Rachel’s Pov
Chapter 21 Not A Man–Child
I chuckled as I watched Michael’s face twist in shock. He lay on the floor, staring up at Xavier, who stood over him with a smug look.
Michael’s voice was hoarse with disbelief. “How… How can you walk? How long have you been deceiving us?”
Xavier smirked, tilting his head slightly. “Does it matter?” His voice was sharp, mocking. “The only thing you should worry about is what happens the next time you lay a hand on my wife.” His gaze darkened. “Because I won’t be so merciful.”
Michael swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. He looked at me, then back at Xavier as if hoping one of us would tell him this was some kind of twisted joke. But it wasn’t. Xavier wasn’t done. He crouched down slightly, lowering his voice so only Michael could
hear.
“You thought you had all the power, didn’t you? You thought you could control everything and everyone. But you made one mistake, Michael.” Xavier straightened, adjusting the cuffs of his jacket. “You underestimated me.”
Michael’s hands clenched into fists, his face twisting in frustration.
I felt Xavier’s firm grip on my waist as he turned away from Michael, guiding me back inside.
My heart pounded with exhilaration, but I couldn’t stop the laughter bubbling from my lips. “So this was the grand reveal, huh?” I teased as we walked.
Xavier gave me a knowing smirk and shook his head. “No, my love,” he whispered. “The grand reveal isn’t here yet.”
A shiver ran down my spine. He had more planned.
Before I could ask, he pulled me to a stop near the grand entrance, turning me toward him. His hands cradled my face, his thumb brushing against my cheek.
“I’m done hiding, Rachel. From now on, I will protect you. I will make sure no one hurts you again.”
My breath caught. He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a slow, deliberate kiss. When he pulled away, his fingers slid down my arm, intertwining with mine. “Shall we?” Hand in hand, we marched toward the entrance of the ballroom. As we reached the grand doors, an announcer’s voice boomed across the hall.
“Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Blake Crawford.”
The moment we stepped inside, the entire room froze.
Gasps filled the air. Some guests dropped their champagne glasses, others whispered furiously among themselves.
01:08 Sat, 22 Mar A A.
Maria’s face was drained of color. Her eyes widened, mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air.
Susan’s hands flew to her chest, her fingers tightening around her pearl necklace as if it would somehow steady her.
Gerald… the mighty, powerful Gerald Russo… sat motionless in his seat, his fingers digging into the tablecloth.
His expression was unreadable, but I could see the tension in his jaw, the barely contained fury behind his eyes.
Michael, who had followed us in, looked like he’d been struck by lightning. His entire body was stiff, eyes locked onto Xavier like he was staring at something impossible.
I could hear the whispers rippling through the crowd.
“That’s Xavier Crawford?”
“He can walk?”
“Did they lie to us all this time?”
“What is going on?”
Xavier ignored the murmurs, his grip on my waist tightening as he led me through the stunned guests.
But we weren’t done.
The real shock was yet to come.
The heavy double doors opened once more, and the room fell silent again.
Two dignified figures stepped inside.
My grandparents.
Their presence alone commanded respect. My grandmother, dressed in an elegant silver gown, held her head high, her expression neutral.
My grandfather, in his finely tailored suit, looked across the room with the quiet authority of a man who had built empires.
The air in the room shifted. There was power in their presence–undeniable, unshakable.
Every guest turned to them, their eyes wide with shock.
Gerald finally rose from his seat, his hands pressing against the table.
“What is the meaning of this?” His voice was sharp, demanding.
My grandfather ignored him. He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before settling on me.
Then, in a deep, commanding voice, he announced:
“Allow me to reintroduce my granddaughter, the heiress of Blake Empire.”
The silence that followed was deafening.
It was as if the entire world had stopped.
Then-
Crash!
A glass shattered against the marble floor.
Susan’s breath hitched loudly. Maria’s eyes nearly popped out of her skull. Gerald’s grip on
the table tightened, his knuckles turning white.
My lips curled into a slow, satisfied smile.
This was just the beginning.
01:08 Sat, 22 Mar AA
