Return Of The Real Heiress: Secrets And Masks
My Billionaire Family 131

Liam watched as Cherise vanished from sight almost instantly and turned to Trent, saying, "Wait, am I really that off-putting?"

Trent chuckled. "Well, you were always trying to make her follow in your footsteps and even go on a world tour. Given Cherise's temperament, just coming to Betrico this year is already a huge step forward." Liam placed his hands on his hips and shook his head. "What a hassle. I hope this selection competition goes smoothly. I'm looking forward to retiring early." With that, he sighed, lost in his thoughts. As soon as Cherise stepped out of the Dean's office, she dialed Dora's number. When the call connected, she said, "Dora, he's back!"

On the other end, Dora, who was listening to a report from her subordinates, felt her heart skip a beat and unconsciously bit her lip. The words "he's back" kept echoing in her mind, leaving her slightly dazed. Seeing their usually decisive boss looking like this, her subordinates couldn't help but ask, "Ms. Xenakis, are you alright?"

Dora finally snapped out of it and waved her hand. "I'm fine. Let's leave it here for today. We'll continue tomorrow."

Her subordinates exchanged glances, unsure of what to say, and left the CEO's office with their files in hand.

Once the door closed, Dora was left alone in the office.

She slowly stood up, her hand trembling slightly as she picked up the water glass on her desk and took several gulps. The icy water slid down her throat, calming her previously unsettled heart.

She walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and gazed outside, memories replaying in her mind.

Seven years ago, when she was 21, she went on a trip to Yasvissa with her ex-boyfriend. Unexpectedly, they encountered a landslide. She was accidentally pinned down by falling rocks from the mountain, and her ex-boyfriend abandoned her to save himself. It was Cherise, only 13 years old at the time, who rescued her and took her back to Saphira.

During her year of recovery in Saphira, she met Liam, who was ten years older than she was.

He was elegant, charming, and attentive, while she was beautiful and young back then, gradually developing feelings for him. Yet, the difference in their ages and backgrounds made Dora hesitate.

At that time, though he hadn't yet achieved his current success, he was already a well-known pianist with a powerful family background. She, on the other hand, was just a freshly graduated university student with nothing to her name. She tried to escape, but he followed.

"Dora, why do you keep avoiding me? Don't you like me?" Liam asked.

"Liam, I just don't think we're meant to be together. I'm afraid..." Dora hesitated.

"Dora, do you think I'm too old? I knew it, alas!" Liam sighed.

"No, no, Liam, you may be ten years older than me, but you look young. I just... I just don't feel good enough for you," Dora replied.

"Dora, there's no such thing as 'good enough' or not. You're so young and wonderful. I'm the one who doesn't deserve you," Liam said, gazing intently at her. "Dora, can you wait for me a little longer?"

Dora was puzzled.

Liam sighed. "My mother was an exceptional pianist. Before she passed, I promised her that within ten years, I would become the most outstanding pianist in Clusia, and even worldwide. Otherwise, I'll remain alone for the rest of my life." "I'm preparing to go to Ostara to study under a master, go on a world tour, fulfill my mother's last wish, and improve myself to be worthy of being with someone as young and wonderful as you," Liam said.

After he spoke, he looked at Dora, as if seeking her approval. "Dora, will you wait for me to come back?"

*****

Her thoughts drifted back to the present. Dora took a deep breath. Over these years, she had worked tirelessly to improve herself, climbing step by step.

She had always hoped that when he returned, she'd be someone who could stand proudly by his side, who wouldn't be disparaged by his family or the world.

Year after year passed. Seven years later, that once-naive girl had transformed into a capable, alluring, mature career woman. However, when she realized that Liam was at the peak of his fame and success, her old feelings of inadequacy surged back.

'Indeed, he's a renowned piano maestro with a prestigious family background. Even though I've made some achievements in business, I'm still just an orphan with no family background,' Dora thought. Dora took a deep breath, lifted her head, and tried her hardest to keep the tears from falling. But despite her efforts, she failed.