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CHAPTER 23
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-03-24 00:48:03
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A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 24
Celeste’s POVTheo’s words hung between us heavily. I won’t leave you again.I wasn’t prepared for them.I had always known Theo as my rock—the steady, dependable presence who had once been my closest friend. But something about the way he said those words now made my breath catch.There was no hesitation, no room for doubt.I met his gaze, and for the first time, I realized something had changed. Or maybe… it had always been there, and I had been too blind to see it.The way he looked at me now intensely, like I was the only thing that mattered—was different.Too different.My heart began to beat crazily. What’s going on? Had I misread him all these years? Or was it just now that I was truly seeing him?My pulse became a bit erratic, my emotions beginning to get tangled in knots. This was unfamiliar territory for me. But then, he moved past me, setting a bag down on the counter, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries wafting into the air. He had come prepared, as always."
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-24A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 25
Damien’s POVI sat in my office, my fingers tapping against the edge of my desk, a restless rhythm that matched the chaos in my head."Three more media outlets, sir,” Mark informed me. “They've been secretly tailing Mrs. Vaughn… Miss Monroe, I mean."My jaw clenched at the correction. No matter what they called her, she was still my wife. Legally. Emotionally.Mine.I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair, frustration prickling just beneath my skin. I’d given explicit instructions—no more stories, no more cameras, no more dragging her name through the mud. I thought I’d bought her peace. Apparently not.They wouldn’t stop. And I was running out of ways to protect her without standing in the spotlight myself—and dragging her deeper into this endless mess.“The reporters have been dealt with,” Mark continued. “We paid them off to keep quiet.” My head suddenly began to throb. I closed my eyes and waved him away. But I knew.Just like the rats infesting the streets of
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-25A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 26
Celeste’s POV I agreed to Damien’s request to meet, trying to sound calm while my heart beat like crazy. After ending the call, I stood there dazed in the living room, phone still in my hand, the weight of what was to come already pressing on my shoulders. It all felt surreal. Theo glanced up from the couch, concern showing on his face. “You’re going to meet with Damien?” he asked, already knowing.I nodded. “He wants to talk about the divorce.”Theo’s expression didn’t change much, but I noticed the slight tightening of his jaw. “Do you want me to come with you?”There it was—his instinct to protect. He always offered that quietly, never forcefully. And yet… I shook my head.“No. I need to go alone. I have to do this by myself, Theo.”This time, it wasn’t because I didn’t want to trouble him, or because I feared the press would twist something out of nothing. Well, maybe that too. But more than anything, I didn’t want him dragged into my mess.He had already done enough.“You’ve h
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-27A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 27
Celeste’s POV I sat there, spine straight, heart clenched in anticipation.He hadn’t picked up the pen yet. It lay there on the table between us, gleaming under the garden lights, like a sword waiting to be drawn. His eyes flicked to mine—and then, slowly, to the document.I said nothing.On the surface, I remained poised. Cold, composed, detached. But beneath that mask, a trace of nervousness coiled tight in my stomach, refusing to leave. My fingers pressed against my lap, steadying themselves, hiding the tremor that threatened to betray me.He reached for the document, paused, and let his hand hover above it. His eyes moved over the pages again slowly and deliberately. For a moment, I thought he might back out. That he would look up and say he couldn’t do it.But he didn’t.His fingers closed around the pen.And with the same calm finality that once marked the beginning of our story, Damien signed his name.The pen slowly glided across the page. There was no hesitation in his hand,
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-28A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 28
Celeste’s POVThe bar was dimly lit and the air was tinged with the stale scent of spilled whiskey and forgotten regrets. People spoke in hushed tones, but none of it registered. The world felt muted, like it was trying not to disturb me.I sat alone at the counter, the amber liquid in my glass almost all gone. It burned going down—but that was the point.Alcohol was the best anesthetic. It numbed the ache in my chest, dulled the sharp sting of memories I wasn’t ready to confront.It's over, damn it. The marriage. The façade. The illusion that maybe, just maybe, he’d come to love me.I had given everything to that man. And in return, he’d given me humiliation.My god! The betrayal and accusations... The imprisonment in that goddamn asylum like I was something to be hidden and left to suffer and rot. I’d looked down at my own trembling hands once and seen blood. My blood. A quiet scream for help no one ever heard.Back then, I promised myself—if I ever got out, I would cut him out of
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-03-31A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 29
