Chapter 71
1 will ‘
urity had me pinned in the cor
corner–before pulling Gwendoline in, cupping the back of
her head and kissing her deeply for the cameras.}
Nicholas cast a glance in my direction–where security
The room got louder instantly. Cheers, applause, the sound of champagne glasses clinking–it was deafening.
As the engagement unfolded, the energy inside the stock exchange soared to its peak. Flashbulbs went off in a frenzy, reporters jostling. for the perfect shot, the glare so blinding it turned the entire room into a sea of white light
Gwendoline melted into Nicholas’s arms, her face a picture of blissful triumph, as if she had just won the ultimate prize.
Then–a voice cut through the festive noise
“Wait… isn’t that Mr. Brakefield’s ex?”
The celebratory air thinned in an instant.
Heads swiveled. Dozens of eyes locked onto me like I was some unwanted stain on their perfect evening.
Nicholas and Gwendoline, playing their roles to perfection, followed suit–turning slowly, deliberately, as if only just noticing me. Nicholas’s lips curled ever so slightly, smug satisfaction flickering behind his eyes. Gwendoline, on the other hand, made no effort to hide her amusement
bh my God. why is she even here?” someone sneered. “Didn’t she get blacklisted?“!
The murmurs grew weaving through the crowd like wildfire. Soft chuckles, whispered jabs, all just loud enough to make sure I heard every single one.
“I heard she slept her way to the top and now that Mr. Brakefield dumped her, she’s here making a last–ditch effort to crawl back.“2
“Unbelievable. There are literal photos of her sneaking into hotels with different men and she still has the audacity to show up? She’s beyond shameless 1
The insult rang out loud and clear, with no attempt to hide it.
me
Nicholas smirked, clearly enjoying the show. Letting go of Gwendoline’s hand, he took his time strolling over to me, wearing that perfectly rehearsed look of disappointment!!
to let you walk
“Rose,” he sighed dramatically, shaking his head like a father scolding a wayward child. “How do you still not get it? I tried to away with some dignity, but you just keep coming back for more. You’re embarrassing yourself.“!
I met his gaze, unfazed, offering nothing in return.
He took my silence as guilt and his arrogance grow.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced, addressing the crowd like a performer taking center stage, “I think it’s time we cleared the air. There have been… misunderstandings about Rose, but as someone who once cared for her, I feel obligated to tell the truth.”
The room hushed, eager for the drama.
“Yes, she was my fiancée, But behind closed doors, she was using her position to… engage in inappropriate relationships with multiple clients. She was so desperate to close deals that she was willing to trade more than just negotiations.”
He sighed, feigning regret. “I tried to help her, I really did. But she refused to change. In the end, I had no choice but to end things.“! Gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by hushed whispers. Some were scandalized, others amused–everyone entertained.
“Oh my God, poor Mr. Brakefield! He wasted so much time on a woman like her?!“!!
“Seriously! A guy like him? Stuck with that? What a jokel
The crowd lapped up Nicholas’s performance, showering him with sympathy while hurling insults at me.
Gwendoline, practically glowing with satisfaction, wrapped her arms around Nicholas’s and leaned in close.!
“Nico, don’t let her get to you,” she murmured, her voice dripping with fake concern. “She’s not worth it. You have me now and I’ll always be by your side.”
Nicholas turned to her with a warm, adoring look, playing right into it.
“Gwen, I don’t know what I’d do without you” he said, his voice thick with emotion. “You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me.“! They gazed at each other like a scene out of a movie, completely ignoring me–as if I were nothing
Then, a group of influencers in the crowd suddenly whipped out their phones, opening their livestreams.
“Guys, you are not gonna believe this!” one of them cackled, aiming the camera straight at me, “It’s Rose, Mr. Brakefield’s ex was caught in 4K The woman who slept her way to the top. And now? She’s crashing her ex’s big day. The absolute nerve!“!!
The comment section got crowded instantly.
I’WaL. THAT’S her? She actually looks kinda innocent. Who knew she was such a hoe?‘“]
[“Heard she got with half the company’s clients. Trash.”
