The Billionaire's Bought Bride and Instant Mom Chapter 32

Aveline

The moment Melody saw Orion descending the stairs in that perfectly tailored suit, her entire demeanor transformed. Her eyes lit up like a predator spotting prey, and that smile spread across her face with practiced ease.

"Orion," she breathed, her voice dropping to what she probably thought was sultry. She smoothed her hair and adjusted her already low neckline, positioning herself for maximum impact. "You look absolutely magnificent this morning."

I watched in fascination and disgust as she shifted into full seduction mode, her posture changing, her expression becoming soft and vulnerable. It was like watching a master class in manipulation.

"About the other day," she continued, stepping closer to him with deliberate grace, "I owe you a sincere apology. I realize now that what happened was just a terrible misunderstanding. Perhaps my teaching methods needed some... refinement. That's why dear little Ryan seemed to have some difficulty connecting with me."

Orion continued his measured descent, his expression completely unreadable. When he reached the bottom of the stairs, he walked toward Melody with the kind of predatory calm that made my skin prickle with warning.

"I'm afraid there's been a misunderstanding," he said, his voice carrying that conversational tone that somehow managed to sound more threatening than shouting. "Our contract has been terminated. Your services are no longer required."

I saw the flash of fury that blazed in Melody's eyes—raw, vicious rage that lasted only a split second before she forced it back down. Her smile never wavered, but I could see the effort it was taking her to maintain that sweet facade.

"Orion, surely this is premature," she said, her voice taking on a hurt, confused tone. "Is it possible that... someone has been speaking against me?" Her gaze shifted to me, and her finger rose to point in my direction. "Has this woman been filling your head with lies about—"

Orion's hand shot out, catching her wrist and firmly pressing her pointing finger down. The movement was swift and controlled, but there was an unmistakable edge of menace to it.

"I'm afraid Ms. Reeves wouldn't even bother to mention you," he said, his voice deadly quiet. "You're simply not worth her time or attention."

The casual dismissal in his tone was more devastating than any insult could have been. I watched Melody's face flush with humiliation and rage.

I braced myself for the explosion I was sure was coming—for her to drop the sweet act completely and lash out with all the venom I could see building behind her eyes. But then she became utterly submissive and pitiful.

"You're right," she whispered, her voice breaking slightly. "I... I've made mistakes. Could we perhaps forget about all of this unpleasantness? I actually came here today about something entirely different."

"Speak quickly," Orion said, checking his watch with obvious impatience. "And then please leave our home."

Melody's lower lip trembled—an impressive touch that almost looked genuine.

"It's about your grandfather's birthday celebration next week," she said softly. "For the past few years, we've always received an invitation around this time. I know it might seem presumptuous, but I... I truly care about the old gentleman. He's always been so kind to me, so wonderfully optimistic and full of life. I was hoping to bring him a special gift this year."

Orion's expression didn't soften even slightly. "Previous invitations were extended because we believed you were a competent instructor for my son. Since that's clearly not the case, your presence won't be required at family events."

Finally, Melody's careful facade cracked completely. The sweet, vulnerable mask fell away, revealing the vicious woman underneath.

"Is that bitch going to take my place?" she snarled, pointing at me again with undisguised hatred. "Is she going to be your date to the most exclusive social event of the year?"

I blinked in surprise. I hadn't even known about any birthday celebration, let alone considered attending one. The idea of being at some high-society gathering filled with Manhattan's elite was honestly more intimidating than appealing.

Orion turned to look at me, and I was struck by how completely his expression changed. Where moments before he'd been cold and menacing, now his face was warm, almost gentle.

"I haven't asked Ms. Reeves yet," he said, his voice taking on an entirely different quality. "But we would very much like her to join our family celebration."

He stepped closer to me, those dark eyes focused entirely on my face. "Would you consider attending? It would mean a great deal to Ryan—and to me."

I found myself smiling despite the tension in the room. The thought of Ryan's excitement if I attended, the genuine warmth in Orion's invitation—it was hard to resist.

"I'll... I'll think about it," I said softly.

"STOP PRETENDING!" Melody's scream shattered the moment like glass. "Stop acting like some innocent little flower when we all know what you really are! You're nothing but a calculating little whore who—"

The sound of Orion's hand connecting with Melody's cheek echoed through the room like a gunshot. She stumbled backward, her hand flying to her face, shock and pain written across her features.

"Get out," Orion said, his voice so quiet it was almost a whisper. "Get out of my house. Now."

Melody burst into tears—real ones this time—and fled toward the door, her heels clicking frantically against the marble floor. The front door slammed behind her with enough force to rattle the windows.

The silence that followed was deafening.

Mitchell cleared his throat delicately, his expression thoughtful and slightly worried.

"Sir," he said carefully, "while I certainly don't disapprove of your actions, I do feel obligated to mention that Miss Hart's father is Deputy Commissioner of the City Planning Department. Her uncle sits on the Education Board as well. I'm concerned they might attempt some form of retaliation."

Orion's smile turned predatory. "I don't give a fuck who her daddy is. Let them try their worst. I'd love to show them exactly how worthless their little government jobs are when they're going up against real power."

The vicious satisfaction in his voice made my blood run cold.

"Mitchell," Orion said, "would you please bring the invitation from my study?"

Mitchell disappeared and returned moments later with an elegant cream envelope, sealed with what looked like a wax emblem.

Orion took the invitation with reverent care, as if it were something precious. When he turned to face me, everything about his posture changed. His shoulders squared, his chin lifted slightly, and suddenly he wasn't just the powerful businessman who'd just dispatched an enemy—he was a man making a request that clearly mattered to him deeply.

He took three measured steps toward me, close enough that I could catch the subtle scent of his cologne, close enough to see the way his dark eyes searched my face with an intensity that made my breath catch.

"Ms. Aveline Reeves," he said, his voice dropping to something formal and resonant, each syllable pronounced with deliberate precision. "I would be deeply honored if you would accept this invitation to my grandfather's birthday celebration."

The way he said my full name sent an electric shock through my system. No one had ever made my name sound like that—like a prayer, like something sacred. My heart began beating so fast I was certain he could hear it in the sudden quiet of the room.

He extended the invitation toward me, but didn't simply hand it over. Instead, he held it between us like an offering, his dark eyes never leaving mine.

"I..." I started, then had to clear my throat because my voice came out as barely a whisper. "Yes. I'll be there."