Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire

Bound to the Ruthless Billionaire💥

By ~Rhemita Stories

Episode 10 — The Gala of Masks

The grand ballroom of the Imperial Crown Hotel glowed like a sea of gold. Crystal chandeliers shimmered above a hundred elegant guests, their laughter and champagne-glass clinks echoing through the hall. Outside, the night breeze carried the faint hum of city life, but inside, every breath belonged to power, wealth, and secrets.

Elena Adams had never felt so out of place.

Her satin emerald gown hugged her slender figure as though made for royalty, but beneath the fabric, her heart raced. The glittering crowd of billionaires, CEOs, and models felt like another world — Adrian’s world — one where she was only pretending to belong.

Across the room, Adrian Knight stood near a group of investors, towering in his tailored black suit. His sharp jawline caught the light every time he turned his head, his cold grey eyes scanning the crowd like a hawk searching for weakness.

He looked untouchable.

He looked magnificent.

And he looked like a man who knew he owned the room.

Elena’s fingers trembled slightly as she held her glass. She could feel Roan’s teasing gaze from beside her. “You should relax, Mrs. Knight,” he whispered, flashing that playful grin that always made her suspicious. “You look like you’re attending your own trial.”

She shot him a glare. “Easy for you to say, Roan. You’re not married to the Devil himself.”

Roan chuckled. “Oh, I wouldn’t say that too loudly. He’s got ears everywhere.”

Before she could reply, she felt it — that unmistakable chill that ran down her spine whenever Adrian was near. Turning her head slowly, she met his gaze across the hall.

Their eyes locked.

The world quieted.

And for a moment, she forgot to breathe.

His expression was unreadable, but his look said everything: Behave.

Elena quickly turned back to her glass, pretending to sip. Roan, noticing the exchange, leaned closer. “He’s watching you like a hawk,” he murmured. “I think he’s jealous.”

“I think he’s insane,” Elena corrected, her voice barely a whisper.

Moments later, a familiar voice cut through the chatter. “Mrs. Knight, might I steal a dance?”

Elena froze. Adrian stood before her, every line of his body exuding control. His hand extended, his tone polite but leaving no room for refusal.

She hesitated, but the flash of warning in his eyes made her decision for her. She placed her hand in his.

The crowd parted as they moved to the center of the dance floor. The orchestra shifted into a slow waltz. Adrian’s hand settled on her waist, his touch firm yet burning through the thin fabric of her gown.

“You’re shaking,” he murmured, his lips close to her ear.

“I’m fine,” she lied.

“Good. Because tonight, you’ll need to be perfect.”

His words made her heart skip. “Perfect for who? You?”

He leaned in, his voice a dangerous whisper. “For my mother. She’s here.”

Elena’s eyes widened. “What? You didn’t tell me—”

“I don’t tell you everything,” he said coldly. “Smile, Elena. She’s watching.”

She forced a smile as he spun her elegantly. The world blurred around them. Cameras flashed. She could see a woman across the room — tall, poised, and regal — Mrs. Beatrice Knight, Adrian’s mother. Her icy gaze followed them, judgment gleaming in every blink.

When the dance ended, applause erupted. Adrian’s hand lingered on her waist just long enough to look affectionate to onlookers, then he dropped it as if burned.

“Stay beside me,” he said curtly. “Don’t talk to anyone unless I introduce you.”

“Of course, sir,” she muttered under her breath.

He smirked. “What was that?”

“Nothing, Mr. Knight.”

“Good girl.”

Her cheeks flamed, and she wanted to slap that smug look off his face. But she couldn’t — not here. Not tonight.

As the night went on, Adrian discussed business while Elena played her part — the graceful wife, the perfect accessory. She hated it. Every smile felt heavy. Every polite nod a lie.

Then she noticed someone — a woman in a red dress watching Adrian with open longing.

Roan appeared beside her again, handing her a drink. “That’s Vanessa Green,” he whispered. “Rumor says she used to be very close to the boss.”

Elena’s stomach twisted. “Used to be?”

“Until she wasn’t.”

Before she could ask more, Adrian approached, his jaw tight. “Elena, a word.”

He led her toward the balcony, the cool air brushing her skin. The city lights stretched endlessly below them.

“Why were you talking to Roan?” His tone was sharp.

“Because he was talking to me?” she shot back.

His eyes darkened. “You enjoy testing my patience, don’t you?”

“Maybe because you keep giving me reasons to.”

For a second, his mask cracked. Something raw flickered behind his gaze. He stepped closer, their breaths mingling in the night air.

“You think I like this arrangement?” he asked, voice low.

Elena swallowed. “You act like you do.”

“I don’t.”

His confession startled her. But before she could respond, someone called his name from inside — Vanessa.

Adrian’s expression hardened again. “Stay here.”

He turned and walked back inside, leaving her standing in the cold night, her chest tightening in ways she couldn’t explain.

From the doorway, Roan watched her quietly, his usual smirk replaced by something softer. “Careful, Mrs. Knight,” he murmured to himself. “The closer you get to him, the more it’ll hurt.”

Inside, Vanessa’s laughter echoed — sweet, knowing, and just loud enough for Elena to hear.

Elena clenched the balcony rail, eyes glistening. “I hate this,” she whispered to the wind.

But deep down… something in her heart whispered a truth she wasn’t ready to face —

She didn’t just hate him. She was afraid of how much she felt for him.

To Be Continued...