Damien’s POVThe data was wrong. Again.I slammed the folder down on the boardroom table. "You had one job," I snapped, my voice cold and cutting. "And this is what you bring me? Faulty projections, incomplete charts, and a model that looks like it was thrown together by an intern?"No one dared speak. The room was thick with tension, and even the senior executives looked like they wanted to shrink into their seats.I didn’t care.Because the truth was, I wasn’t just angry about the data.I was angry about everything.The divorce. The headlines. The way she looked at me during that final meeting, like I was nothing. The way she didn’t even blink when she signed her name next to mine. Like it meant nothing.Like I meant nothing.A surge of pressure built behind my temples, my teeth grinding together while silence dragged on. Finally, I straightened and adjusted my cufflinks, dismissing them with a cold flick of my fingers."Fix it. Now."They filed out without a word, avoiding eye cont
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 30
Damien’s POVI sat in silence for a long time, the document still open on my desk, the edges curling beneath my fingers.Genevieve’s name stared back at me, bold and inarguable in transaction logs and email metadata.I couldn’t reconcile it. The woman who had stood beside me through everything and had been such a great friend—why would she involve herself in something like this? Why target Celeste?I groaned, my head swimming with confusion, my heart constricting from the rising emotions. And yet, I couldn’t just go to her—not when she had walked away with that terrifying calm, as if everything between us had meant nothing. Not when she had thrown away her ring and hadn’t looked back.But I could fix this. I could clean up the mess, silence the voices, and push back against the vultures circling her name.I can protect her. Even if she doesn’t want me to.I leaned back in my chair, my gaze drifting to the edge of my desk—where a photo sat half-obscured beneath a folder.Oh, Celeste…
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-01A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 31
Celeste’s POVThe reflection staring back at me in the mirror didn’t look like someone falling apart.No—she looked polished, collected. Ready for the world. But deep inside, I could feel it—the quiet flutter of nerves, the whisper of uncertainty that had followed me from the moment I zipped up the gown.This is it. My first real step back into the world.My fingers brushed down the fabric of the dress I had designed myself. Every stitch carried a piece of me—every pleat, every fold, a reminder that I had once belonged in this industry. That I had once been brilliant. That I could be brilliant again.I had sacrificed so much for Damien. And when it all came crashing down, there was nothing left of me but ashes.But ashes could be reborn.I wasn’t going to walk into that ballroom as Damien Vaughn’s ex-wife. I wasn’t going to be the scandalous woman in tabloid headlines or the poor soul people pitied.I was walking in as Celeste Monroe. Designer. Creator. Survivor.And tonight, I wasn
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-02
Bab terbaru
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 53
Damien’s POVI sat up straighter, squinting through the dim bar lighting, trying to get a clearer look.At first, I thought I was seeing things. Too much alcohol. Too much anger.My brain had to be playing tricks on me.But the more I looked… the more I saw him.The man was still there—same build, tall but slouched posture, same hood pulled low like he had something to hide. My pulse quickened.I stood abruptly, the bar stool scraping back with a screech. I moved toward him, one step at a time. Let me fucking see you, asshole…Let me see who the hell you are…My mouth was dry, my head buzzing.Did you sleep with Celeste? Is that who you are, one of her lovers? But then, my phone buzzed, distracting me. I glanced at the screen, it was Genevieve. I didn’t want to answer. Not now. Not ever, if I was being honest.I looked up again—but the booth was already empty. I whipped around, scanning the bar, the entrance, the shadows—but he had vanished. Like he’d never been there at all.My br
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 52
Damien’s POVI didn’t expect her to admit it. She and Theo are together. She has really moved on with another man. Genevieve‘s eyes widened, with something that looked suspiciously like glee. I could sense that she was holding back a lot not to burst into a smug grin. “I’ve had enough of this circus,” Michael suddenly said sharply. “Genevieve, let’s go. You need to see a doctor. That cheek’s getting worse.”“Y-you’re right… it… it really does hurt,” she stammered.She turned to me before walking away and placed her hand on my arm, her touch featherlight but filled with meaning.“Aren’t you coming with us?” she asked softly, her voice just loud enough for Celeste to hear.I didn’t respond.Couldn’t. Because my gaze was locked on Celeste.She didn’t flinch nor appear to be remorseful at all. She just stood beside Theo—like she’d finally chosen a side. And it wasn’t mine.The pain seemed to be burning deeper in me as the seconds ticked. I felt like I’d explode anytime. “Let’s go,” Mi
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 51
Celeste’s POVDamien’s arrival was like a match striking dry air.Making Genevieve launch into such a dramatic performance.“Damien! Look what she did to me! ”she cried, forcing him to see the redness blooming across her porcelain skin. Damien’s brows furrowed as he stepped toward her, genuine shock flashing across his face. “What the hell happened?”“She slapped me,” Genevieve whimpered, clutching his sleeve like a damsel clinging to her knight. “I tried to talk to her, and she lashed out.”His eyes darted toward me. “Is that true?” I let out a quiet laugh—dry, humorless. But I didn’t look away. I wouldn’t give him that.Just then, Theo stepped forward, “You didn’t see what happened before that.” He moved closer to my side, resting one hand lightly at the small of my back. Damien’s gaze shifted to him—and for a split second, the mask slipped. He glared at Theo, his fists curling so tightly I could almost hear the strain in his knuckles.I had assumed he came to pick a fight for Ge
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 50
