Chapter 70
The event hall echoed with laughter, the low hum of elite conversations, and the soft melody of live music.
I walked inside wearing the gown Aurora had made for me.
The moment I entered, the chatter quieted, leaving only the faint music lingering in the air as I felt every pair of eyes turn toward me.
Millie hurried over, positioning herself beside me as she leaned close. "Dione's with Soeren," she whispered, glancing around. "You're not with your wife?"
I scoffed softly. "She's on her way. I came first since we scheduled an exclusive interview, remember?"
Millie nodded. "Speaking of which—" she gestured toward the dais near the stage, where several cameras were already set up.
When we reached the spot, a woman stood waiting, smiling warmly. "Ms. Duvall," she said, extending her hand. "It's our utmost pleasure to have an exclusive interview with the owner and CEO of Duvall Capital Group."
I took her hand and smiled back. "Thank you for accepting to cover an interview with me as well."
Millie offered her hand to help me step onto the dais and guided me to the tall-backed chair positioned in the center. Another identical chair stood beside it—reserved for Aurora. A round table rested between them, holding a champagne bottle and two flutes.
Camera flashes erupted before me, like a cascade of starlight. I should have felt like a celebrity in the hot seat, yet instead, I felt like a queen—reigning over her kingdom, waiting for her own queen to arrive.
A server approached, uncorked the bottle, and poured me a glass. I offered him a polite nod before he bowed and left the dais. Millie descended the steps and took her place nearby, flanked by several guards standing at attention, alert to any sign of disturbance.
One of the staff from the news anchor's team clipped a small microphone onto my gown. The interviewer smiled at me as the cameras refocused.
"First of all, Ms. Duvall," she began, eyes trained on me as a series of flashes went off and a few cameras started recording for the pre-recorded segment, "congratulations on another successful year for your company.
It's been quite a long journey—would you be able to share with us the history of Duvall Capital Group? "
I smiled, glancing briefly at the camera before turning back to her.
"Thank you very much for celebrating our company's founding anniversary," I began.
"Duvall Capital Group started as a small start-up back in France in 2016.
It began as a consulting business that I ran out of my own apartment, which I converted into a modest consultation space. "
My mind drifted back to those early days, to the scent of fresh paper and the aroma of late-night coffee.
"I was part of the Maison Verne team back then, working as their financial consultant for all operations and finance-related matters.
While working full-time—and handling responsibilities outside of work—I managed to open my dream business.
It wasn't as glamorous as it sounds, and consultations were strictly by appointment.
I didn't allow walk-ins, since I didn't want my full-time job to suffer. "
A chuckle escaped my lips. "As people may know, I didn't come from the elite—no wealthy parents, no privileged upbringing. Just a runaway eighteen-year-old in her freshman year who did her best to climb the ladder of success."
I paused, smiling as years of hard work flashed before me.
Every sleepless night, every risk I took—it all led here.
I had managed to give Dione the life she deserved.
"After two years working as a consultant for Maison Verne, I decided to end my career there and focus solely on my own firm.
Not long after that, everything clicked.
I started gaining more clients, and one day, it just boomed.
Duvall Capital Group went from being a small consulting start-up to a financial capital company capable of saving others from bankruptcy. "
The interviewer nodded, visibly impressed. "That's incredible, Ms. Duvall," she said, her eyes bright. "Was there any particular inspiration behind your determination to reach such success?"
I tapped my chin thoughtfully, glancing upward as if the answer were written on the ceiling.
Then, with a smile, I said, "I wouldn't call it inspiration, really—it was more of a drive.
Back then, my main motivation was to make my ex—now my wife—look at me and see me as her equal.
I climbed the ladder of success so I could be worthy of standing beside her.
And now," I chuckled softly, "I've achieved both: the success of becoming part of the elite.
.. and the success of being married to the love of my life. "
The interviewer laughed, joined by her staff, who exchanged amused smiles.
The interview continued for another five minutes before wrapping up. The team began packing their equipment, leaving only Millie and me near the dais, when the doors opened and Aurora walked in.
Once again, the hall fell silent, as if every breath had been drawn away. I lifted my champagne glass and took a casual sip, my gaze instantly locking on her. She was scanning the room, her silver eyes searching for me.
"Well, damn," I murmured under my breath, watching her stride through the crowd with effortless poise. "She looks beautiful and handsome at the same time in that suit." I clicked my tongue and shook my head slightly, unable to tear my eyes away from her.
