The veiled princess

CHAPTER 2

Liora stepped out from the Limo into the gala’s glittering courtyard, her stomach a mess of erratic nerves caused by the message.

Swallowing nervously, she followed Sebastian past a phalanx of waiters carrying trays of champagne. Crystal chandeliers swung overhead; a string quartet tinkled in the distance.

“Stay close,” he murmured, voice low. She nodded, smoothing the front of her dress. Already, murmurs rippled through the crowd.

A tall woman in emerald silk drifted up to them. Liora recognized her from the office—Vivienne Gage, Sebastian’s long-time executive assistant. Vivienne’s lips curved into a polite smile that didn’t reach her eyes.

“Mr. Crowne.” Vivienne dipped her head. “You’ll excuse me—I have your sister’s table chart finalized.” She offered a leather binder. “Seating, introductions, and speaking order.”

Sebastian took it without a glance. “Thank you.” He tucked the binder under one arm. “Liora, you’ll handle the muttering interns.” He nodded toward a group of junior analysts craning their necks. “Give them something to do.”

Liora forced a bright smile. “On it sir.”

As Vivienne swept away, Liora rounded up the interns, shoving them toward a corner with spreadsheets.

Sebastian watched her for a minute, his expression unreadable, before shifting back to VIP mode and greeting arriving dignitaries. Liora took a breath and slunk to the side, pulling out her phone.

Unknown Number: “I know who you really are.”

Her fingers trembled. She locked the phone, shoved it in her clutch, and steeled herself. No one could see—and she’d handle this later.

Moments later, Sebastian intercepted her by the bar. “You look tense. Are you unable to handle the workload?” he taunted, leaning close.

“Just the heat” she lied, wiping a bead of sweat between her shoulder blades. “Very… plush in here.”

He smirked. “That’s just my empire.” He lifted a flute of champagne. “Drink?”

She hesitated before accepting and taking a sip allowing the bubbles tickle her throat. “To surviving the first challenge.”

He glanced at her thoughtfully. “You did well, Quinn. Better than most temps.” His tone softened—just for a beat. “Thank you.”

She blinked. “You’re welcome… sir.”

He draped an arm over her shoulders, surveying the room. “Let’s find a seat before my sister calls security on us for gate-crashing.” He gestured down a glittering gallery.

They moved together through the press of guests. Liora felt the thrill of being at his side—special, for the first time. She was so caught up she almost didn’t notice the familiar face watching her from across the room.

“Sebastian!” boomed a warm voice.

A tall man in a tailored tux approached, hand outstretched. “So glad you made it. And you brought… ah, your new secretary?”

Sebastian hesitated, then offered Liora in introduction: “This is Michael Crowne—my cousin.” The resemblance was unmistakable: same dark hair, strong jaw. Only Michael’s smile was easy, almost friendly.

“Michael,” Liora said, voice tight. Cousin? She’d never heard of him.

“Liora, darling,” Michael said with that casual familiarity wealthy families flaunt. He bowed like a gentleman. “Welcome. You’re a vision.” He lingered on her dress. “Sebastian’s got an eye for fine taste, it seems.”

Sebastian’s jaw clenched. “Michael, she’s a colleague.”

Michael’s grin widened. “Right. A colleague.” He stepped back. “Enjoy the evening.”

As Michael melted into the crowd, Sebastian’s shoulders stiffened. “Where did he come from?” Liora asked under her breath.

“He—just arrived from Zurich. Family surprise.” Sebastian’s gaze lingered on Michael’s back.

“Keep him out of my office tomorrow.”

Liora nodded, uncomfortable. Secrets everywhere.

They finally reached a long mahogany table set for twelve. Liora slid into the seat beside Sebastian. Across from her sat Dinah Vaughn—an impossibly perfect marketing director with sharp cheekbones and an icy stare.

Dinah gave her a single, cutting nod. “So, you’re the new secret weapon.”

Liora matched Dinah’s gaze with one of her own. “I’ll do my best.”

Dinah’s lips curved into a warning smile. “I’m sure.” She sipped her champagne as if she already owned the room.

Sebastian caught Liora’s eye. He raised an eyebrow. Liora flushed. She had no idea what Dinah meant by “secret weapon,” but she didn’t want to find out.

The dinner progressed in a babble of toasts and small talk. Liora took careful notes: names, titles, talking points. Every time she looked up, she saw Sebastian’s back—broad and obstructive—talking to board members. His hair caught the candlelight.

Liora swallowed.

Was it a good idea to stay by Sebastian side with this her huge crush?

Halfway through the main course, a commotion burst at the door. A tall, impeccably dressed woman swept in, eyes blazing: Vivian Crowne, Sebastian’s sister. She was the picture of refined fury.

“Sebastian!” Vivian’s voice rang across the hall. “You promised to introduce me to the Australian investors.”

Sebastian rose, fury crackling in his eyes. “Vivian, not now.”

Vivian’s eyes flicked to Liora. “Who is this?” Her tone cut the music.

“New assistant,” he said smoothly with a shrug.

Vivian approached, gaze zeroing in on Liora’s face. “Assistant, hm?” She leaned close. Liora caught a tremor in her voice. “Interesting.” Without another word, Vivian swept away.

Whispers ricocheted

“Sebastian’s sister disapproves”

“Who is that girl?”

Liora sank in her seat.

Sebastian sat, turning to Liora, his voice in a whisper, he spoke, “Ignore her.”

Dinah across the table leaned forward. “She’s family. When she tastes blood, she doesn’t stop.”

Liora nodded, swallowing.

Right. Family…

The candlelight flickered. Outside, thunder rumbled.

By dessert, Liora’s lips ached from the fake smiles she had to give had Sebastian’s associate. Sebastian reached for her hand under the table, tapping her gently to get her attention.

She looked up. His blue-gray eyes were intense. “Thank you,” he whispered. “For staying strong.”

Her breath caught. “Of course.”

He dropped her hand and straightened. “Time for the speech.” He motioned her to stand. “Come on”

Heart pounding, she stood a few steps behind him at the podium. A hush fell. Liora glanced at the assembled executives, media, and investors clustered in anticipation.

This was never her place. Not to stand behind someone.

Her father had raised her and prepared her to one day take his place. What would he think if he saw her doing this all because of a man?

A lightbulb flickered in Liora’s head!

Perhaps, her dad was the sender of that cryptic message!!

Sebastian cleared his throat. “Thank you all for coming. Tonight marks a pivotal moment for Crowne Innovations…”

Before he could settle, the lights flickered. Soft at first, then a deep crack of electricity. The chandeliers dimmed. The projector behind them whined and sputtered, then…

A hush.

And then the screen, meant to display Sebastian’s quarterly graph, instead glowed with something else: a childhood photograph of a young girl in a sunlit garden—golden curls, bright eyes, and a small gold locket glinting at her throat. And then her recent photo at her college graduation.

There was no mistaking it. The face that stared back at everyone was hers.

Gasps rippled. Liora’s heart froze. She recognized the face instantly. Her face.

Liora jerked back, expression a mask of horror. “Turn it off!” she screamed out!

But the image stayed—and beneath it, a single line of text scrolled onto the screen:

Seraphina Liora Quinn — Daughter, Heir, Liar.

Silence crushed the room. Liora felt every eye on her. The quartet fell silent, the crowd frozen in disbelief—and Sebastian’s hand landed on her shoulder, ice-cold

.

He stared at her, his eyes cold, his mouth opening in a growl, “Explain.”