Don’t Fall for the Billionaire Lover

David paid no mind to the restless crowd. He carried on, "Now, let's welcome Mr. Grant, the CEO of QUEEN Jewelry Group, to the stage." Instantly, the once noisy crowd fell silent.

David spoke in English, but everyone was wearing wireless earpieces that translated his words into their native tongues, ensuring everyone understood. The shock that rippled through the audience was due to this being the first public appearance of the QUEEN Jewelry Group's CEO. Over the years, he had never attended any of the jewelry shows. People knew him only by name, never by face. The crowd, which had been buzzing with protest, quieted down, their curiosity piqued. All eyes were glued to the stage.

At that moment, a tall figure emerged beside the stage. Dressed in a sleek black suit, he strode up with confident, unhurried steps. While his face was still obscured, the sharp aura he exuded seemed to permeate every corner of the exhibition hall. Soon, he stood at the center of the stage. A spotlight beamed down, revealing his features.

At first glance, his facial features seemed ordinary, but together, they formed an unexpectedly striking visage. His cold and deep-set features looked as if they were sculpted from winter ice, with eyes like icy pools. His straight nose bore a pair of gold-rimmed glasses, which didn't give off a scholarly vibe, but rather hinted at a restrained defiance and ambition. It was as if beneath this polished exterior lurked a fierce beast. His demeanor was chilly and unyielding, radiating an aloofness that warned against intrusion. Grant's gaze swept over the audience. His voice was calm yet carried an air of arrogance, "The decision to broadcast this event globally was made at the last minute. If any guests here disapprove, you're free to leave now. I won't stop you." His tone was marked by an indifferent authority, as if he was unconcerned about others' opinions.

Chloe watched Grant on stage, a smile creeping onto her lips. After all these years, her friend hadn't changed a bit-always maintaining that dismissive attitude. He wouldn't bother pleasing anyone, not even the global elites present today. Earlier, Chloe used to think he looked at everyone like they were mere ants, accusing him of disrespect. But it turned out, he treated everyone equally. To him, everyone was an ant.

Connor, standing nearby, noticed Chloe's smile and sensed something was off. Could she know the CEO of QUEEN? But he found it unlikely. Chloe had never mentioned it. Besides, he knew Mr. Grant had always lived in Eldridge City. The Ballard family was a unique force among the Eldridge Elites. They had sprung up in Eldridge City a decade ago, lacking the century-old heritage of the other four major families. Yet their power matched three of those families, except for the Sartori family. Curiously, no one could uncover the Ballard family's origins. Their rise to wealth and prominence among the Eldridge Elites remained a mystery. The Ballard family seemed to have appeared out of nowhere, a dark horse in the business world. They had a myriad of enterprises, with QUEEN Jewelry Group being just one. In a few short years, they had climbed to the top of the global luxury pyramid, surpassing historically rich brands to become the world's most sought-after jewelry brand.