The Billionaire's Retribution

Chapter 139

The sting of humiliation clung to Marcus’s skin as if it were a second layer. The once-grand ballroom now felt suffocating. Guests milled about in tight clusters, whispering behind half-raised champagne glasses, casting furtive glances in his direction. Magnus and Lady Theresa had thrown down the gauntlet in the most public, brutal way possible—and walked off the stage victorious. For the first time in years, Marcus felt like prey.

Mara tugged at his arm again. "Marcus, let’s leave now. They’re not worth it."

Marcus didn’t budge, his eyes locked on the empty stage. Fury boiled within him, his fists clenched so tight his knuckles turned white. Every part of him wanted to storm after Magnus, to rip the smug grin off his face and return the humiliation tenfold. But Marcus knew that reacting here, in front of everyone, would only deepen the damage Magnus had inflicted. He had to play this smarter.

Marco appeared beside him, a mask of calm on his face, though Marcus could see the tension i