She Used Me for a Dare… Now I Own Her Mother

Chapter 468: Convocation Day(3)

The Grand Convocation Hall of Blackwood University was nothing short of breathtaking.

As Alex and the group stepped through the towering arched entrance, the sheer extravagance of the venue hit them like a wave.

Massive crystal chandeliers hung from the impossibly high ceiling, casting a warm golden glow over everything. The walls were adorned with rich black and gold drapery embroidered with the university’s crest, while fresh floral arrangements... deep crimson roses and elegant white lilies... lined every aisle and balcony.

A wide, polished marble stage dominated the front, backed by a towering digital screen displaying the Blackwood motto in flowing script.

It didn’t feel like a university ceremony anymore. It felt like the grand ballroom of a palace.

The seating arrangement was equally meticulous and hierarchical. The central floor section was reserved for graduates, arranged in neat rows with plush velvet seats bearing each student’s name in gold lettering.

Behind them, elevated tiers offered premium seating for parents and families, complete with personal attendants and small gift bags containing commemorative items.

Further back and to the sides were exclusive VIP boxes and private balconies reserved for the most influential alumni, donors, and high-profile guests — roped off with velvet cords and guarded discreetly by staff.

Even among the elite, the divisions were clear.

Alex’s group was guided toward the graduate section in the middle, while their parents were directed to the family tiers just behind.

As they took their seats, Alex scanned the hall with sharp, calm eyes. Everything was perfect. Luxurious. Excessive.

Yet to him, it all felt strangely hollow.

This world of silk, gold, and carefully curated prestige... the same world that had once tried to break him... now seemed so small. So fragile.

Most of the students and their parents had already taken their seats. Excitement was visible on nearly every face... wide smiles, whispered conversations, phones held high for last-minute photos, and proud parents adjusting their children’s gowns one final time.

The energy in the Grand Convocation Hall was electric, buzzing with the anticipation of closure and new beginnings.

Then, a subtle shift rippled through the crowd.

Alex’s gaze drifted toward the grand entrance just as a new group arrived. Marcus walked in at the center, flanked by his usual lackeys, with Robert and Tyler close behind.

But it was the figures behind them that caused the real stir.

Murmurs erupted across the hall like spreading wildfire.

"So that’s Edward Steele..." one student whispered in awe. "I’ve only caught glimpses of him on campus before. The man looks even more imposing in person."

"Woah... and that’s Natalia Steele beside him," another voice added, barely containing her excitement. "I’ve heard so much about her beauty, but damn... she really lives up to the reputation."

"She’s breathtaking..."

Alex’s lips curved into a faint, dangerous smirk as he watched the group make their way toward the VIP family section.

Edward Steele — Marcus’s father — carried himself with the quiet authority of old money and hidden power. But it was Natalia Steele who commanded the room without even trying.

She had prepared herself with extra care today. Her elegant black-and-gold dress clung to her curves like a second skin, the neckline plunging just enough to be daring yet sophisticated. Her skin glowed under the chandelier light, and an almost tangible aura of seduction radiated from her... confident, mature, and dangerously alluring.

Every step she took turned heads, her hips swaying with natural grace.

Her eyes scanned the hall for only a moment before locking directly onto Alex, as if she had known exactly where he was sitting all along. A slow, seductive wink followed... intimate, hungry, and filled with promise.

Several students who had been openly staring at her gasped and quickly looked away, cheeks flushed.

Alex met her gaze steadily and gave a small, composed nod in return. The corner of his mouth twitched upward in quiet amusement.

’Perfect timing.’

The pieces were falling into place even faster than he had anticipated. Sophia’s desperate "gift" was still waiting for him after the ceremony, and now Natalia had shown up in full force.

Today was going to be far more entertaining than anyone in this glittering hall could imagine.

Marcus’s group noticed him immediately.

Marcus’s face darkened with visible irritation, his eyes narrowing sharply in Alex’s direction. Tyler and Robert... still simmering from their earlier humiliation... shot him murderous glares as well.

’Hmm?’ Alex wondered briefly. He could understand Tyler and Robert’s hostility after what happened outside... but Marcus? The glare from him carried something deeper, more personal.

He shook his head slightly, dismissing the thought.

’Doesn’t matter.’ He was going to see a lot of those glares today. Many more before the sun set.

Alex leaned back in his seat, calm and collected, his posture relaxed yet commanding.

The murmurs around the hall continued like a low hum, growing in intensity as Marcus’s group made their way toward the exclusive private VIP section reserved for the most influential families.

Edward and Natalia Steele, along with the parents of Tyler and Robert, were escorted to their designated area with utmost deference.

Marcus and his lackeys followed quickly, joining them in the elevated, roped-off balcony that offered the best view of the stage.

’Where is Sophia?’ Alex thought, his sharp eyes scanning the hall once more. ’She must be with her mother and aunt.’

