Chapter 21
I laughed softly as I watched Alexander’s shocked expression.
He was sprawled on the ground, staring up at Sebastian looming over him.
Sebastian wore a look of pure triumph.
Alexander’s voice came out strained.
“How… How are you standing? How long have you been lying to everyone?”
Sebastian tilted his head with a cold smile.
“Does it really matter?” His tone was cutting.
“You should be more concerned about what happens if you ever touch my wife again.”
His eyes turned dangerous.
“I won’t be so gentle next time.”
Alexander swallowed hard.
He glanced at me, then back at Sebastian as if waiting for one of us to say it was all a joke.
But it wasn’t.
Sebastian wasn’t finished.
He bent down slightly, his voice dropping so only Alexander could hear.
“You thought you were in control, didn’t you? That you could manipulate everyone.
But you made one critical error, Alexander.”
Sebastian stood tall again, smoothing his jacket sleeves.
“You underestimated me.”
Alexander’s hands balled into fists, frustration twisting his features.
I felt Sebastian’s arm wrap firmly around my waist as he turned me away.
He guided me back inside.
My heart raced with excitement, but I couldn’t hold back a grin.
“So that was the big surprise?” I asked playfully as we walked.
Sebastian shot me a sly look and shook his head.
“No, darling,” he murmured. “The real surprise is still coming.”
A thrill shot through me. He had more planned.
Before I could speak, he stopped me near the entrance and turned me toward him.
His hands cupped my face, his thumb stroking my cheek gently.
“No more hiding, Isabella. From now on, I protect you. No one will ever harm you again.”
My breath hitched. He leaned in, his lips meeting mine in a slow, deep kiss.
When he pulled back, his fingers slid down to lace with mine.
“Ready?” Hand in hand, we strode toward the ballroom doors.
As we approached, an announcer’s voice echoed through the hall.
“Presenting Mr. and Mrs. Sebastian Crawford.”
The moment we stepped inside, the entire room went still.
Gasps echoed. Champagne glasses shattered on the floor.
People whispered urgently to each other.
Eleanor’s face went pale. Her eyes bulged, mouth opening and closing soundlessly.
Sophia clut her chest, her fingers twisting tightly around her pearl necklace.
William… the powerful William Russo… sat frozen in his chair, gripping the tablecloth.
His face was a mask, but I could see the rage simmering behind his eyes.
Alexander, who had stumbled in after us, looked utterly stunned.
His body was rigid, gaze locked on Sebastian as if he were seeing a ghost.
Whispers swept through the crowd.
“Is that Sebastian Crawford?”
“He can walk?”
“Have they been deceiving us all along?”
“What’s happening?”
Sebastian paid no attention to the murmurs.
His hand stayed firm on my waist as we moved through the crowd.
But we weren’t finished.
The grand doors opened once more, and silence fell again.
Two imposing figures entered.
My grandparents.
Their presence alone demanded respect.
My grandmother, elegant in a silver gown, held her head high, her expression calm.
My grandfather, in a sharp tailored suit, scanned the room with the authority of a man who built empires.
The energy in the room shifted. Their power was palpable—unshakable, undeniable.
Every guest turned to stare, eyes wide with disbelief.
William finally pushed up from his seat, palms flat on the table.
“What is the meaning of this?” he demanded, voice sharp.
My grandfather ignored him. He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping the room before landing on me.
Then, in a deep, commanding voice, he announced:
“Allow me to reintroduce my granddaughter—the true heiress of Sterling Enterprises.”
The silence that followed was absolute.
It felt like the whole world had stopped.
Then—
Crash!
A glass shattered on the marble floor.
Sophia gasped loudly. Eleanor’s eyes looked ready to pop out.
William’s grip on the table tightened, his knuckles turning white.
A slow, satisfied smile spread across my lips.
This was only the beginning.