Betrothed To An Alpha? I Don't Think So!
Chapter 63: Brandon Darkwood

Chapter 63: Brandon Darkwood

The hall erupted with applause.

Adeline interlocked her arm around Caesar’s, resting her head against his shoulder.

Evelyn glanced over at them and slightly gave a nod of appreciation.

"For our next investors, we have a man recognized for his intelligence, a man who’d built his company from nothing to become one of the most recognized successes globally. Dante Moretti."

Claps kept rolling even as she continued to announce the next two investors. "Next, we have Mr. Lucian Vitale."

"And on the list for our very last investor..." Lucia paused, lifting her gaze to the audience. She held a slight scowl, and even Evelyn appeared a bit confused, wondering what was going on.

"Lucia...?" she mumbled. "Is everything alright?"

Lucia glanced at her. She flickered her eyes nervously, but shook her head, clearing her throat. Even the crowd had seemed to notice something was a bit off.

"For our last investors, we have..." She exhaled deeply. "...Brandon Darkwood."

Instant silence blanketed the hall and it seemed to take a moment before the audience even registered the announcement.

Brandon Darkwood? But...hadn’t he withdrawn from TDG just like Preston and Lyra did? The article implied so.

Zayne glanced over at Brandon who was glued to his seat. He held an unbothered expression which at this point made him wonder what was going on. He withdrew, Evelyn had told him. Why did he change his mind?

His gaze shifted to Evelyn only to find her as confused.

Preston and Lyra both peered at Brandon. Their gazes alone were demanding an explanation, but Brandon made no attempt to explain himself. Instead, he stood to his feet like the other investors did, proceeding over to the high platforms.

A photo needed to be taken, because this would be on the news without a doubt.

Zayne approached Evelyn faster, grabbing the nape of her neck and leaning in until he could whisper, "What’s going on, Evelyn?"

Evelyn shrugged. "I have no idea. I’m really confused too."

They separated, turning to the reporters and the flashes of cameras raining down on them.

It eventually ended, each of them proceeding to exchange handshakes. Brandon looked at Evelyn and instead of a handshake, he grabbed her, pulling her into a hug.

"What are you doing?" Evelyn questioned.

He smirked to himself. "Don’t you see it, sis? This can only mean one thing."

She frowned. "Brandon—"

"I’m on your side now. It is just that simple."

"I don’t need you on my side!" Evelyn bit out, voice barely audible.

He stroked her hair, sighing. "You do. You need me, baby sis. And I’m proud of you. Really, I am."

He pulled back with a light smile, bowing slightly.

She stared at him, hands secretly balled by her sides. What the heck was he playing at?

The investors, including Zayne, took their seats again as the room went quiet. Lucia stepped up to the podium, saying, "And there we have it."

She scanned the room with her eyes.

"Five new investors and of course our biggest shareholder, Zayne Mancini, have not just signed in for their wealth, but for the vision. The belief they have put in Ms. Darkwood who now leads The Darkwood group."

She continued, "With seventy percent held by the CEO, twenty percent by Zayne Mancini, and the remaining ten percent by these very new investors, TDG is reaching a new height. Its new era has begun and we hope for more in the near future."

Applause erupted within the room as the light rose. There were camera flashes everywhere, and pictures were being taken back and forth.

"You may all move into the hall where this event continues. Enjoy the night ladies and gentlemen, until this event comes to an end."

Everyone began conversing with their partners as they headed for the hall where drinks were being served. The middle floor was of course left open and guests had begun grouping with each other for a classical partner dance.

Evelyn stood next to Zayne, watching. Her fingers were fidgeting with the sides of her dress, shifting on her feet to the rhythm of the piano.

Zayne lowered his gaze to her shorter frame. He lifted a brow as he tilted his head wondering what the issue was.

"What is it?" he asked.

Evelyn only gave him a brief glance, shaking her head. "Nothing."

"Nothing?"

"Mhm." But she was gazing at the dance floor. Did she want to dance? She could have said so. It wasn’t as if he’d reject her.

Setting aside his glass of champagne, he stepped in front of her, reaching out a hand. "Would you like to dance with me?"

Evelyn’s pupils dilated at the invitation. She’d wanted to, but didn’t ask, as she didn’t know whether he would want to.

All the tinges of nervousness she held slipped off her face and she stretched a smile, taking his hand. "Yes, I’d love to."

Zayne walked her onto the dance floor. Just like everyone else was doing, they didn’t touch.

They didn’t even speak.

They just walked around each other first in a circle, elbows almost touching and eyes locked with not even a moment of diversion.

Suddenly, they come to a stop, and he takes her hand, palming it. As the other hand rested on her back, she held him at his shoulder, swallowing whatever lump had grown in her throat.

One, two, following the rest of the guests, they fall into a step. Who knew Zayne Mancini danced?

They waltzed across the checkered marble floor.

The thing though was, neither of the two was willing to break eye contact.

Evelyn wasn’t sure what it was, but she just couldn’t look away from him. The way he wouldn’t spare a glance for anyone else in that room except her. No, since they’d arrived at this event, his attention, his eyes had been on her and only her.

She’d rather not admit it, but it didn’t change the fact that she’d noticed it completely.

It was detailed in her head at this point, the shock that followed. Slow, but hot enough she felt every flick of it as they zapped through her like pin pricks, causing her to blow out soft puffs of air.