THE HEIR’S BRIDE

Chapter 7: Dance of words

She was poised and effortlessly beautiful. Her entrance commanded attention, and for a moment, it felt like all eyes were on her.

Victor smiled at the sight of his long-time associate. “Ah, Bianca, just in time.”

Bianca’s eyes swept across the table. Her gaze lingered on Elsa for a moment, Elsa could feel the weight of her gaze, the silent scrutiny.

Bianca’s smile was a mixture of sweetness and something far more calculated.

“Good evening, everyone,” she greeted smoothly, taking her seat beside Victor, directly across from Alex.

"Well, well, her voice is laced with a playful undertone. "Elsa, isn't it? A pleasure to meet you." Her words were smooth, almost too smooth.

Elsa tried to smile, though something in Bianca’s tone made her uneasy. "Yes, it’s... a pleasure to be here."

"How lovely," Bianca purred as she poured some champagne into a glass, her eyes lingering on Elsa. "I’ve heard so much about you. Such a beautiful young lady, and so… innocent, I imagine."

Isabella whispered to Elsa under her breath. "Don’t let her rattle you."

Bianca leaned forward, her eyes never leaving Elsa’s. "So, Elsa, tell me, how are you adjusting to all this?". "The De Luca family is not for the faint of heart. I’m sure Alex will help you... find your place."

Elsa wasn’t sure what to make of Bianca, but something about her made her skin crawl. "I’m adjusting fine, thank you,"

Elsa glanced at Isabella, her anxiety growing. "Who is she?" Elsa asked quietly.

Isabella’s gaze flicked to Bianca, then back to Elsa. "Bianca’s been a part of the De Luca circle for years. She and Alex... well, they’ve had a complicated history."

Bianca’s lips curled into a sly smile. "Of course you are. But you must be so eager to be part of Alex's world, yes?" She glanced at Alex across the table, her eyes locking with his. "He’s such a fascinating man, isn’t he?"

Elsa shifted uncomfortably in her seat. She had no idea who Bianca was or what her relationship to Alex was, but the way she spoke about him was so intimate, so knowing. It unsettled her.

Elsa couldn’t help but wonder just how much power she held

Bianca leaned back in her chair, her eyes narrowing with a playful glint. She kept her smile, but it was clear she was still trying to poke and test with her words, watching closely for any reaction.

"Alex," she continued , "how have you been keeping busy? Running the family business, no doubt. But I imagine you find time for other... pursuits as well?"

Alex, who had been silent for most of the dinner, finally looked up. His gaze flicked toward Bianca, then to Elsa, as though considering how best to respond.

"Business is business," Alex said. "As for other pursuits, I keep myself occupied."

Bianca's smile widened. "I see. Well, you’ve always been a man of few words. I suppose that’s one of the things I admire about you," she said, her voice turning almost sultry. "It’s what makes you so... irresistible."

Elsa felt her cheeks flush, and she quickly glanced down at her plate, trying to hide the discomfort Bianca’s words were causing.

"Alex, you’re so mysterious," Bianca continued, her voice almost teasing now. "But I suppose that’s part of the charm, isn’t it? Always keeping everyone guessing. Elsa must be intrigued."

Elsa’s mind spun with confusion. What was Bianca trying to say? Now everyone at the table was watching her reaction.

"You know, I think it’s so... sweet," Bianca continued, "how you’re so eager to impress the family. But, Elsa, my dear, I hope you know what you’re stepping into. It’s not as easy as it looks."

Elsa’s eyes snapped to Bianca, a mixture of defiance. "I’m not here to impress anyone," she said, her voice steadier than she felt. "I’m just trying to understand this world."

Bianca chuckled softly, her eyes glinting with mischief. "Ah, but you must understand that you can’t just understand the De Luca world. You have to be born into it, or you’ll never truly be accepted. Alex knows that better than anyone."

The words hit Elsa like a sharp slap. She wasn’t sure if Bianca was trying to warn her or mock her, but the implication was clear: Elsa was an outsider in this world

Elsa’s fingers clenched around her glass, but she didn’t flinch. She met Bianca’s gaze head-on, a subtle challenge in her eyes. "Since You seem to know a lot about me , you should know about the family I come from”

“ I’ve never been afraid of change," she replied firmly. "And as for power, I don’t think I need to prove myself to anyone, least of all, you."

Bianca’s smile slipped for just a moment, but she quickly covered it with another sly grin. “Oh, how brave,” she said with a mocking tone. “But brave doesn’t always mean wise.”

Elsa leaned in slightly, her posture just as confident. "I never asked for your opinion," she said, her voice cool and direct. "So, if you don’t mind, could you tell me exactly who you are?

The room went silent, the tension thickening as Bianca’s smile widened, though this time there was something colder in her expression.

"How bold," Bianca remarked, her voice dangerously calm. "I suppose I should have expected nothing less from the fiancée of the great Alex De Luca."

Elsa didn't flinch. "I wasn’t asking about Alex," she replied sharply. "I’m asking about you."

Bianca leaned back in her chair, For a brief moment, the playful and mischievous air faded. But then, she sighed, as if humoring Elsa's question.

"I am simply someone who’s known Alex for a long time," Bianca said, her tone smooth but laced with an edge of finality. "A very long time." And I doubt you would understand him like I do”

Elsa's pulse quickened, but she didn’t back down. "So, you’re just someone from his past?"

Bianca’s smile returned, though it was far from friendly. "You could say that," she replied coolly. "But let’s just say I’m someone who knows exactly what it takes to survive in this world. Something I doubt you understand."

Elsa’s eyes flashed with defiance. "You’d be surprised," she said, her voice steady and confident.

For a brief moment, Elsa thought she saw a flicker of something,maybe respect? in Bianca’s eyes. But it vanished before she could be sure. Instead, Bianca tilted her head slightly, her expression playful, like she was simply toying with Elsa.

"Interesting," Bianca mused, "Let’s see how long that confidence lasts, shall we?"

From across the table, Alex had been watching the exchange. He hadn’t spoken much during the dinner, but as Elsa stood her ground against Bianca, something shifted in his expression. There was a flicker of approval in his gaze, though it was subtle.

He cleared his throat, his deep voice cutting through the tension. "Bianca," he said, his tone firm, "I think we’ve talked enough about Elsa for one evening."

Bianca raised an eyebrow, clearly surprised by the interruption.

"Oh, of course," feigning innocence. "I was just trying to understand our guest better."

Elsa couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction at Alex’s intervention. the way he spoke and silenced Bianca with a single sentence, that made her feel... seen. For the first time that evening.