She stopped right in front of one of the elites, chatting for a while. Just as she moved again, Margot suddenly appeared from the crowd, stopping right in front of Aurora. I blinked, my gaze darting to Millie—who was already looking at me.
She let out a quiet laugh as she rose to the dais, bending slightly, her hand pressed dramatically against her chest. "Well, did you tell Ms. Verne that your wife would be here tonight? Seems like she's been expecting to see Aurora, no?" she teased, making me groan.
"I didn't mention that Aurora would be here," I replied, taking a sip of champagne, my eyes fixed on the two women now facing each other. "But of course, she'd know my wife would show up."
Whispers rippled through the crowd.
Even I sat still, speechless, as I took in the uncanny resemblance between them.
Their faces mirrored each other—almost like identical twins.
The only differences were in the details: Margot was smaller, standing a few inches shorter than Aurora's six feet, and Aurora's complexion carried that soft, pale glow that made her seem carved from porcelain.
"Congratulations, sis," Millie snickered beside me. "You're going to be the hot topic for a while—for collecting the same type of woman."
I rolled my eyes, smirking. "Indeed, I do have a type. But—" I pointed subtly toward Aurora. "It's only her."
"Definitely," Millie agreed with a grin. "People already say you're so in love with your wife that you showed up just to save her company after twelve years of no contact."
I couldn't help but laugh softly, twirling the champagne in my glass. My gaze lingered on the scene before me. "I wonder how Aurora feels now that she's finally meeting Margot in person."
I studied the two of them from where I sat, amused by their poised yet stiff exchange.
What are they talking about? I thought, watching every subtle gesture.
With a sigh, I set my glass down and rose from my seat.
Millie quickly stepped forward to guide me down the dais, then stepped aside once I reached the floor.
"Which one will Sloane claim?" I heard someone whisper.
The air shifted. I could feel every gaze following me, each step heavy with speculation. It was almost laughable—people betting on which woman I'd claim as mine, as if there were ever a question.
When I reached them, I stopped between Aurora and Margot, a calm smile forming on my lips as I slipped my arm around Aurora's waist.
"Come on, everyone," I said, loud enough for the nearest guests to hear. "My wife doesn't need to compete. She's already mine."
The crowd fell silent, the tension folding into stunned quiet. It felt as though I'd caught them all mid-bet, their curiosity frozen in place. But there was never a choice for me—not then, not now. There was only Aurora.
My gaze flicked between the two women, amused by the sharp air between them. "Right," I said, breaking the silence. I slid my fingers between Aurora's, letting our hands intertwine deliberately. "Formalities, then."
Turning to Margot first, I offered a polite smile. "Margot, this is my wife, Aurora."
Then I turned to Aurora, my tone softening. "And Ro, this is Margot—the one I've been mentioning. My business partner."
I emphasized the last words with care, hoping Margot caught the boundary I was drawing.
"Pleasure to meet the one person who keeps bothering my wife late at night," Aurora said smoothly, her tone light but her gaze sharp.
Her remark made me laugh. I gave her arm a playful smack before leaning my head against her shoulder. "Come on now, don't be like that, sweetie. Margot's just checking in on me. After all, we're like sisters."
Margot simply smiled, nodding as her gaze lingered on Aurora, though she said nothing.
After a while, she excused herself, leaving the two of us alone.
I let out a quiet sigh, knowing all too well what Margot must be feeling.
But I couldn't just push her out of my life—not when her parents had asked me to treat her like a sister.
As the event went on, the sound of soft music filled the room. I blinked when I saw Aurora standing in front of me, her hand extended, her expression gentle.
"May I have this dance?" she asked, kneeling on one knee.
A smile curved my lips as I rested my hand in hers. "I don't see why not," I said, standing to my feet.
She rose, guiding me to the center of the ballroom. Her hands found my waist, and mine slipped onto her shoulders. Slowly, we began to sway, our movements syncing with the rhythm that seemed to belong only to us.
When I leaned my head against her chest, I felt her cheek rest lightly atop my hair. The crowd around us faded; the world narrowed until it was just the two of us.
"I'm so lucky you're my wife," Aurora whispered against my hair, pressing a soft kiss on the crown of my head.
A laugh escaped me, quiet and full of warmth. My arms circled her neck as we continued to sway. "I'm the luckiest," I whispered back.
Aurora groaned playfully, her laughter vibrating against my cheek. She drew me even closer. "Let's stay this way, Sol. Happy, content, taking whatever life brings—together. That's all I want. Just you."
A smile spread across my lips. My cheek stayed pressed against her chest, listening to her heartbeat—fast, steady, alive. It calmed me, even as it raced.