Victoria and Catherine had both messaged him early that morning, informing him they would be attending. Vivienne Vanderbilt was coming as well. He knew they would appear eventually... powerful women like them never missed an opportunity to make an entrance.

The question was simply when.

The lights in the hall dimmed further as a ripple of anticipation swept through the crowd.

"The President is here..."

"Miranda Whitman..."

Blackwood University’s President, Miranda Whitman — a tall, authoritative woman in her late forties with sharp features and an air of unshakeable confidence — walked gracefully down the central aisle. She was not alone.

She personally guided two distinguished figures beside her, both radiating power and elegance that made even the elite crowd sit up straighter.

Behind them followed the Vice Presidents and other senior faculty, forming an impressive procession.

Alex’s eyes narrowed slightly with interest as he watched them ascend toward the stage.

The real players of Blackwood were finally gathering.

His gaze shifted, and he spotted Sophia. She was walking gracefully between her mother, Victoria, and her aunt, Catherine — the three of them commanding attention as they moved through the hall. Sophia looked radiant and genuinely happy, basking in the limelight of being seen with two such powerful and elegant women.

For once, she wasn’t trying to hide in anyone’s shadow; she was thriving in it.

’Why didn’t James come?’ Alex wondered. He knew both Catherine and Victoria weren’t here merely for a casual tour. This was Blackwood University— a real nexus of power and influence. Their presence was a deliberate statement.

They were here to show the elite world that they were very much alive, active, and untouchable.

He shook those thoughts away and focused on the two beautiful women who had become his. Victoria and Catherine carried themselves with effortless authority, their elegant dresses accentuating their mature, commanding figures. They scanned the hall with sharp, knowing eyes until they found him.

Both women’s lips curved into mischievous, almost playful smiles. Victoria gave him a subtle, teasing wink, while Catherine’s gaze lingered a second longer with clear promise before they turned their attention back to the stage.

Sophia, too, was already watching him. Her elegant gown hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating every curve. Her expression was a mix of nervousness and barely concealed hunger. When their eyes met across the hall, she offered him a small, intimate smile and subtly tilted her head toward one of the side exits... a clear, private signal.

’Later.’

Alex returned a faint nod, his dangerous smirk hidden beneath a calm exterior.

Sophia exchanged a few quick words with her mother and aunt, then parted ways with them. She moved gracefully through the crowd, heading straight toward Alex and his group, her steps filled with purpose.

The ceremony was moments away from starting, but the real events of the day were already unfolding.

The lights in the Grand Convocation Hall dimmed even further, casting a dramatic spotlight on the polished marble stage. A respectful hush fell over the crowd as President Miranda Whitman, accompanied by the two distinguished guests, ascended the wide steps with graceful authority.

Miranda Whitman moved with the confidence. She approached the podium, her posture impeccable, and adjusted the microphone with a practiced smile that radiated both warmth and power.

"Esteemed faculty, proud parents, distinguished guests, and our beloved graduates," she began, her voice clear and resonant. "Today, we celebrate not only academic excellence but the forging of futures that will shape our world. It is my distinct honor to introduce two extraordinary individuals whose achievements embody the very spirit of Blackwood excellence."

She turned gracefully toward her first guest.

"First, please welcome Ms. Catherine Blackwood... the esteemed heir of the Great Blackwood Family. A trailblazing business magnate, philanthropist, and strategic visionary whose groundbreaking expansions in international trade, sustainable technology investments, and global humanitarian initiatives have earned her recognition across continents. Her leadership has not only elevated entire industries but has also created opportunities for thousands of young talents worldwide."

Miranda’s voice carried genuine admiration as she continued.

"We are incredibly fortunate and proud that she is one of Blackwood University’s distinguished alumnae. Her journey from these very halls to the pinnacle of power stands as an inspiration to every student who walks through our gates."

Catherine stepped forward with elegant confidence, her presence commanding and graceful. She offered a poised nod to the audience, her eyes subtly sweeping across the hall with quiet authority.

The applause that followed was thunderous and filled with awe.

Miranda waited for it to settle before turning to the second guest with equal reverence.

"And beside her," Miranda continued, her voice filled with genuine admiration, "we are privileged to have Mrs. Victoria Blackwood — CEO of Blackwood Industries, a formidable trailblazer in technological innovation, strategic leadership, and global enterprise. Her groundbreaking advancements have redefined entire industries, shattered conventional boundaries, and inspired countless young minds to dream bigger and reach higher."

Victoria stepped forward gracefully, offering a serene yet commanding smile as she gave a slight, elegant bow of her head. Her presence alone radiated quiet power and sophistication.

The applause grew significantly louder, especially from the VIP sections and among the influential families in the balconies.

Miranda waited for the ovation to gradually subside before speaking again, her tone warm yet commanding.

"These remarkable individuals have graciously agreed to share their wisdom with our graduates today. Their presence here reminds us all that true success is not merely measured by accomplishments, but by the enduring legacy we leave behind."