I Raised My Husband's Love Child...Then He Shot Me

Chapter 21

I couldn't help but laugh as I watched Michael's face twist in shock, sprawled on the floor, staring up at Xavier. Xavier stood above him with that smug, satisfied look on his face.

Michael's voice came out hoarse with disbelief. "How… how can you walk? How long have you been deceiving us?"

Xavier smirked, tilting his head slightly. "Does it matter?" His voice was sharp, almost mocking. "The only thing you should worry about is what happens the next time you lay a hand on my wife." His gaze darkened. "Because I won't be so merciful."

Michael swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. He glanced at me, then back at Xavier, as if hoping one of us would tell him this was just some sick joke. But it wasn't. Xavier wasn't done. He crouched down slightly, lowering his voice so only Michael could hear.

"You thought you had all the power, didn't you? You thought you could control everything and everyone. But you made one mistake, Michael." Xavier straightened, adjusting the cuffs of his jacket. "You underestimated me."

Michael's hands clenched into fists, his face contorting with frustration.

I felt Xavier's firm grip around my waist as he gently guided me back inside. My heart raced with excitement, but I couldn't stop the laughter bubbling up from my chest. "So, this was the grand reveal, huh?" I teased as we walked through the grand hall.

Xavier gave me a knowing smirk and shook his head. "No, my love," he whispered. "The grand reveal isn't here yet."

A chill ran down my spine. There was more to come.

Before I could ask, he pulled me to a stop near the grand entrance, turning me toward him. His hands cupped my face, his thumb gently brushing across my cheek.

"I'm done hiding, Rachel. From now on, I'm going to protect you. I'll make sure no one ever hurts you again."

My breath caught. He leaned in, his lips brushing against mine in a slow, deliberate kiss. When he pulled away, his fingers slid down my arm, intertwining with mine. "Shall we?"

Hand in hand, we marched toward the entrance of the ballroom. As we reached the grand doors, the announcer's voice rang out across the hall.

"Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Blake Crawford."

The moment we stepped inside, the entire room froze.

Gasps filled the air. Some guests dropped their champagne glasses, others whispered frantically among themselves.

Maria's face drained of color. Her eyes widened, her mouth opening and closing like a fish gasping for air.

Susan's hands flew to her chest, her fingers clutching her pearl necklace like it might somehow steady her.

Gerald, the mighty, powerful Gerald Russo, sat frozen in his seat, his fingers digging into the tablecloth. His expression was unreadable, but I could see the tension in his jaw, the barely controlled fury in his eyes.

Michael, who had followed us in, looked like he'd been struck by lightning. His entire body stiffened, his eyes locked onto Xavier as if he were staring at something impossible.

I could hear the whispers spreading like wildfire.

"That's Xavier Crawford?"

"He can walk?"

"Did they lie to us all this time?"

"What's going on?"

Xavier ignored the murmurs, his grip on my waist tightening as he led me through the stunned guests.

But we weren't finished yet.

The double doors opened again, and the room fell silent once more.

Two figures stepped inside—dignified, commanding.

My grandparents.

Their mere presence demanded respect. My grandmother, draped in an elegant silver gown, held her head high, her expression calm but firm.

My grandfather, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit, surveyed the room with the quiet authority of a man who had built empires.

The air shifted. There was power in their presence—undeniable, unshakable.

Every guest turned toward them, their eyes wide with shock.

Gerald finally rose from his seat, pressing his hands against the table as if trying to steady himself.

"What is the meaning of this?" His voice was sharp, demanding.

My grandfather ignored him. He stepped forward, his gaze sweeping over the crowd before it settled on me.

Then, in a deep, commanding voice, he announced:

"Allow me to reintroduce my granddaughter, the heiress of Blake Empire."

The silence that followed was deafening.

It felt like the entire world had stopped.

And then—

Crash!

A glass shattered on the marble floor.

Susan's breath hitched, her face a mix of shock and disbelief. Maria's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets. Gerald's grip on the table tightened, his knuckles turning white.

I let a slow, satisfied smile curl onto my lips.

This was just the beginning.