"You're the only constant I want in every universe, Ro," I said softly, my fingers brushing the back of her neck as I tilted my head up to meet her gaze.
Her silver eyes caught the mellow light of the hall, glimmering like the stars I always imagined she carried inside her.
"I hope that in every universe, no matter the circumstance, it's still us. "
Aurora smiled, lifting my chin with a tenderness that melted the world away. Then she leaned down and kissed me—right there, in front of everyone. The crowd disappeared, leaving only the two of us, and the love we'd built for all to witness.
?·???°???°???·?
Walking toward Soeren's car, I spotted Millie leaning casually against the driver's door. The window was rolled down, and Soeren was talking to his wife. Beside Millie stood Dione, her small arms draped around Millie's waist.
The moment Dione saw me, her face lit up. She waved excitedly and ran over. "Mommy!" she giggled, wrapping her arms around me. "I missed you!"
I laughed, hugging her tightly and swaying us both. "I missed you too, sweetheart," I murmured against her hair. When I pulled back, I looked at Soeren and smiled. "Thanks for picking her up, Soeren."
"No worries at all, sis," he said with a grin.
Dione tilted her head up at me, her cheeks still squished in my hand. "Mommy, you know what? One of my friends asked if Uncle Soeren was my dad."
I chuckled, clicking my tongue playfully. "Oh, really? And what did you tell them?"
She giggled. "I said he's my uncle, but sometimes he acts like my dad." Her eyes shifted sideways, and I followed her gaze—across the parking lot, where Aurora leaned casually against her car, talking with Thalia, Selene, and Alexei—Selene's wife.
"Ah, seeing your mommy number two?" I teased, stroking Dione's hair.
"She looks so cool in person, Mommy," Dione said dreamily, her gaze fixed on Aurora.
Soeren laughed as he opened the car door, but didn't step out. He reached for Millie's hand, their fingers intertwining easily. "Dione definitely wants to see Aurora up close," he said, chuckling.
I sighed, shrugging lightly. "Just a few more months, sweetie," I told Dione with a soft smile. "I promise, Mommy will let you meet her properly—and live with us at the mansion, alright?"
Dione nodded, her expression bright yet calm. "Well, at least you're married to her now, Mommy. I'm happy."
My heart softened as I brushed a strand of her long black hair—so much like Aurora's—away from her face. "You're such a big girl," I whispered. "Alright, it's getting late. You've had a long trip. Time to go home, okay? I'll see you tomorrow."
"Goodnight, Mommy," Dione said, hugging me one last time before climbing into the car. Millie helped her into the backseat, closing the door gently afterward.
I turned to Millie, smiling gratefully. "Thanks for taking care of her. Just a few more months."
Millie smiled back knowingly. "Dione's like our daughter sometimes," she said with a soft laugh. "You don't have to thank us every time. She's not even a handful—smart girl, really."
I exhaled a quiet laugh, my hand dropping to my side. "Yeah, she is. Smart, and somehow independent." I clicked my tongue, shaking my head fondly. "Anyway, go get some rest. It's been a long day."
Millie nodded, and Soeren got out of the car to open the passenger door for his wife. I couldn't help but roll my eyes at him. He just laughed as Millie slid into her seat, then strode back to the driver's side.
"Well, we'll go ahead, sis. Take care on your way home, alright?" he said.
I nodded, waiting for them to pull out before walking back to where Aurora was.
A smile tugged at my lips as I wrapped my arms around her. She hugged me back, firm and warm.
"Did you wait long?" I asked, looking up at her.
Aurora shook her head and poked the tip of my nose. "Who's the kid?"
Her question caught me off guard, and I blinked before forcing a small smile. "Oh, that?" I cleared my throat. "She's Millie's."
Not now, I thought. I'll tell you she's yours when the time is right.
Aurora's brows lifted slightly, surprise flashing in her eyes. "Millie has a daughter already?"
I nodded with a grin. "Mm-hm. Shame we haven't been pregnant yet," I teased.
Aurora smirked, leaning down until her breath brushed my ear. "Wanna try again tonight?" she whispered, her voice low and teasing.
My gaze dropped to her lips before I could stop myself. Without thinking, I tugged at her lapel, pulling her closer until our lips met. Aurora chuckled between the kiss, one arm circling my waist to pull me even closer.
"Sloane."
The sound of my name froze me. I pulled back, licking my lips before turning around—only to see Margot standing nearby.
Aurora groaned under her breath, and I nudged her waist lightly in warning. Just as I was about to step toward Margot, Aurora pulled me back, wrapping her arms around me from behind and resting her chin on the top of my head.
