Chapter 6 - THE EMERALD NECKLACE
The next four days were a blur of calculated, quiet warfare.
From the safety of my father’s estate, we systematically dismantled Gavin’s exit strategy without him ever realizing it. My father’s legal team quietly bought the debt from the private loan sharks Gavin had borrowed from. The moment the ink dried on those transfers, Malcolm Wexler became Gavin’s sole creditor.
Gavin thought he owed money to dangerous men in the shadows. He didn't know he owed it to the billionaire whose daughter he had beaten.
Thursday evening arrived. The night of Gavin’s massive corporate gala.
The event was held at the most exclusive country club in Raleigh. Hundreds of investors, local politicians, and business partners were in attendance. Gavin had spared no expense, using the embezzled funds to rent ice sculptures, a live orchestra, and endless flowing champagne.
He intended to use the night to announce his company’s fake public offering, secure millions in blind deposits, and disappear.
I sat in front of the vanity mirror in my father’s guest room, applying a bold, dark red lipstick. I wore a tailored, midnight-blue evening gown that swept the floor.
My father walked into the room, holding a velvet jewelry box.
He opened it, revealing a breathtaking, heavy emerald and diamond necklace.
“Your mother wore this when I took my first company public,” my father said, gently fastening the heavy clasp around my neck. The cool gems settled against my collarbone, perfectly concealing the faint yellow bruise left by Gavin’s belt. “It is a piece meant for victory.”
I looked at my reflection. I didn't look like the submissive, quiet wife who had accepted blame for a man's insecurities. I looked like a Wexler.
“Are you ready?” my father asked.
“More than I have ever been,” I replied.
I arrived at the country club in a sleek black town car. When I stepped into the grand ballroom, the murmur of the crowd shifted. Heads turned. Whispers rippled through the room.
Gavin was standing near the grand stage, holding a microphone, laughing with a group of investors. Brielle stood right beside him, wearing a glittering silver dress, looking every bit the proud corporate wife.
When Gavin saw me, his smile vanished. The color drained from his face.
He quickly excused himself and marched toward me, grabbing my elbow and dragging me behind a towering floral arrangement.
“What the hell are you doing here?” Gavin hissed, his fingers digging painfully into my arm. “I told you to stay away. You are not ruining this night for me.”
I easily pulled my arm from his grip. “I am still a board member of this company, Gavin. I have every right to be here.”
Brielle appeared behind him, her eyes flashing with anger. She was wearing my mother’s sapphire bracelet again.
“You really don't know when to quit, do you, Elena?” Brielle sneered. “You look pathetic. Gavin is about to announce the public offering. You have no power here anymore.”
I smiled at her. It wasn't a forced smile; it was genuine.
“You have a beautiful son, Brielle,” I said softly.
Brielle froze. The smug arrogance melted off her face, replaced by sheer terror. Gavin’s eyes widened in shock.
“I found the drawing,” I continued, my voice calm over the sound of the orchestra playing nearby. “Four years old, isn't he? It must be exhausting, pretending to be a new mistress when you’ve been the secret family all along.”
“Shut up,” Gavin snarled, taking a threatening step forward. “If you say one word about my son to the press—”
“I don't care about the press, Gavin,” I interrupted, stepping closer to him, letting him see the cold fire in my eyes. “And I don't care about your son. I care about what you tried to steal from me.”
The ballroom lights suddenly dimmed. A spotlight hit the center of the grand stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the master of ceremonies announced over the speakers. “Please welcome the CEO and visionary of our company, Mr. Gavin Rourke!”
May you like
Gavin’s chest heaved. He pointed a shaking finger at me. “You stay right here. When I am done with this speech, my security will escort you off the premises.”
He adjusted his tie, pasted on his brilliant, fake public smile, and walked out into the spotlight.
