The Tycoon's Odyssey

A brief silence ensued in the banquet hall, punctuated by the subdued murmurs of guests processing the unexpected revelation.

The cheerful atmosphere came to a sudden halt except for occasional murmurs.

Despite the hush, Noah appeared to relish the moment, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes.

He took Sonalia's hands in his own, drawing the attention of everyone in the room. With a playful smirk, he addressed the crowd, "What's the matter? Are you shocked? Are you happy?"

He paused, letting the suspense build before continuing, "It's good to be a bit shocked. I was even surprised when I learned I would be marrying such an incredible person. I consider myself incredibly fortunate."

After a brief pause, the room erupted into applause, and the guests began to offer their warmest congratulations. Noah, still holding Sonalia's hands, descended from the podium with a graceful stride. He and Sonalia moved through the crowd, exchanging polite greetings and heartfelt well-wishes with those gathered.

As the crowd buzzed with excitement, Evan, observing the scene, turned to Daniel, who wore a notably serious expression. "What's going on?" Evan asked quietly, curiosity evident in his tone.

Daniel glanced at Evan, a hint of gravity in his voice. "You don't know much about the Rajputs, do you?"

Evan frowned slightly, awaiting further explanation.

Seeing Evan's expression, Daniel shook his head, "I don't even know if I am allowed to say it, and knowing much might be not good."

"Just know one thing, having Rajput's backing is enough to make you a king, "muttering solemnly, Daniel turned his attention towards Noah, "If previously he reigned as Crown Prince of Utkal, now he would be the Prince of Indra…"

Evan noticed envy and jealousy burning in Daniel's eyes, and asked with an amused expression, "Are you jealous?"

"Of course I am. On top of her looks, do you know how much influence her family has," Daniel whispered.

"Nah, never heard of it."Evan shook his head, making Daniel's expression falter when he just patted Evan's back.

"It's..Okay...Do you want to have a drink?"

"No!"

"Ohh! In that case, just stay here, I will grab one for me."

As Daniel moved through the crowd, the smartwatch on Evan's wrist glowed and whispered as Evan brought it closer.

[Sir, despite Noah's family sacrifice, I don't think it possible for Rajput to settle in unless..]

The watch in Evan hands glowed.

"I know, this friend of mine must have used some means. I know him very well."

A smile formed on Evan's lips as he thought over Noah.

Noah...That guy was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

He acts gentlemanly, respecting everyone and behaving as a Saint but inside, he is worse than a beast. A guy who always uses others to bid his kills without sullying his hands.

Such people hide deeply and Evan didn't know if the girl was acting but her expression seemed to be genuine of that girl who was in love.

As the crowd began to disperse, the atmosphere in the banquet hall shifted from the earlier excitement to a more relaxed ambiance. Evan observed the guests mingling and engaging in their own conversations while Noah and Sonalia made their way through the room, their path eventually leading them to Evan.

Evan felt that it wasn't unexpected and kept a polite smile.

Noah, with a smile, extended his hand to Evan. "I didn't think you'd come, considering you're usually the shy type."

Evan returned the smile as he spoke in a tone filled with warmth and sincerity "How could I miss my college mate's engagement?"

Noah nodded appreciatively, and then turned to introduce Sonalia. "Evan, this is my soon-to-be wife, Sonalia Rajput."

Evan stepped forward to offer his hand in greeting, but Sonalia ignored the gesture. Instead, she looked down at Evan with a forced smile and her eyes betraying her expression showcased a different emotion.

"I've heard a lot about you from Noah," she said, her voice polite but laced with an edge.

"Noah speaks highly of you, but I've heard you have quite a bit of unyielding pride. I've seen many men like you and in some ways I like such people."

Sonalia paused a bit curling her lips and with a sweet smile, she looked at Noah with a loving gaze, and then at Evan with disdain.

"Noah is prideful, but he has the wealth, charm, and stature to back it up. Such people look good when they act arrogant and prideful. But people who act prideful without knowing their place, on the other hand, are simply pitiful."

Her words were veiled in a deception of respect but were clearly meant to belittle Evan. The disdain in her eyes was unmistakable despite her smiling facade.

Evan's smile faltered a bit. He knew he would be targeted but he didn't think that it would be Noah's fiance, not Noah himself.

Evan took a moment to wonder if he was confronting now or playing subtly.

'Damn, this bitch is annoying.'cursing inwardly, Evan was about to open his lips when.

Noah, sensing the tension, quickly shifted the conversation. "So, Evan, where is your partner? I'd like to meet them."

Evan swallowed his words noting the underlying hostility in Sonalia's words but maintaining his composure, he replied calmly after all there was no need to flaunt as it was worthless to argue..

"I don't have one. but I'll pass on your regards."

"It seems, you could not find any, "Sonalia's smile remained fixed, but her gaze had already moved past Evan, indicating her disinterest.

Noah, trying to keep the interaction, laughed a bit,"It's okay Evan.we have some lovely girls here, so you can choose from one of them but..."

Drawing closer, he looked down at Evan and spoke softly,"But don't harass them if they don't want to dance with you."

"Best of luck," Noah patted Evan and was about to turn around when he heard a loud sound of heels clacking on the floor.

"Who said he doesn't have a partner?I am his partner.."

"HUH!"