Sold To A Billionaire novel Chapter 9

“CONGRATULATIONS, ZOE!” Nana Milky greeted Zoe as she exited the stage.
Zoe gave the elderly lady a genuine smile and hugged her. She then walked over to her mother, who was crying and standing on Nana Milky’s back.
Iris couldn’t help but cry as she watched her daughter walk across the stage to receive her awards and diploma. Words can’t describe how proud and happy she was.
“Mom…”
Iris shook her head, and she couldn’t stop thinking about what happened a few weeks ago. She regretted everything, and she was grateful that Zoe had allowed her to attend her graduation.
“Please accept my apologies—”
“Shh…” Zoe rushed up to her and tightly hugged her. “—don’t blame yourself, mom,” she released her grip and smiled. “We all commit mistakes, and I forgave you. And all I ask is that you promise me one thing...”
Iris bit her lower lip as she fixed her gaze on her daughter. She took Zoe’s hand in hers and squeezed it tightly as she met her gaze. “Please tell me, honey.”
Zoe cracked a grin. “Promise me you’ll never keep a secret again.”
Iris was stunned for a few seconds before smiling and nodding. “I swear to you. Come here,” she said and hugged her daughter once again.
“Well, I suppose it would be impolite to interrupt your mother-daughter reunion.”
Zoe let go of the embrace and turned to face the person with a deep but alluring voice.
“Congratulations.”
Zoe bit her lower lip as she stared at Helios. She was aware that they hadn’t been getting along well in recent days, and she admitted that she missed him.
She hadn’t seen him since that day. Nana just told her that he was going on another trip. And his presence this time took her by surprise.
“Hello,” Helios said as he handed her the tulip bouquet.
Zoe smiled at him as she held them. “Thank you.”
Helios sighed, smiled, and extended his arm to do the handshake with Zoe’s mother.
“I apologize for not formally introducing myself to you, Mrs. Levine.”
Iris shook her head and smiled. “I already know who you are, son. Don’t be concerned. Zoe told me about you.”
Helios’ brow furrowed as he looked at Zoe. Then Zoe averted her gaze.
“Oh, she did?”
“Yes, and I know you’re Don Lincoln’s son, and you’re the one who saved and paid off my debts to him.”
Helios nodded, his lips pressed together. “My name is Orion Helios, ma’am.”
“Orion?” Helios overheard Zoe’s mumble.
He smirked. “That’s my other name.”
Zoe gave a soft chuckle. “Uh, you didn’t say anything to me—”
“Do you require it? I believe what you said to me that day clarified everything.”
Zoe looked at him, perplexed, and she could taste the bitterness in his voice. “Helios…”
Nana Milky intervened, telling them that they needed to celebrate before starting a fire and burning everyone.
“I’d like to try Italian cuisine. So, maybe book a table at an Italian restaurant, Helios,” Nana suggested as she assisted Helios’ arm, and they began to walk away.
Nana motioned for Zoe to join her, so she grabbed her mother’s arm.
“Is there anything going on between you two, honey?”
Zoe rolled her eyes and stated that she didn’t want to think about it. She sighed deeply and shook her head. “Nothing, in particular, mom.”
“Zoe!”
When she heard her name, Zoe came to a halt and frowned.
“Hey. Congratulations, bitch!” It was Mira. She took a step forward and looked at her mother. You must be, Mrs. Levine.”
Iris smiled and nodded. “Good day, dear. And you are?” She reached out a hand to Mira.
“Mira Riverdale, Helios’ cousin,” Mira replied, crossing her arms in front of her chest and looking at Iris’ hand. She smirked as she looked at Zoe.
“Stop using my cousin, you scumbags. I understand how your mother works—”
“Please, stop, Mira. I don’t want to start a fight,” Zoe stated, trying to maintain her calm demeanor despite Mira’s insults.
Mira snorted. “Uh, Uncle doesn’t want people like you tainting their family—”
“Mira, what are you doing?”
Mira came to a halt, and her eyes widened as she heard Helios’ voice from behind her. She rolled her eyes and turned to face Helios.
“I’m just sending these two warnings—”
“And, Who gave you the right?”
Zoe was taken aback. She assumed Mira was friendly because of what she had witnessed over the last few days. Mira is always there to protect her. Even though she found it strange, she was grateful.
However, she already understands at this point.
Mira is not sincere. She’s just acting. If that’s the case, why does she need to confront them?
“My dear cousin. Have these lowlifes already tainted your mind?”
Helios clenched his fist as he approached them.
Zoe felt a pang in her chest. And her gaze wandered; few remained, and she was afraid they would cause a commotion.
“No matter how you dress them. They still smell like trash, Helios, especially Zoe,” Mira's insults are getting overboard.
She’s too much.
Zoe couldn’t help but move in closer. “What exactly did you say?”
Mira turned to face her, her brow furrowed. “Are you deaf or not?”
Mira laughed as Zoe clenched her jaw and gritted her teeth.
“Oh, the stray cat wants to bite me?” Mira laughed.
“Enough already, Mira. Stop interfering with my—”
“I’m not interfering, my dear cousin; I’m just trying to make some sense. You dislike it when Uncle gets angry with you.”
Helios snatched Mira’s arm and drew her closer to him. “Stop causing a fuss. You don’t want it when I’m angry,” he said quietly.
Zoe pressed her lips together and looked at her mother. “Let’s go,” she said and walked towards the parking lot.
When they got there, Nana Milky asked about Helios.
“He’s dealing with his cousin,” Zoe explained.
Nana Milky sighed and shook her head. “Mira is a spoiled brat,” she said.
Zoe cracked a grin. “She was born wealthy, Nana. And perhaps an only child—”
“No, she lacks respect in general.”
When she heard Helios’ voice, Zoe’s eyes widened.
The man approached the driver’s seat of his Range Rover.
‘Great! I could feel his coldness,’ she thought.