DEAR CHEATED GIRLFRIEND, I AM TRILLIONAIRE HEIR

CHAPTER 8 ACCUSED

The orphanage sat on a vast stretch of land, an undeveloped gem that had become the center of a silent war among business elites. Tonight’s gala wasn’t just about charity—it was a battlefield where the powerful would compete under the guise of generosity.

As the night deepened, the square in front of the orphanage shimmered under golden lights. Luxury cars lined the entrance, and high-profile figures, dressed in their finest attire, stepped onto the red carpet, engaging in polite conversations while secretly sizing each other up.

Sophia Yale, one of the most prominent figures in the room, stepped out of her car with effortless grace. Heads turned, murmurs spread, and even seasoned businessmen cast appreciative glances.

Yet, what truly sent ripples through the crowd was the man walking beside her—Karvel Cross.

Dressed in a simple yet well-tailored black suit, Karvel carried none of the arrogance or vanity that filled the air tonight. His demeanor was calm, composed, and entirely uninterested in the social games being played around him.

At the entrance stood the orphanage director, an elderly man with sharp eyes and a warm smile. The moment his gaze landed on Karvel, his entire expression changed—shock, delight, and deep respect flickered across his face in quick succession.

“Mr. Cross…?” The director took a step forward, his voice carrying genuine surprise. “You’re here?”

Sophia arched an eyebrow. Mr. Cross?

She was used to people giving her special treatment, but the tone the director used for Karvel—it was different. Not just respect, but reverence.

Karvel gave a slight nod, shaking the director’s hand firmly. “Of course. I wouldn’t miss it.”

The director held onto his hand a moment longer, studying him with something akin to admiration. Then, in a rare move, he inclined his head ever so slightly—a subtle yet undeniable sign of respect.

“It is truly an honor,” the director said. “The children and I have been looking forward to your arrival.”

Before Sophia could even process what was happening, a group of children rushed out of the orphanage.

“Big Brother Karvel!”

Their voices rang out, clear and full of excitement.

Sophia barely had time to react before the children swarmed around Karvel, their small hands grabbing at his sleeves, their faces glowing with joy.

“You’re late!” a little boy accused, arms crossed in mock anger.

“I know,” Karvel said, crouching down to ruffle his hair. “Got caught up with something. Think you can forgive me?”

The boy huffed. “Only if you play soccer with us later.”

Karvel chuckled. “That’s a tough negotiation. But deal.”

Sophia, standing slightly off to the side, could only stare.

What the hell is this?

She had walked into countless places where people treated her with admiration, with reverence—she was Sophia Yale, after all.

Yet here, in a place she had come to offer charity, she was the outsider.

Meanwhile, Karvel, the man she had assumed was merely an interesting enigma, was not just known—he was respected. Loved.

The director turned to her, his smile polite. “Miss Yale, welcome. We are deeply grateful for your generosity tonight.”

Sophia managed a smile, though her mind was still racing. “Of course.”

The director’s gaze flickered back to Karvel. “It’s been some time, Mr. Cross. Your presence alone means more than you know.”

Karvel’s expression remained unreadable. “I just came to see some old friends.”

The director chuckled. “Humble as always.”

Sophia’s fingers curled slightly.

She had spent years cultivating the right image—powerful, untouchable, and well-connected.

As they moved further into the event, several high-profile figures passed by. Recognizing an opportunity, she greeted them with a confident smile.

“Mr. Langford, it's been a while,” she said smoothly, nodding toward an older businessman. “I trust your recent projects are going well?”

The man barely glanced at her. Instead, his eyes widened when they landed on the man beside her.

“Mr. Cross? Is that you?”

Karvel, who had been silently surveying the event, raised an eyebrow. “Do I know you?”

The businessman laughed heartily. “Of course! You helped me last year with my—ah, let’s just say, a health issue that none of my doctors could figure out.”

Before Sophia could recover from the unexpected shift, another VIP joined in.

“Karvel Cross! I was just telling my wife about you the other day,” a wealthy investor chimed in, clapping Karvel on the shoulder like an old friend. “I still remember how you diagnosed my issue with a single glance. Saved me months of trouble.”

A third guest, a high-ranking official, quickly inserted himself into the conversation. “Mr. Cross, I never had the chance to properly thank you for your advice. My father’s condition improved significantly after following your recommendations.”

One by one, more influential figures turned their attention toward Karvel, exchanging stories about how he had helped them in ways even the best specialists couldn’t.

Sophia stood slightly off to the side, her smile frozen in place.

What the hell is happening?

These were people she had worked hard to establish connections with, individuals who usually required careful negotiations and strategic favors. Yet here they were, practically flocking to Karvel.

And the most infuriating part?

He looked completely uninterested.

“I just gave some casual advice,” Karvel said, waving a hand dismissively. “Honestly, I don’t even remember most of you.”

Sophia’s eyebrow twitched. Does he not realize who these people are?

The VIPs merely laughed, brushing off his indifference with admiration.

“I wouldn’t call saving lives ‘casual,’” one of them said.

Before Sophia could press further, her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen, then sighed.

“I need to take care of something,” she told Karvel, slipping her phone back into her bag. “I’ll see you later.”

Karvel gave a simple nod. “Alright.”

As she walked away, her mind raced.

Just who the hell is Karvel Cross?

Just then, the soft hum of an approaching luxury car silenced the murmurs in the courtyard.

A sleek black Maybach slowly rolled up to the orphanage entrance, drawing every pair of eyes toward it. As the car came to a stop, the door smoothly opened, and a stunning woman stepped out.

A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.

Dressed in an elegant yet commanding ensemble, her presence alone sent waves of admiration through the men present. Sophisticated, untouchable, and breathtakingly beautiful.

Among those captivated was Vincent Langford .His eyes brightened as he practically rushed toward her, flashing his most charming smile.

“Mariya,” Vincent greeted smoothly, stepping closer. “Fate must truly favor me tonight, to bring us together like this.”

Mariya didn’t even spare him a glance as she adjusted her bracelet. “Step back, Vincent. You’re standing too close.”

Her cold rejection didn’t faze him. If anything, his grin widened. “Come now, Mariya. Why must you always be so distant? I’ve made my intentions clear time and time again.”

He straightened his suit dramatically, voice carrying across the gathering.

“In fact, tonight, I’ll say it before everyone—I have deep feelings for you. And I won’t stop until I win your heart.”

A few onlookers chuckled at his persistence, while others exchanged knowing looks.

Mariya’s expression didn’t change. “Your feelings are your own. They have nothing to do with me.”

Meanwhile, Karvel Cross, who had been standing not far away, observed the scene with a hint of amusement. His ex-wife and the jerk were here.

Pathetic.

Without another glance, he turned to leave.

But just as he took a step—

“Karvel.”

Mariya’s voice rang out, clear and deliberate.

He paused. Turned. Their eyes met.

For a brief moment, hesitation flickered in her gaze before she squared her shoulders. “You should turn yourself in.”

Karvel’s expression remained indifferent. “For what?”

Mariya crossed her arms. “The stolen gem. You still have a chance to clear your name.”

Karvel’s lips curled into a slow, mocking smirk.

“And if I refuse?”