Stolen By My Billionaire Brother-In-Law-Chapter 24: A Grave For Two -1

Alexander escorted Rivana to a table, his face etched with worry. "Stay calm until the event starts, Rivana." he urged her softly.

Rivana sighed softly and nodded, agreeing with him. People might mock and snicker at her, but once the real agenda of this conference was revealed, they would all come running to her. She had no doubt about it!

Finally, Viktor entered with his team following close behind. He was wearing an expensive suit, looking dashing but it was all a waste of effort. He took off his shades and looked around, his eyes falling on Rivana sitting in the corner. With a smug smile, he walked over to her.

Rivana continued scrolling through her phone, her cold indifference flickering frustration on Viktor’s face. Just a few days ago, she would have been happy with just one glance from him. But now...

Keeping up his pride, Viktor asked, "I heard you were in an accident, Riv. Are you alright?"

His voice was feigned with concern, making Rivana grit her teeth. She recalled the time when she had ended up in an accident a few months before their second anniversary. He had told the doctors that he didn’t care even if she died and not to bother him. When she had gone back home, crippled and covered in bandages, he accused her of faking it to get his attention, to stop him from loving Rubina. The memories were still like an open wound in her heart.

Viktor stepped even closer and placed a hand on her shoulder. "I am glad nothing happened to you, Riv. But you should reconsider your marriage with Azrael. I am pretty sure it was his enemies who attacked you. They might in the future too, and Azrael wouldn’t give a damn even if you died."

Rivana scoffed at his shamelessness. He had always been like this, a green tea bastard who tried to dig dirt on Azrael, making him the villain in her eyes. She was a fool for believing it and taking his side, thinking Azrael hated and bullied him because he was a step-sibling, just like Rafelo treated her.

"How bold of you bitching behind my back, little brother?" A familiar voice greeted them, and everyone turned around to see Azrael walking toward them.

Rivana’s heart skipped a beat as he reached them, his eyes never leaving hers. What was he doing here?

"Have some shame please," Azrael added, washing off the smugness on Viktor’s face. Taking the hand that he dared to put on his wife, Azrael simply twisted it.

Viktor groaned as Azrael bent his hand. "Leave me!" he grumbled, looking behind at Rivana. He hoped that she would step in and save him just like in the good old days, but all he saw was her beaming with satisfaction.

"Let me also clear this whoever would dare to harm her will the be ones dying," Azrael added, releasing him, his threat clear. "And trust me, they wouldn’t have an easy death."

Viktor massaged his wrist and glared at his bastard step-brother. A chill ran down his spine at his deep gaze, as if he knew what he had tried to do with Rivana. But that was impossible! Or did he?

Alexander rushed in, seeing the commotion. "Viktor!" he called out urgently, his forehead breaking into a sweat. "What are you doing here? Come! The shareholders want to talk to you!" he murmured, bowing to Azrael before dragging Viktor away.

Ashley pulled out the chair for her boss, and Azrael took a seat beside Rivana.

"Wh... why are you here?" Rivana asked, her voice a low murmur.

Azrael turned to her. With a smirk, he replied, "Of course for you, my love."

Rivana felt her heart flutter at his words. A blush crept up her cheeks, making her quickly avert her eyes.

Azrael’s eyes softened in satisfaction at her reaction. Crossing his legs, he added, "I can’t let you enjoy all the fun by yourself."

Tonight would be Viktor’s first defeat, the start of his downfall, and he needed to be present. Also, he was aware of the tricks many might pull to rebuke the succession. He was here to handle them all on behalf of her, so she could take over the company smoothly.

Rivana didn’t talk to him at all, quite sure it would only end in intense teasing. But she couldn’t stop herself from stealing glances at him as he had some serious conversation with Callum. But whenever he met her eyes, she quickly turned away, looking all cute, which brought a smile to his face.

Soon, Emmerich walked in with his assistant. Rivana frowned when she saw even her mother Amerie walking in, holding Rubina. When their eyes met, she simply sneered before helping Rubina take a seat and then settled beside Emmerich.

They were the last guests to arrive, and now that they had taken the first row just as directed by Callum, Alexander looked at him. At his nod, he quickly called the press in.

Reporters hurried in and took their seats. Many looked at Rivana’s table but didn’t dare to look for long as their eyes fell on the man sitting beside her. He merely glanced at them once, and it was enough of a warning. Azrael’s presence was dangerous; his sharp features and cold gaze made it clear that he was not to be trifled with. 𝘧𝓇ℯ𝑒𝓌𝑒𝑏𝓃𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭.𝒸ℴ𝓂

Alexander stepped on the makeshift dais, picking up the mic. On one side were the shareholders with Viktor, and on the other side was Azrael, and Alexander was glad to have chosen the better side. He looked at the staff in front who were responsible for handling the screening, and at their thumbs-up, he started the press conference.

"Firstly, I would like to thank all of you for coming here at such short notice. Shadow will be forever grateful for having your best interests in us."

He continued with a few more lines, praising the media and the shareholders for their continued support. Then he looked at Azrael, and at his curt nod, he continued, "Actually, this press conference was arranged to show you the truth. And also to choose a better CEO for the benefit of Shadow."

Everyone frowned, and even Viktor’s expression changed from smug to confused. He rose from his seat and growled, "What’s happening here? Did the old man get drunk?"

Alexander glared at him, his voice turning steely. "Shut up, you asshole! Everyone needs to know your true face!"

Emmerich, who was sitting in the same row, darkened his expression. But a smug smile crossed his face; realizing it was all Rivana’s trick. But since he was still the major shareholder, according to the rules, he would be the first priority to take over the company if Viktor was removed. He leaned back, enjoying the drama that would only benefit him in both ways.

Not just Rivana but even this bastard son of a wedlock would be losing in front of him. Little did he know, Azrael was ten times smarter than him and had already dug a grave for him too tonight.