Return of the Crowned Heiress (Felicia)

Felicia scanned the list of companies one more time, from top to bottom, but Jupiter Group was not listed at all.

It made sense. In her previous life, the now-renowned conglomerate had only been a fledgling startup at this point, struggling through its early days. They likely hadn't even qualified for an invitation to such a high-profile venture capital event. Setting aside the thought, Felicia began surveying the other projects and companies present at the conference.

As she studied the scene, a cool voice interrupted her.Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

"What are you doing here?"

Felicia turned her head, instantly recognizing the speaker. It was none other than Arnold with his signature scowl.

Under normal circumstances, she would have told him to get lost without a second thought. However, things were different today.

She wasn't here just for the conference-she was here to outmaneuver him. She needed to keep a close eye on him if she wanted to snatch the investments that had propelled his success in her previous life.

Her lips curved into a small smile, and her eyes sparkled with a glint of mischief.

Arnold froze for a moment, caught off guard.

Was she... happy to see him?

For a split second, he felt oddly pleased.

But before he could dwell on the thought, Sebastian appeared, stepping neatly between them. With one arm, he draped himself protectively over Felicia's shoulder, creating a physical barrier between her and Arnold. "Let's go, Licia. I'll help you find a seat. No need to waste your time with strangers."

"Strangers?" Arnold's expression darkened instantly. The jab was anything but subtle. What was worse, Sebastian's dismissive tone stung more than it should have.

On impulse, Arnold reached out and grabbed Felicia's arm.

Suddenly, Felicia found herself caught in the middle-Sebastian's arm around her shoulder on one side and Arnold's hand gripping her wrist on the other. What was this circus?

She rolled her eyes, yanking her arm free from Arnold's grasp. "You two continue. I'll find a seat myself."

Before either man could protest, she spun on her heel and walked into the venue, leaving them behind.

The two men exchanged cold, measuring stares.

Sebastian broke the silence first, his tone icy. "Arnold, what's the meaning of this? Are you seriously trying to grab my sister right in front of me?" Arnold didn't back down. "What's the problem? Felicia is my fiancée, after all."

"Fiancée?" Sebastian let out a sharp laugh, his expression a mix of disbelief and mockery. "You're joking, right? That engagement fiasco between the Lawsons and my family was nothing more than a laughingstock. And your behavior has been the biggest joke of all."

Arnold bristled but didn't reply immediately, giving Sebastian an opening to press on.

"Tell me, Arnold," Sebastian

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continued, his voice laced with disdain. "When you talk about fiancée, which sister are you referring to? Are you referring Felicia or the one you're always playing ambiguously close to-Kayla?"

Arnold stiffened, his composure faltering.

Sebastian's gaze grew sharper, and his words colder. "You can't have it both ways. Don't call Felicia your fiancée when you're flirting with Kayla on the side. Do you think 'm blind? Or do you just think I'm stupid?"

"I've always treated Kayla like a sister," Arnold argued, though his voice lacked conviction.

Sebastian snorted. "Do you think I believe that?"

His sharp eyes narrowed further, his naturally refined and handsome features tinged with icy anger. The force of his glare was almost palpable.

Arnold drew a deep breath, trying to keep his temper in check. "You're blowing this out of proportion. How long have we known each other, Sebastian? Don't let this come between us-"

"If you truly see Kayla as a sister, then stop acting so ambiguously with her. Don't give anyone-especially her-the wrong idea."