The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 220

Orion

The celebration was in full swing three floors below, and the sound of triumph carried up through the building like music. From my vantage point on the executive floor, I could see our entire staff mingling in the specially decorated main lobby—champagne flowing, laughter echoing off the marble walls, and everyone basking in the glow of our victory.

I sipped my wine and allowed myself a moment of satisfaction as fragments of conversation drifted upward:

"Did you see the way Orion handled that presentation? Absolutely masterful..."

"Ten billion dollars! Can you believe it? This contract will set us up for the next decade..."

"I heard the federal evaluators were so impressed they gave us perfect scores..."

The corner of my mouth lifted involuntarily. Everything was finally falling into place. With my uncle and Charles neutralized, the path forward was crystal clear. No more internal sabotage, no more corporate coup attempts, no more—

My mood darkened as I remembered the other threats lurking in the shadows. The criminal networks that had targeted Aveline. The kidnapping attempt on Vivian. The fact that dangerous people now knew exactly who mattered to me and how to hurt me through them.

*Those bastards think they can threaten my family and walk away unscathed.*

The anger was still simmering when I heard the elevator chime behind me.

"My boy!" Grandfather's voice boomed across the floor. I turned to see him approaching in what could only be described as full peacock regalia—a velvet burgundy dinner jacket with gold embroidered lapels, a silk pocket square that matched his bow tie, and enough jewelry to stock a small boutique. He looked like he was attending a royal gala rather than a company party.

"Congratulations on reclaiming your wife!" he said with obvious delight, raising his champagne flute. "I knew that marriage arrangement would work out beautifully. My matchmaking instincts are simply unparalleled."

The self-satisfied smugness in his voice made my jaw clench. "Grandfather, while I'm grateful things worked out, let's not pretend the original situation was anything but a disaster. Do you have any idea how much pain your 'arrangement' caused Aveline?"

Bryce waved his hand dismissively. "Today is for celebration, not finger-pointing! Besides, thank God even bad situations can turn into good ones." He took a long sip of champagne. "Speaking of which, have you seen your uncle anywhere? I expected him to put in an appearance."

I scanned the celebration below and confirmed what I'd already suspected. "Devan and Charles are nowhere to be seen. But whether they show up or not, they're going to pay for what they've done."

Grandfather's expression grew concerned. "Are you certain you want to completely exile them from the company? Are you sure making them permanent enemies is wise?"

My smile was cold. "Exile is just the beginning. They targeted Aveline, and that requires more than just corporate consequences."

As if summoned by our conversation, two familiar figures appeared in the lobby entrance. Devan and Charles were dressed in their finest formal wear, each carrying an elegantly wrapped gift box. They moved through the celebrating crowd with the kind of forced dignity that suggested they were walking to their own execution.

They looked up toward our floor, spotted us immediately, and began making their way to the elevator.

Minutes later, they emerged wearing the kind of painfully fake smiles usually reserved for funeral parlors and political campaigns.

"Orion! Congratulations, my boy!" Devan said with theatrical enthusiasm. "What a triumph for our company! We brought you a small token of appreciation for your outstanding leadership."

Charles nodded eagerly, extending his gift box. "Please, accept this as a gesture of our continued partnership and mutual respect."

Grandfather nudged me subtly, clearly expecting me to accept graciously.

But I wasn't feeling gracious.

"Our company?" I said with mock confusion. "I think you mean my company. That distinction should become very clear very shortly."

Grandfather quickly stepped in, taking both boxes with diplomatic smoothness. "How thoughtful! Let's see what—" He opened the first box to reveal an antique crystal decanter that probably cost more than most people's cars. "My goodness, this is exquisite!"

But before anyone could react, I snatched the box from his hands and hurled it to the floor. The crystal exploded against the marble in a shower of expensive fragments.

The silence that followed was deafening.

Devan and Charles stared at the destruction, their fake smiles cracking like old paint.

"Orion," Charles said, his voice tight with barely controlled anger, "are you really determined to burn every bridge?"

My uncle's face was turning an interesting shade of purple. "This is how you respond to olive branches?"

I laughed, but there was no humor in it. "Olive branches? You had Vivian kidnapped and tortured. Your target was Aveline—my wife. Did you think a fancy gift would make me forget that?"

I walked to the railing overlooking the lobby and tapped my wine glass with a knife, the sharp sound cutting through the celebration below. The party gradually quieted as all eyes turned upward.

"Ladies and gentlemen," I called out, my voice carrying clearly through the space, "I hope you've enjoyed our victory celebration. Now it's time to address some unfinished business. All board members, please report to the main conference room immediately. We have obstacles to remove and a certain wager to settle."

The festive atmosphere shifted instantly to one of anticipation and tension. This was the moment everyone had been waiting for.

Charles, realizing how exposed he was, began backpedaling frantically. "Now wait just a minute. That kidnapping business was entirely Dwayne's initiative! Devan and I had no intention of targeting your wife! This is all a terrible misunderstanding!"

Devan shot his ally a disgusted look. "Charles, what the hell are you doing? You think groveling will save you?"

I smiled at the display of desperation. "You're absolutely right, Uncle. Charles's fate will be identical to yours. As for Dwayne, he'd better pray he never shows his face in New York again."

Charles's diplomatic mask finally slipped completely. "You arrogant little shit! Don't think this temporary victory makes you untouchable! Pride goes before a fall!"

Devan's laugh was equally venomous. "Exactly right. People with vulnerabilities shouldn't get too cocky, nephew."

I remained completely unmoved by their threats. "Fascinating perspective. But we're not here to discuss philosophy." I gestured toward the conference room with mock courtesy. "Shall we, gentlemen? The board is waiting, and I believe we have some promises to keep."