Temporary bride for the demon overlord-Chapter 29: Dragon king

It had to be when Alphonse was least prepared hadn’t it? He cursed himself all over again.

He dismissed Ethan as a threat that wasn’t anything to worry about. He should have eliminated him long before.

But he knew. In his mind, he knew this day was going to come.

Karma had gone stiff by his side watching her sister warily.

"Karma!"

"Seraphina. How do you do?" Was the polite reply.

"Oh pshh," she dragged Karma in for a hug.

"Mr Li. So good to see you again." Ethan extended his hand for a shake.

Alphonse shook his hand and waited for introduction. Not that he needed to be introduced to this two. But keeping up appearance for the benefit of the humans represent.

"This is Mr Benjamin and Mr..." he faltered.

"Ryan. Ryan Gosling." The tall man supplied.

"Nice to meet you all," he lied.

Seeing Ryan in human realm was akin to seeing a worm on your food. Disgusting and makes you wary.

He could only think of one reason that could explain the dragon king’s presence in the human realm.

To threaten his authority.

"Mr Ryan here is looking for promising companies to invest in. He would be delighted to talk with you." Benjamin looked like he was enjoying a private show.

"This is my wife. Karma Li." He introduced, his subtle way of diverting the conversation.

"Mrs Li. My pleasure," his words ending with a strange lilt as he bend to kiss her fingers.

Karma snatched her fingers away and could feel Alphonse’s growl deep in his throat. Karma was unnerved by that intense golden stare.

The atmosphere was tense, the men stared at each other without saying s word. Yet it looked like they were communicating, save for Ethan who was glancing from one man to the other with confusion.

He was used to being the only competent one but right now his presence was insubstantial.

People milled about with their champagne flutes and false smiles, circling closers to get a glimpse of the mysterious men.

Speculation grew like wild fire, each one far from the truth.

"Oh my gosh, did you see that man? He’s hot as sin." A young lady dressed in pink sequins cooed.

"Be specific girl! They’re all hot." Another one giggles.

The older people speculated on their own, spinning tall tales.

"That one is planning to take over Li corporation! I heard he’s been going around buying shares at an exorbitant amount!" One man was saying.

His beaded eyes stared intently at the wide shoulders.

"Well he looked a bit weird to me. See those eyes?"

Whispers floated around the hall and people loitered about, wanting craving an introduction.

Meanwhile, Alphonse was glaring at Ryan with hostility.

"Can I request a private meeting?" Ryan asked amiably.

"Oh no_"

"Yes! I’m sure my husband will be pleased to meet you privately. Won’t you, my sweet?" She pinched him covertly and tilted her head.

"Yes." Was the grudging reply from Alphonse.

"I heard there was a scandal recently _"

Seraphina gasped. A scandal? And she hadn’t know of it?

She listen carefully, battling her eyelashes at the men. Mr Ryan looked so bored and uninterested while Benjamin winked at her.

"Yes. The scandal was started by foolish people who thought I was having an affair. I decided to show everyone who my wife is,"

The air thicken with tension, Karma found it hard too draw in a breath. It crackled and shimmer making Seraphina a bit uncomfortable.

No one was looking at her anymore. Even Ethan had turn sulky as nobody was listening to his revolutionary idea about importing aluminum.

"My secretary would reach out to you. We should talk." Alphonse said coldly.

Seraphina grabbed Karma’s hand and smiled apologetically at them.

"I’ve missed my sister. I fear you must carry on without us,"

Seraphina stared at Ryan, watching for any sort of reaction. He gave no indication that he was even aware of the conversation.

Ethan nodded and Alphonse said nothing.

Karma was able to breath easier when they’d gotten away from the men. Until the realization of the warm fingers pressed into hers.

Ugh. She was stuck with this featherbrain.

The only thing she wished for right now is to disappear from this place with all the stifling politeness.

"Look at you! You look radiant." Seraphina gushed.

Her eyes flicked to the rapidly approaching ladies who were no doubt coming for an introduction.

Karma massaged her temple.

"Mrs Li," the two of them said together.

Karma was sure she had never seen this two in her life, but she returned their greeting gracefully.

"I’m Veronica and this is Alice."

Seraphina waved at them though her eyes narrowed dangerously. She surveyed their dress deeming it worth less.

"I’ll let you guys talk." She glided off to meet some other people.

"We’re the founders of Paradise orphanage." They introduced.

Karma’s eyes sparkled.

"Oh its so nice to meet you."

"We thought you might be interested in sponsoring the orphanage. Those children, they’re hopeful_"

"_Vibrant,"

"A gift to this world."

Karma chuckled. This is what rich men wives do? But Karma knew she was going to be different.

"I’d like to know more about this orphanage _"

"Lovely. That’s lovely."

Her eyes spied her husband, gesturing angrily at Ryan. She couldn’t seem to look away from him.

He had always been confident, but he exudes danger now.

His eyes were sharp and condescending.

What was this deal with these men? From her perspective, she could almost guess at connection.

"You were saying?"

Her mind wasn’t following the conversation as she should.

"Alicia was asking if you’ll visit the orphanage tomorrow."

"Yeah. We’ll talk more." She said absently, still watching them.

Perhaps it was the exhaustion making her vision blurry, or maybe the two flutes of champagne she had.

But she could

see a slight distortion in the air.

Like a plucked string, strumming and vibrating softly.

She shook her head, trying to clear her vision.

She groaned, exhausted. A hot cup of coffee really wouldn’t go amiss right now.