Marrying My Father's Enemy-Chapter 94: Charity’s Event: Enemies on All Sides

Chapter 94: Charity’s Event: Enemies on All Sides

Gold-trimmed tables lined the vast hall, their surfaces adorned with white roses and gleaming candles that flickered under the crystal chandeliers.

The noise of polite conversation filled the air, accompanied by the soft melody of a live orchestra tucked in a corner.

Eira adjusted her black gown, the fabric hugging her frame perfectly.

Though it was understated, her presence drew attention like a flame in the dark.

Eyes followed her and Callian as they moved through the crowd.

Callian, however, was entirely unfazed. He strolled confidently beside her in a tailored navy suit, one hand lazily resting in his pocket while the other held a glass of champagne.

"They’re all staring," Eira muttered slowly...

Callian took a sip of his drink without glancing around. "Of course, they are," he replied with a shrug. "Half of them probably owe me money."

Eira frowned. "Doesn’t it bother you? Even a little?"

Callian turned his head, meeting her gaze with a slight smirk. "Why should it? I’m the richest man in this room. Let them look."

Eira’s lips twitched, caught between amusement and irritation, when a sudden shift in the crowd’s attention made her look toward the entrance. Her body tensed.

Vanesa walked in, her arm looped through Beatrice’s. Both women were dressed to impress—Vanesa in a sleek silver gown and Beatrice in a similar ensemble adorned with glittering jewels.

Behind them, Henry entered, his imposing figure commanding the room with ease.

Eira’s jaw tightened. "And here comes the circus," she muttered.

Callian followed her gaze and chuckled. "It wouldn’t be a proper event without them."

Before Eira could respond, another ripple of murmurs swept through the crowd. She turned her head and froze.

Mita entered confidently, her red gown striking against the muted tones of the room.

Her lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes as she surveyed the room.

Beside her walked Leina Reed, Callian’s mother, her icy blue dress reflecting her demeanor.

Eira glanced at Callian, who had visibly stiffened. His champagne glass tilted slightly as he gripped it tighter.

"It’s like a bad joke," Eira murmured. "Enemies on all sides."

Callian’s laugh was dry and humorless. "Fitting, isn’t it? Wealth doesn’t protect us from running into the people we hate."

Vanesa spotted them first. Her eyes darted toward Eira, and she leaned in to whisper something to Beatrice.

Both women turned to look, their expressions unreadable.

"They’re coming this way," Eira said under her breath.

"Let them," Callian replied smoothly, draining his glass.

Vanesa approached with measured steps, Beatrice and Henry close behind her. Her lips curled into a tight smile.

"Eira," she greeted, her tone dripping with feigned politeness.

Eira mirrored her smile. "Vanesa."

Beatrice’s gaze shifted to Callian. "How bold of you both to show up tonight. I wasn’t sure if the Reed family scandals would allow you to make an appearance."

Callian raised his empty glass in a mock toast. "What can I say? The world loves a good comeback story."

Vanesa’s smile faltered slightly, but Beatrice recovered quickly. "Funny how some confuse infamy with influence."

Eira’s eyes narrowed. "Funny how some confuse silence with strength."

Before Beatrice could reply, a new voice joined the conversation.

"Oh, what a gathering. Almost poetic, isn’t it?"

Mita’s arrival cut through the tension like a knife.

She glided toward them, her red gown making her presence impossible to ignore.

Behind her, Leina stood with her usual icy poise, her gaze fixed on Callian.

"Mita," Beatrice said coolly. "Shouldn’t you be busy spreading your scandals elsewhere?"

Mita smiled sweetly. "And miss an opportunity to see you squirm? Never."

Leina’s sharp tone cut in. "Let’s not embarrass ourselves with petty squabbles." Her piercing gaze landed on Callian.

"Though some of us have already done plenty of that."

Callian’s jaw tightened, his composed demeanor cracking slightly under her cold scrutiny. "Lovely to see you too, Mother."

Leina turned her attention to Eira, her expression growing colder. "And you’ve been busy, haven’t you?"

Eira met her gaze without flinching. "Not as busy as your son, I imagine."

Leina’s lips curved into a faint smile, but her eyes remained as hard as before.

She didn’t even bother to acknowledge her own son in front of everyone.

A couple of days earlier, she was telling the public how disappointed she was in Callian.

"Careful, dear. You’re swimming in waters far deeper than you realise."

Eira tilted her head, her smile was equally icy. "I’ve learned to swim."

The tension between the groups was stoned and heavy, drawing the attention of nearby guests who pretended not to stare.

Henry finally stepped forward, his tone calm but commanding. "Enough. This is neither the time nor the place for theatrics."

Eira’s gaze snapped to him, her voice sharp. "How noble of you, Henry. Trying to play the good father now?"

Henry’s expression softened, but he didn’t respond.

"Eira," Callian said quietly, his hand brushing against hers as a silent warning.

Eira ignored him, her attention fixed on Vanesa. "You think standing here with them makes you strong? You’re just as disposable to him as the rest of us."

Vanesa’s face paled slightly, but she quickly masked it with a sneer. "And you think he cares about you? You’re nothing but a pawn in his games."

Eira’s smirk returned. "Maybe. But at least I know the rules."

Vanesa’s lips parted, but no words came out. Beatrice placed a hand on her arm, pulling her back. "Come, Vanesa. Let’s not waste our time here."

As they turned to leave, Leina’s gaze lingered on Eira. "Enjoy your moment, dear. It won’t last."

Eira watched them go, her heart pounded, but her face remained composed.

Callian’s hand tightened around his glass. He forced a smile. "Well, that was entertaining."

Eira let out a breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding, her fingers brushing his arm. "This is just the beginning, yet...it’s so comedic already."

Callian glanced at her, his smirk softened. "Good. I’ve always enjoyed a good-comedic fight."

Eira’s smile returned. "So do I."

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