Chapter 4 - The Betrayal at the Gala
VIRAL HOOK: "My Ruined Ex-Fiancé Walked Into the Billionaire’s Charity Gala, Holding Hands with My New Boss’s Sister!"
The grand ballroom of the Grand Plaza Hotel was a sea of glittering diamonds, champagne flutes, and high-society whispers.
Isabelle stood at the top of the grand staircase, her hand resting on Julian’s arm. She wore a breathtaking emerald green silk gown that clung to her curves, her blonde hair styled in elegant waves. Julian looked devastatingly handsome in a custom tuxedo, his eyes scanning the crowd like a predator searching for prey.
To the world, they were the city’s newest, most intriguing couple—the reclusive billionaire and his mysterious new love.
But inside, Isabelle was shaking.
"Stay calm," Julian murmured, his hand gently covering hers. "I have security guards at every exit. He cannot escape tonight."
"I'm not worried about him escaping," Isabelle whispered. "I'm worried about what he'll do when he sees me."
"He won't touch you. I swear it on my life," Julian said, his voice fierce with a sudden, protective warmth that made Isabelle’s heart skip a beat.
They descended the stairs, immediately surrounded by reporters and socialites. Julian handled the crowd with ease, but Isabelle’s eyes were locked on the VIP lounge at the back of the room.
And then, the crowd parted.
Walking through the double doors, arm-in-arm with Evelyn, was Derek.
He looked exactly as he did the day he ruined her life—smug, handsome, and impeccably dressed. His dark hair was slicked back, and a million-dollar smile plastered his face. He was laughing at something Evelyn said, completely at ease in a room full of people he had likely defrauded.
Isabelle’s breath caught in her throat. Her hands began to shake violently.
As if sensing her gaze, Derek looked up. His eyes met hers.
For a fraction of a second, his smile faltered. Shock flashed across his face, followed quickly by a cold, calculating amusement. He whispered something to Evelyn, patted her hand, and began walking directly toward Julian and Isabelle.
"Julian, he's coming," Isabelle whispered, her voice tight.
"I see him," Julian growled, his body tense, ready to strike.
Derek stopped just a foot away, holding a glass of champagne. "Julian Vance," Derek said, his voice smooth as silk. "A pleasure to finally meet you. And... who is this lovely lady by your side?"
Derek looked at Isabelle as if she were a complete stranger. "We haven't met. I am Christian Drake."
"Cut the act, Derek," Julian said, his voice a deadly quiet rumble. "We know who you are. We know what you did to Clara, and we know what you did to Isabelle."
Derek chuckled, taking a sip of his champagne. "I’m afraid you have me confused with someone else, Mr. Vance. I am a licensed investor from Geneva. But tell me, Miss... Isabelle, is it? You look remarkably like a woman wanted by the federal authorities for a fifty-million-dollar wire fraud scheme at Briarwood Academy."
The guests nearby began to whisper, their eyes turning to Isabelle.
"You coward," Isabelle spat, stepping forward, her fear replaced by white-hot rage. "You forged my signature! You stole my life, and you used me to fund your sick games!"
"Fascinating story," Derek said smoothly, leaning in close so only they could hear. "But who do you think the police will believe? A respected international businessman... or a homeless girl found begging on Platform 7, living under the roof of a man whose wife died under very 'suspicious' circumstances?"
Derek smiled, his eyes flashing with malice. "Oh, didn't Julian tell you? Clara didn't die in a car crash, Isabelle. She was dead before the car ever hit the ravine. Poisoned. And do you want to guess whose signature was on the purchase order for the toxin shipped to Briarwood Academy just a week before?"
Isabelle gasped, her eyes darting to Julian.
May you like
Julian’s face went completely pale. "You..."
"Have a lovely evening, everyone," Derek said, raising his glass in a mock toast. "And Julian... I'd check on your daughters if I were you. The nanny is out, and the house is so very empty."
