The Mafia Heiress's Comeback: She's More Than You Think novel Chapter 284

Chapter 284 Negotiation

“Keep your wits about you. It’s possible your family are watching us right now.” Maren noticed the surveillance camera in the corner, conveniently pointing in their direction.

With deliberate ease, she reached for a glass filled with burgundy liquid, feigning nonchalance.

“Seriously? Why would they bother spying on us?” Lucien mirrored her, picking up his own drink and moving with her to a quieter corner.

She twirled the wine in her hand but didn’t sip it. Her attention was elsewhere–focused on tonight’s unfolding

scheme.

Without a doubt, Higgs would target them. To be precise, she was his objective.

After all, Lucien was the legitimate heir, and he had no flaws to exploit. But Maren’s link to the criminal underworld could be used against him.

“Have you not realized how few of your kin are present? Most attendees are already here, yet none of the senior members have shown up. That’s a blatant breach of custom–implying they’re prioritizing something else entirely.” Maren’s voice was composed, her thoughts sharp. From the second she stepped inside, she had been observing the Marshalls.

They carried the sharpest blades behind their smiles–and they were her greatest concern.

As if on cue, Calvert entered, flanked by Marshall family members.

“Thank you for joining me on this special occasion…” Calvert began, delivering his welcome like lines rehearsed a hundred times.

To Maren, it was background noise.

Gregory’s earlier words still echoed in her memory.

The influence across Voutsas rested almost completely in the grasp of the Marshalls. Events like these held little weight in their eyes–nothing more than obligatory rituals.

The other attendees seemed equally indifferent.

Higgs, for one, made no effort to hide his disinterest. He strolled towards Maren, holding a half–filled glass, and asked, “Care to keep me company, lovely?”

“Lucien’s off working the room, building rapport, but you appear to have plenty of time to spare,” Maren observed, eyeing Higgs with a cool gaze.

Although most people here seemed to align with the Marshall family, their exact loyalties remained uncertain. That was why Lucien was trying to mingle.

Higgs, however, seemed utterly detached. Bringing someone like Yvette along had already ruffled feathers. It

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Chapter 224 Negotiation

was clear he had no interest in earning approval

I’m just a plain speaking man Can’t stand all the fake diplomatic performances. Look at Lucien—normally cold as len, but suddenly warm and charming now that he wants support. Pathetic, really,” Higgs remarked.

Maren didn’t dismiss him, so he took the opportunity to sit beside her, lifting his drink in a quiet toast.

“Lucien may lack authenticity, but that’s the name of the game. Honest motives are rare. But you? You don’t need to pretend at all,” Maren said before sipping slowly, crimson liquid vanishing behind her lips.

The moment made something shift inside Higgs.

“Why do you think 1 don’t need to pretend?” he asked.

“Because there’s someone powerful behind the curtain. We’ve crossed paths before, haven’t we?” She was referring to the time she and Lucien had been trailed and ambushed.

“Ha–ha!” Higgs let out a laugh. “So you figured it out–my support runs deeper than his. So why not team up with me? I’d treat you like royalty.”

“I’m with Lucien. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?” His gaze gave him away, but Maren didn’t call him out. “Oh please. You think I can’t tell? You’ve clearly never slept with a man. I’ve been with enough women, and I know that scent. I can smell that purity.”

Higgs had defiled more innocent women than he could count. One glance was enough for him–Maren was untouched. He had no doubt Lucien hadn’t claimed her.

That certainty left no space for denial. Still, Maren stayed firm. “Sorry, I’m not interested in you.”

“You ought to reconsider. Lucien might be good at fighting, but that won’t cut it against me. You’re just posing as his partner to gain status in Voutsas, aren’t you? If it’s all strategy, then why not align with me?”

Higgs genuinely thought he was the superior option.

Maren fascinated him–and frankly, she captivated everyone.

In the past, people had looked down on her because she was labeled useless. But her beauty had always been undeniable. Now, with her talents revealed, nothing held her back. She had become irresistible.

“You’ve studied me so carefully, obsessed even. So tell me why did you come after me with piercing ammunition last time? You nearly ended my life.” Maren didn’t answer Higgs‘ question. Instead, she met his question with her own.

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