Celeste’s POVAfter the loud slap, the room fell into complete silence.Genevieve stood frozen.Then the pain bloomed in, and she let out a shriek of anguish.“You hit me!” she cried out, staggering backward.Oh, yes, I did. It felt good, really.Even with the man’s hand gripping my wrist, trying to stop me, I’d twisted free just enough to land the slap. The man who had stopped my hand earlier quickly caught her before she could fall.“What is wrong with you?!” Genevieve gasped, clutching her cheek. “How dare you—even when he tried to stop you!”As the man gently cupped her face to examine the swelling, she knocked his hat askew—and that’s when I saw him clearly for the first time.The shadows lifted. No more brim to hide behind.His expression had hardened, fury simmering just beneath the surface. His jaw clenched so tightly I could almost hear the grind of his teeth.My breath caught. That face.There was something about him—something deeply familiar. But I had no time to dwell on
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 49
Celeste’s POVI stared at the ruined gown draped over the mannequin.The silk was ruined. The embroidery shredded. It looked like a child had attacked it with scissors.Theo sat quietly on the armchair nearby, his eyes on me. And yet he said nothing. Just being here. Just letting me think."Isadora’s money may have covered the cost of the fabric," I murmured, "but even with the material replaced, it won’t be the same."His voice was gentle. "I could have my design team look at it. They're good at restoration."I shook my head. "Thank you, but no. Just restoration isn’t enough. It’s Madam Diane! It can’t be less than outstanding!” I couldn’t just stitch something else together and pretend it would be the same.I stifled a yawn and rubbed at the corner of my eye. The weight of the morning was finally catching up to me.“I need coffee,” I murmured, glancing at Theo with a faint, tired smile. “Think you can save me with a cup?”He stood immediately. "I’ll go. The usual?""Please."He nod
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 48
Genevieve’s POVWhen I came to pick up my brother, Michael, I was the image of sweetness and grace—the picture-perfect daughter.I immediately spotted him outside the gates of his massive hilltop estate, so I quickly plastered a bright smile on my face. "Michael!" I called out, waving both hands."Genevieve," he said with a warm smile, pulling me into a hug the moment I reached him.I clung to his arm with all the practiced sweetness I’d learned to wield. "It’s so good to see you!” Then I feigned concern. “You look tired. I’m sorry you had to have bothered you.""Don’t be ridiculous. I’m always happy to see you and to help you in any way."God, he really was the perfect older brother. Doting, loyal, and blinded.“Come inside for a while,” he invited warmly. “The house has missed you.”A servant greeted us just beyond the entrance, bowing slightly. "Miss Genevieve, welcome back. Shall I prepare your usual jasmine tea?""Yes, please, Henry," I said. I loved being adored like this—dote
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 47
Damien’s POVI hung up the phone. I didn’t want to hear another word from her. I closed my eyes.Celeste’s words were still echoing in my head like a curse I couldn’t shake.I couldn’t get her furious expression and desperate screams out of my mind. They even overlapped with her pleading on our wedding anniversary.“Please, I am your wife, why don't you believe me?”“You still think I’m the manipulative one. The whore.”I let out a heavy breath. She had brought up the one thing I least wanted to revisit—That damn video.The one I had never wanted to talk about. It was better to accept what I saw, what I was told—especially when it came from my mother and Genevieve. I trusted them. I guess I’d always doubted Celeste, thinking she could easily betray me. That she would.But now... after what she said tonight, that thin shield of certainty I’d been hiding behind all this time began to splinter beneath all the doubt.What if it wasn’t?I sat frozen in my car. And for the first time,
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 46
Damien's POV"Celeste, what do you mean by that?" My voice shook with an emotion I couldn’t even name.Celeste narrowed her eyes. I took a deep breath. "About that video—I admit, I acted impulsively. But didn’t you betray me first?" The words were hard to get out, each one slicing open something raw.But I didn’t stop. “I really thought you cared about me. But what happened? You slept with another man." My throat tightened. "You could’ve lied to me for money, fine—but why for him? Was I really that bad to you?""Aha." Celeste let out a cold laugh."This is exactly it. You’re always stuck in your own delusions," she snapped. "You never see the truth unless someone shoves it in your face.""Then what was I supposed to do?!" I snapped back, finally losing it."And there it is," Celeste said suddenly, her anger gone. Her voice turned flat, almost lifeless. "You still think I’m the manipulative one. The whore.""You don’t feel guilty. You just want to make yourself feel better." Her tone
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 45
Damien’s POVThe hallway outside her apartment was quiet. Celeste stood a few steps from her door. Her arms remained folded, her eyes sharp with something unreadable—wariness, maybe, or disappointment.“Why are you really here, Damien?” She said flatly. The doubt and exhaustion in her eyes broke my heart.“I’m not here to make excuses.” I said, cutting Celeste off before she could say more things I wasn’t ready to hear.It wasn't as hard as I imagined. Because it was her—facing her—the guilt in my chest made the apology flow out. I wasn’t hoping for anything in return; I just wanted her to stop looking at me with those doubtful eyes.“You deserved more. I should’ve seen you… really seen you. I failed you, Celeste. Again and again. And I’m—” I faltered, swallowing hard. “I’m sorry. For all of it.”Not just for what happened at the boutique, but also for how I’d treated her in the past, how I had failed and neglected her many times. Over and over again. She tilted her head, brows
