Chapter 25 – The Engagement Party
Gwen’s Pov
Later that evening, Ryder poured me a drink and sat beside me on the couch in his penthouse.
“That was… brutal,” he said.
“She deserved every word,” I replied, sipping the wine.
“And him?”
Nooked out the window again. “He deserves to rot. Slowly. Just like I did.”
Ryder nodded. “You’re not done yet, are you?”
“No,” I said softly. “Not even close.”
And this time, I wouldn’t stop until every piece of me that had been taken was fully returned -paid for in full.
“We’re doing it tomorrow,” I said to him.
He nodded, “You have my full support, Darling.”
He kissed me tenderly that night and soon we were tangled in the sheets as I forgot all about revenge and could only remember his name as I moaned throughout the night.
The ballroom at The Grand Bellevue Hotel shimmered like a dream–high glass chandeliers, gold–trimmed marble floors, and a red carpet that stretched from the doors to the center stage.
I stood by the mirror in my suite upstairs, smoothing down the satin folds of my royal blue gown. I
It hugged my body like it had been made just for me–because it had. My hair was swept into a sleek bun, and a diamond necklace sat perfectly around my neck, courtesy of Ryder. “You look… perfect,” Ryder whispered behind me, slipping his arms around my waist. “If I wasn’t already yours, I’d propose all over again.”
I smiled, touching his cheek. “You’re sweet.”
“No, love,” he said, brushing his lips over my shoulder. “I’m just lucky.”
I turned to face him. “Tonight, I’m not just announcing our engagement. I’m revealing who I really am.”
His expression turned serious. “You’re sure about this right?”
“Yes. I’m Rachel Alexandria D’Angelos, the daughter they lost in the fire. Tonight, I take back everything–my name, my truth, my legacy.”
Ryder nodded. “And Cara?”
“She’ll dig her own grave,” I replied calmly. “I won’t expose her just yet. Let them all watch her spiral.”
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He smirked. “And Jack?”
I lifted my chin. “Let him come. Let him see what he lost. Let him choke on it.”
The guests were already arriving when we descended the grand staircase hand in hand. Applause erupted the moment we stepped into the room.
People from all over the world had shown up–business tycoons, celebrities, foreign investors. And in one corner stood the D’Angelos: Mr. and Mrs. D’Angelos, their sons Tony and George… and Cara.
She looked stiff, uncomfortable in her gold dress. Her smile was forced.
She had no idea what was about to happen tonight.
The music flowed, champagne flutes sparkled, and laughter echoed through the room.
I made my rounds, speaking to people, shaking hands. Ryder never left my side.
Then I felt a tap on my arm.
“Wow,” Cara said with a tight smile. “Didn’t expect an invitation. Are you throwing your wedding next week too?”
“Don’t worry,” I said coolly. “You won’t be invited to that.”
Cara’s smile twitched. “You really think you’ve won, huh?”
“I don’t think so, Cara. I know.”
Her voice dropped. “You ruined everything. I had Jack. I had a family. I had a life.”
“None of it was yours to keep,” I replied.
She hissed under her breath. “You stole him. Even after you left–you came back and stole him.”
“I didn’t steal anything. You just lost.”
With that, she raised her hand to strike me–but a firm grip caught her wrist.
It was Jack.
“Don’t,” he said, his voice low.
Cara’s eyes welled up with fake tears. She stumbled back, then suddenly dropped to the
floor with a loud cry.
“She pushed me! She hit me!” she screamed.
Gasps filled the room.
Jack didn’t even flinch. “I’m not falling for your lies again.”
Cara kept crying, clutching her stomach.
Ryder stepped between us, shielding me. “Don’t make a scene, Cara. Not here.”
Just then, Tony and George ran over, helping Cara up.
“What the hell is going on?!” George snapped.
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“Are you happy now, Jack?” Tony added. “You humiliated her in front of everyone.”
“She faked it,” Jack muttered.
“Don’t lie!” George barked. “You’re still chasing the woman you divorced. It’s pathetic.”
That was when Tony turned to me. “And you… whatever this is, just stay out of our family. You don’t wanna mess with our family!”
I smiled. “Is that so?”
Without a word, I reached into my clutch and handed them each a gold envelope.
“What’s this?” George asked, frowning.
“Open it when you’re with your parents,” I said smoothly.
Tony opened his mouth to say something, but I was already walking away with Ryder.
