Chapter 5 - The Masterpiece of Revenge"You... you designed the Skyline Center?" Ethan stammered, taking an involuntary step backward.
"Harper Brooks Designs," I replied, my lips curving into a razor-sharp smile. "Every beam, every foundation, every square foot of steel and glass in this very hotel bears my signature. Did you really think you were the only successful one in the marriage, Ethan? You were too busy building an empire of sand with your assistant to notice I was building a fortress."
Jessica pushed past Ethan, marching to the foot of the stage, her face twisted in a mask of furious humiliation. "Harper! What is the meaning of this psycho stunt? You’re ruining a charity gala! Security! Throw her out!"
"Shut up, Jessica," I snapped, the sheer authority in my voice freezing her in her tracks.
I didn't raise my voice, but the dead silence of the room made every syllable land like a physical blow.
"You called yourself a corporate leader, Jessica," I continued, walking slowly toward the grand staircase leading down to the ballroom floor. "Stealing another woman's husband, thinking you had won the grand prize. But you didn't win a husband, Jessica. You bought my leftovers. And even worse—you bought damaged goods."
"You arrogant bitch!" Jessica shrieked, lunging forward.
"Ah, ah, ah," Victoria Vance stepped into her path, waving a legally binding injunction. "Assault and slander on top of corporate conspiracy? I wouldn't recommend it, Ms. Reynolds. Especially since Reynolds-Parker Enterprises is about to be seized under federal asset-freezing orders."
Ethan stumbled forward, his eyes darting between Victoria and me. "Asset freezing? What are you talking about, Harper? We signed a separation agreement! You didn't contest it!"
"I didn't contest it because I didn't need to," I said smoothly, beginning my descent down the grand staircase.
With every step I took, the crowd parted in absolute awe. The midnight-blue velvet of my gown pooled behind me like liquid midnight. And right beside me, holding my hand, walked Chloe.
Ethan’s eyes dropped.
May you like
They locked onto the little girl walking beside me.
The hazel eyes. The stubborn chin. The tiny freckle just below her left ear.
