Page 73 of The Billionaire's Betrayal
She stepped away to polite, tepid applause.
Then, Eva took the stage.
Poised, relaxed, she took the microphone, her smile effortlessly genuine.And in an instant, she turned the entire atmosphere around.
“Thank you, Audrey, for that wonderful speech,” she said with a playful lilt.“Dear partners and benefactors, I hope you enjoyed that little moment just for you.And that you got your money’s worth.”
Laughter rippled through the room.
With a single sentence, Eva had swept away the tension and distance created by Audrey’s overly formal speech.I couldn’t help but admire her.She had effortlessly reclaimed control of the moment with grace and ease, turning the situation to her advantage without a hint of aggression.Instantly, all eyes were on her, captivated by her natural confidence and authenticity.
I had underestimated her.Tonight, this room wasn’t just filled with financial partners and business leaders.These were people Eva had won over with her passion and commitment—people who, like her, genuinely wanted to change the world.But they weren’t the ones she addressed next.
"Dear young people," she continued gently, turning directly to them."It is with immense joy and great hope that we inaugurate the Hope Foundation today.This foundation was created for you—to offer you opportunities and guide you on the path to your dreams."
Her voice grew warmer, filled with sincere emotion."Life can be tough sometimes, and some obstacles may seem insurmountable.But here, we believe in you.We believe in your talent, your potential, and your ability to change the world."
"Every day is a new chance to take one more step toward your dreams.Never let anyone tell you that you’re not capable.You have within you the strength, resilience, and determination to achieve everything you aspire to."
"And you are not alone.We are here, ready to support you every step of the way.Together, we will overcome any challenge.You are the future, and that future starts today!"
A brief silence followed Eva’s speech, as if the audience needed a moment to take it all in.Then, thunderous applause erupted, quickly followed by cheers from the young people.Some stood up spontaneously, rushing to the stage to surround her, their joy evident.They hugged her with sincere gratitude and palpable affection.Overcome with emotion, Eva discreetly wiped away a tear, trying to maintain her composure.
Her words had resonated deeply with everyone in the room, and I shared the enthusiasm of those who couldn’t stop praising her.Eva was more than just a role model for these young people—she embodied success born from perseverance.She had never forgotten the opportunities she had been given, and now she was fighting to pass that chance on to others.She understood these young people because she had once been in their place, struggling to seize her own opportunity.
When my turn came, I took the microphone to warmly thank the teams and highlight Eva’s unwavering dedication.After my speech, champagne was popped, marking the start of the evening’s celebrations.Laughter and heartfelt conversations filled the night, making time fly in this warm and festive atmosphere.
I was deep in conversation with one of our partners, discussing the next steps for the foundation, when my gaze landed on Eva.She was quietly picking up her bag, ready to slip away unnoticed.A sudden urgency gripped me.I couldn’t let her leave like this—not without saying what was on my mind.Excusing myself quickly, I strode toward her.
"Wait, Eva!"I called out.
She stopped in her tracks and turned slowly, her eyes locking onto mine, a mix of surprise and curiosity flickering across her face.For a moment, I faltered, the words I had prepared colliding in my mind.
"Would you have dinner with me tomorrow night?"I finally asked.
She studied me, her expression unreadable, then nodded.
"I’ll send you the time and place," she replied."Good night, Tristan."
"Good night, Eva," I said as she turned to leave.
But just as she reached the door, an irrepressible impulse made me call out again.
"Eva?"
She turned back, surprise flashing in her eyes, expectation lingering in the air.
"You did an incredible job for these young people tonight," I said, letting my admiration and gratitude shine through."You didn’t just give them a dream—you made them believe in it."
Her gaze softened, and she smiled—a smile filled with warmth, but also something deeper, something I didn’t dare name.Then, without another word, she disappeared into the night, leaving me standing there, my throat tight, my heart pounding.
45.I wasn’t enough
EVA
Marco dropped me off in front of one of Paris’s most prestigious addresses, a restaurant renowned for its exceptional cuisine and breathtaking views of Notre-Dame.Tristan had chosen a table tucked away in an alcove, hidden from the curious gazes of other diners.That evening, dressed in a charcoal-gray bespoke suit that accentuated his athletic build, he was devastatingly elegant.His face lit up the moment he saw me, and his smile sent my heart into freefall.Rising with effortless grace, he pulled out my chair in a gesture of refined chivalry.The flickering candlelight bathed the room in an intimate glow, casting a scene straight out of a fairy tale.
But I no longer believed in fairy tales.Ours had shattered the moment he let Audrey come between us.
