizing the man before him.
“So Westbrook moves on that quickly? I nearly forgot–the fallen prince of the Holt family.”
It had been less than half a year since the Holt family’s fall from grace. Now, in Westbrook, few even remembered their name.
Zayden’s face was unreadable. He simply repeated, “Madam Teresa is waiting. We’ll be going.
With that, he took Eliza’s hand and led her down the stairs.
Eliza looked at him in disbelief. Once they reached the ground floor, she hissed, “Are you insane? Do you know who that was?!”
“I called him Mr. Matteo, didn’t I? Of course I know who he is.”
Then he looked her in the eye. “But do you? That man is the Hartwell family’s heir. They don’t run white- market businesses. They run black.”
Chapter 365 Flames in the Ballroom
“You’re a girl, Eliza. Do you have any idea what it means to get close to someone like that?”
Zayden sounded like he was scolding a reckless child.
Eliza, furious, snapped, “What I do is none of your business?
She turned to walk off.
“You’re my childhood friend. Of course it’s my business,” he shot back.
Eliza halted mid–step.
“A childhood friend? That gives you the right? Don’t forget–we went our separate ways long ago.”
Tension crackled in the space between them.
Then–of course–Tracy’s voice rang out.
“Well, well, why the sudden argument?”
She sauntered up beside Zayden, linking her arm with his.
“You rushed off so fast. I thought something had happened. Turns out it was about Eliza.”
Zayden remained silent.
After all, Tracy was his girlfriend now.
8358
Finished
Tracy looked at Eliza with an exaggerated smile. “That’s funny. You two were pretending not to know each other just a little while ago. And now you’re whispering secrets?”
Her tone was light, but every word was dripping with accusation.
She glared at Zayden. “I’m talking to you. What’s with the silence? You do remember you were once engaged to her, right? Don’t tell me you’re still hung up on Eliza?”
Every word felt like an interrogation.
Still, Zayden said nothing.
“Zayden! Are you deaf now?!”
Tracy’s face twisted. Eliza knew what would come next–another slap. Zayden had gotten used to those lately.
But before it could escalate, Nolan suddenly appeared beside Eliza.
He gave her a light, knowing smile. “Didn’t I ask you to take Mr. Holt to the front to wait for me? What are you doing back here?”
Tracy blinked in surprise. “Mr. Hayes? You know them?”
“I went to school with both Eliza and Mr. Holt,” Nolan said smoothly. “I asked her to fetch him for me. Hope that’s not a problem, Ms. Tracy?”
He was being polite–but his posture made it clear that this was a warning.
07:51 Wed, 16 Jul
Chapter 365 Flames in the Ballroom
Eliza knew instantly. Nolan was stepping in to shield her.
83%
Finished.
Tracy forced a laugh. “Oh, of course. I didn’t know you were all schoolmates. What an honor for my Zayden to know someone like Mr. Hayes.”
98
