Chapter 6
Trina shook off Cyril’s grip, her eyes blazing with anger. “I don’t owe you a damn thing” she snapped, waving the freshly signed divorce papers in his face. “We’re not married anymore, and I’m moving on.”
Cyril’s eyes narrowed, his face darkening with a mix of fury and hurt. “So this is what you were in such a rush for! So you could jump into bed with him!” he sneered.
Trina met his glare without flinching. “Mr. Banks, maybe you should worry about your own love life and stop obsessing over your ex–wife’s,” she said, her voice cold and steady,
The word “ex–wife” hit Cynl like a slap in the face. Seeing Trina with Truman, looking like the perfect couple, made his blood boil. “You didn’t waste any time finding a replacement, did you?” he spar, venom dripping from every word
Trumman stepped forward, his expression hard as stone. “Watch your mouth, Cyril. You don’t get to disrespect Trina like that,” he growled.
Cynl’s face flushed with rage. This has nothing to do with you!” he barked, fista clenching at his sides. “What happens between me and Trina is none of your damn business.
Trina, not wanting things to escalate further, turned to Truman. “Let’s go home,” she said softly.
Jhe shot Cyril an icy look. It’s over, Cyril. You’ve moved on, so it’s time to let the past go. We’re done here” Without another glance, she got into
the car and slammed the door.
As she held the divorce papers. Trina felt a weight lift from her shoulders. The last three years had been hard to think about, but now she had a new beginning in sight–especially with a baby on the way.
Back at the jewelry store, Jenny burst in, practically out of breath. “Trina, you won’t believe this Cyril agreed to the 30 million! He wants the jewelry delivered this afternoon”
Trina’s hands froze over her latest design, her mind racing. Alter a pause, she calmly replied, “Take the order.
She couldn’t help but see the bitter irony. So this was what it looked like when Cyril actually fell in love–willing to hurt his wife in name only and throw a fortune around just to make his real beloved smile.
Trina realized how foolish she’d been, watering their so–called romance with her own tears.
Shaking her head, she pushed the bitter thoughts aside. Cyril had once saved her, sure, but he had also trampled on the love she’d given him. In the end, it was hard to say who owed whom.
Jenny, still pacing and fuming, couldn’t hold back. That blind bastard! He’s got a gem like you right in front of him, and he’d rather throw his money at some gold–digger, They deserve each other!”
Trina gave away smile. “Don’t let it get to you. Jenny. We’re not connected anyone If Mr. Banks wants to throw money our way, who are we to Hop him
She smirked to herself, a plan already forming. “Grab one of my reject designs from the Mockroom for him.”
If Cyril thought he could impress Lisa with her work, she was going to make sure he knew that even–80 million dollars wouldn’t get him anything more than a flawed, leftover piece.
Just then, Truman called, inviting her to a charity dinner that evening. Trina agreed, gave Jenny a few final instructions, and left to get ready. That night, the Hilton Hotel was buzzing with the city’s elite, all glittering chandeliers and designer gowns, creating a glamorous spectacle. Cyril, on the other hand, looked like he’d rather be anywhere else. His dark suit matched his mood as memories of his time with Trina haunted him, refusing to let go.
On his arm, Lisa was glowing, having finally gotten exactly what she wanted–Cyril, divorced and all hers. To top it off, he’d just dropped 30 million dollars on jewelry for her that very day, sending her over the moon.
As they mingled with the other guests, Lisa spotted Nancy Salvage from Horizon Enterprise across the room. “Cyril, there’s Mrs. Salvage,” she purred. “Didn’t you mention something about a potential partnership? I’ll go say hi
Cyril nodded, his expression softening just a bit. “Go ahead, but don’t overdo it with the drinks,” he warned.
“I know, I know. Stop worrying,” she said with a playful smile before sauntering over to join Nancy’s group.
Nancy greeted her with a sly grin. “Well, well, looks like you finally bagged the golden boy, she teased, glancing at Cyril from across the room.
Lisa tipped Her hair back, making sure to show off her new jewels. “Of course. Trina was nothing. If she hadn’t thrown herself at Cyril, there’s no
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Chapter 6
way someone like her would’ve ever become Mrs. Banks,” she said, her voice dripping with contempt.
Nancy’s eyes widened in recognition as she was dazzled by her jewelry. “Oh, is that a Clarissa piece!” she gasped. “Cyril must really adore you.”
Lisa smirked. “He says only Clarissa’s work is good enough for me. He’s always sending these little gifts.” She added casually, “But this set I wore today is worth 30 million dollars”
The group’s jaws dropped, and they all started talking at once. “Mr. Banks really knows how to spoil a girl As expected of someone in the top five of the rich list,” one of them exclaimed
Nancy pondered out loud, “Money’s one thing, sure, but it takes some serious dedication to get results. Look at Clarissa’s pieces–word is they haven’t accepted new orders in forever. Their sturbis basically priceless at this point.
“If Mr. Banks managed to get you one, he must really treasure you. That necklace alone could probably buy a damn mansion!”
Another lady, Lane Nguyen, chimed in, “Indeed! I ordered a bracelet last year and still haven’t heard back. You’re so lucky. Ms. Reid.”
Lisa basked in the attention, lapping up the admiration and envy. This was the life she’d always dreamed of
As they chatted, whispers began to circulate through the room. Truman, the movie star from the influential Gross family, was making an
appearance tonight.
The news sent a collective gasp through the group, as anyone from Macnon knew the Gross family’s esteemed reputation, dating back to the 17th century. If anyone could rival them, it might only be the Banks family.
Lisa’s eyes widened in shock. “Truman’s coming?” she asked.
Emma Price, the other rich lady, leaned in to explain, “It’s a charity event, darling The Gross family always attends these types of functions They’re big on giving back.
Just then, the room fell silent as Truman made his entrance, escorting Trina on his arm. Trina’s haute couture gown was a stunning sight to behold, exuding elegance and poise.
Lisa was stunned. “What is she doing here?” she whispered.
Across the room, Cyril’s eyes locked onto Trina, his fury igniting instantly as he spotted Truman standing beside her.
Without thinking, he strode over to Trina’s side, his grip on her arm tightening. What are you doing with him again?” be hissed, his voice low and menacing. “Who invited you?”
Truman immediately stepped between them, his eyes flashing with warning “Back off, Cyril,” he growled.
Cyril’s face twisted in anger, “You’re the one who needs to back off he snarled, refusing to let go of Trina. “I don’t care who you are. Trina is mine. Stay away from her!”
Trina let out a harsh laugh. “Yours? Are you having memory problems, Mr. Barks? Do I need to remind you again that we’re divorced!”
As tensions rove, Lisa glided over, feigning innocence. “Cyril,” she asked sofily from behink, “is everything alright!”
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