Wow, she's being possessive now, I thought, though I couldn't deny how much I liked it.
"Margot," I greeted, resting my hands atop Aurora's. "I didn't know you were still here."
She hummed softly, her eyes darting between Aurora and me before she smiled. "Just met with some acquaintances inside," she said with a shrug.
"I see." I glanced around, searching for her car. "Didn't you bring yours?"
Lifting her phone, she gave it a small shake. "I'm contacting my driver."
I sighed, checking my watch before turning to Aurora, who was already straightening her posture. "Can we drop Margot at her place?"
Aurora blinked, her eyes flicking from me to Margot and back again, as though weighing whether she should agree. "Do I even have the right to say no?" she asked dryly.
Her response made me laugh softly. I cupped her face, smiling. "Of course you do. Why would I ask if I wouldn't take no for an answer?" I studied her expression carefully—I didn't want her to feel uneasy, especially given how much Margot resembled her.
Aurora glanced briefly at Margot before humming. "It's fine. We'll drop her."
"You're sure?" I pressed gently. I didn't want her forcing herself out of courtesy.
Aurora nodded. I exhaled a quiet sigh before turning back to Margot. "We'll take you instead. Come with us."
Margot tilted her head, one brow lifting. "No, Sloane. I'll wait for my ride here."
I groaned. "We insist," I said, stepping closer to her and taking her wrist lightly. "Besides, my wife already agreed, so you're coming with us."
"Yeah, let us drop you off," Aurora added from behind me.
I smiled at Margot, who looked between the two of us before letting out a soft sigh. "Alright then. Thank you," she said quietly, almost shyly.
Ushering Margot to the car, Aurora held the backseat door open. Margot slid inside, and Aurora closed the door behind her. As we approached the passenger side, I paused when Aurora draped her blazer over my shoulders.
"Figured you might get cold," she said with a shrug, opening the door for me.
I laughed softly, smiling at her before pressing a quick kiss to her cheek and slipping into the seat. Aurora closed the door gently, then rounded the car to the driver's side.
After buckling my seatbelt, I heard the quiet click of hers. "So, where to?" she asked with a sigh, glancing into the rearview mirror.
"We can drop her off at Seaside Plaza in Fontvieille," I replied, making her look at me with a raised brow.
I blinked, laughing at her reaction. "What? I've been to her place plenty of times," I said with a shrug.
It's not like I was doing anything wrong—I was just teaching Margot how to cook.
From the backseat, Margot scoffed lightly. "Your wife must be the jealous type, Sloane."
I chuckled, turning my head toward her before glancing at Aurora, who was steering the car smoothly away from the hotel. "Well... she sure is," I teased, unable to hide my grin as I watched Aurora's expression tighten just a little.
She was the jealous and possessive type—what was hers was hers alone. She didn't like to share, especially when it came to me. She wanted me all to herself. The thought made me chuckle under my breath.
"I'm not," Aurora muttered, though her ears had turned the faintest shade of pink under the dim glow of the dashboard lights.
I hummed playfully, resting my arm on the center console and leaning my chin on the back of her seat. "If you say so," I murmured with a smile.
The drive to Seaside Plaza stretched quietly except for the low hum of the engine.
Margot and I chatted now and then, and I found myself turned sideways in my seat to face her.
Aurora remained silent for most of the ride, but her hand stayed linked with mine, her thumb brushing across my knuckles, fumbling with my fingers as if trying to distract herself from boredom.
When we finally pulled up in front of Seaside Plaza, I smiled at Margot. "We're here," I said softly.
Margot met my eyes and returned the smile. "Thank you for the ride," she said as she opened the door. "Have a lovely evening."
"Bye, Margot! Thanks for coming," I called, wiggling my fingers in a wave.
She leaned slightly toward the open door. "Anytime," she said before closing it and walking toward the building's entrance.
Aurora exhaled a long, audible sigh of relief, drawing my attention. I turned to her, amused. "What's wrong? Tired already?"
She squinted at me, her lips twitching into a pout. "I don't like the way she looks at you. I can tell she likes you."
I laughed softly, reaching out to hold her chin before pressing a series of light kisses against her lips. "I only have eyes for you, don't worry," I murmured against her mouth.
"Oh, you'd better," she said with a small smile before shifting the gear and driving off again.
I leaned back in my seat, watching her profile under the faint city lights, unable to stop my grin. Aurora got jealous so easily—and every time I teased her just to see it happen, it worked like a charm.