Return of the Crowned Heiress novel Chapter 212

"And as for you and Felicia—forget it," Sebastian said firmly, his voice cutting like a blade. "She doesn't like you and never will. She definitely won't marry you. Stop using that 'fiancé' title to act self-important. If I hear it again, you'll regret it."

Without waiting for a reply, Sebastian turned on his heel and strode into the venue.

Spotting Felicia already seated, he walked over and sat beside her.

Felicia blinked up at him, then glanced back toward the entrance. Sure enough, Arnold had entered the venue but hadn't left. She relaxed slightly.

For today, he was more than just an annoyance—he was a radar. She couldn't afford to let him slip away.

The venture capital conference began on schedule.

Entrepreneurs and project creators took to the stage one by one, presenting their ideas with passion and vigor in hopes of securing investments. The atmosphere buzzed with energy and potential.

Felicia, however, had her eyes glued to Arnold. She watched his every move, trying to discern which project would catch his attention.

After a while, Arnold seemed to sense her gaze. His eyes flicked upward, meeting hers. His stern expression softened slightly, and his lips quirked upward into a faint smile.

"What's he thinking now?" Felicia thought, irritated.

She quickly averted her gaze, unwilling to fuel his imagination further.

Yet, to her surprise, the conference came and went without Arnold making a single move. He didn't invest in any of the projects or engage with any of the entrepreneurs.

Frustrated, Felicia leaned toward Sebastian and asked in a low voice, "Which project stood out to you today?"

Sebastian tilted his head thoughtfully. "They all seemed solid."

"All of them?" She frowned.

"Yeah. Plenty of potential across the board, but who's to say which one will actually succeed? Investing is always a gamble," Sebastian replied matter-of-factly.

The conference concluded, and Sebastian ran into a few acquaintances as the crowd left. While he chatted with them, Felicia wandered off, bored.

Realizing the time, he panicked. His glasses nearly slid off his nose as he scrambled to gather his things. "No one reminded me it was my turn!"

Clutching his wrinkled notes, he bolted toward the venue.

Inside, most of the investors had already left.

Desperate, the young man began pleading with the remaining few. "Please, sir, just five minutes to look at my project. It's innovative—I promise you'll be impressed!"

One investor barely spared him a glance. "I've already committed eight million today. I'm not looking at anything else."

Undeterred, he approached another. "Please, just five minutes. Here's my project proposal. I—"

Before he could finish, the investor's assistant stepped in, brushing him aside.

He tried repeatedly, bowing deeply and repeating his plea. But every time, he was met with rejection or indifference. No one stopped to listen.