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CHAPTER 31
Terakhir Diperbarui:
2025-04-02 17:12:56
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A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 32
Celeste’s POVGasps rippled through the crowd like a stone breaking still water.For a moment, the flashes of camera phones slowed, like even the press didn’t know what to do with what they were seeing.I caught glimpses of expressions—wide eyes, parted lips, frozen smiles.“Is that her? Isn’t she the scandalous ex-wife?”“Wait, she looks... stunning. But why is she here and why is he with her?”“I hate to say it, but… damn. That dress is a showstopper. Did a designer actually choose her to debut that look?”“Why would a dress like that be lent to her?”The whispers struck like arrows, each one trying to slice through the calm I wore like armor.But I kept walking.I felt Theo beside me like a steady force. He didn’t flinch beneath the attention, didn’t falter under the weight of our spectacle.But the looks weren’t for him. They were for us.Because in the eyes of the elite, in the minds of those who only understand currency in power and status, how you arrive—and with whom—was the l
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-03A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 33
Damien’s POVI lifted my glass to my lips without tasting the champagne. The conversations around me blurred into a background hum of empty pleasantries.Fake laughter. Hollow compliments. Meaningless alliances sealed with overpriced wine.I hated this. But Genevieve thrived on it.She stood a few paces away, wearing a luxurious gown, greeting the crowd with her signature smile. Every word, every gesture calculated. Definitely charming. A perfect performance indeed. Meanwhile, I was just trying to keep my temper in check.Another executive approached, all handshakes and toothy grins. I nodded, murmured something polite, and checked my watch for the fifth time in ten minutes.And then it happened. I caught murmurs—words floating in low whispers:“Is that Theo Mercer?” “He brought someone?” “Wait… is that his girlfriend?” “I didn’t know he was seeing anyone…”My gut twisted before I even turned.Theo? A girlfriend?No. That wasn’t possible. I would’ve heard something. The man didn’t
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-03A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 34
Celeste’s POVAll eyes were on me.I could feel the skepticism hanging in the air. And yet, I stood tall in the center of the hall. After all, I reminded myself that I wasn’t here to beg for belief. I was here to take it back.“For those who still care about the truth," I said clearly, wanting to reiterate my message, "the rumors about me are false. Deliberately crafted lies, fueled by someone who wanted to tear me down."The press murmured, and a wave of hushed gasps and judgmental scoffs rippled through the room."Oh please," someone in the crowd whispered loudly. "Of course she says that.""She’s just trying to play the victim. Typical."Another voice chimed in with a bitter laugh. "This is what they all do when they get caught."I didn’t flinch. Let them talk. I had expected this.But before I could respond, Theo stepped forward. "Enough."The room stilled. Even the most eager gossipers froze at the edge in his tone."Celeste doesn’t need to explain herself to anyone," Theo contin
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-08A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 35
Celeste’s POVI kept my expression calm, smoothing the fabric of my dress like I wasn’t clenching my teeth to keep my pulse in check. What the hell is he thinking, locking us both in here?“Impressive,” he suddenly said, voice low and sharp as glass, as he moved closer to me. “You managed to clear your name and even earned a round of applause. Bravo.”His sarcasm dripped like venom, but I refused to rise to it.“If you’re just here to make snide remarks,” I said coolly, not even bothering to look up, “the door is right there.”“Don’t talk to me like that.”His voice dropped, darker this time—more dangerous.I finally lifted my eyes to meet him. “What right do you have to meddle in my affairs, Damien? We’re already divorced.”That word—divorced—hit like a slap. I saw it in the flicker of pain that flashed across his features before he forced it back behind that familiar mask of cold detachment.“Divorced?” he echoed with a bitter laugh. “You think you can get rid of me that easily?”A
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-09A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 36
Celeste’s POVThe sudden ring of my phone cut through the air, sharp and jarring, snapping me out of the moment.I startled, instinctively reaching into my clutch. Damien’s grip loosened, just enough for me to step back.The screen flashed with the hospital’s number. My breath caught in my throat.I answered quickly. "Hello?""Miss Monroe?" The nurse’s voice was calm but clipped. "It’s your aunt. Her condition has suddenly worsened. The doctor would like you to come in immediately."I didn’t even hesitate. "I’m on my way."I turned, already walking. Damien called my name, but I didn’t look back.My heels clicked sharply against the marble steps, heart racing—not from what had just happened with Damien, but from the news that clutched at my chest like a vice.Oh, Auntie Eleanor. Please be okay. Please, please. I reached the curb and pulled out my phone again, opening a ride app. Nothing. All the cars were either booked or delayed. I turned to one of the event staff, breathless. "Is th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-09A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 37
Celeste’s POVI stared at him hard.His eyes were narrowed, stormy—not accusing, but stunned. And in that moment, staring at the expression on his face, something inside me just snapped.I was done explaining. Done justifying. Let him sit with the truth. I was done carrying it alone.I shook off his hand, hard. “If you really want to know,” I said coldly, “ask the hospital records.”Damien looked like he wanted to say more, to push—but I turned away. I didn’t have the energy for another confrontation. Not now. My aunt’s condition was all I could think about, heavy and urgent in my chest. And honestly, I had nothing left to explain to a man who never believed in me when it counted.I turned on my heel, leaving Damien in the hallway without a second glance. Let him wrestle with his doubts—I had more important battles to face.The ICU doors slid open with a soft hiss, and I stepped inside. My auntie lay pale and motionless beneath the hospital blankets, her face barely visible behind th
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-10A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 38
Damien’s POV“You don’t get to care now.”Her painful words cut deeper than I expected. Her quiet voice—with that tone of finality—played over and over in my mind.I sat heavily on the hallway bench just outside the restroom. My heart hadn’t stopped pounding since she left, but now it felt like it had finally cracked wide open.“I loved you. God help me, I did. And you made me regret every second of it,” she had uttered so coldly. I’d never been the kind of man who let emotion control me. Not in boardrooms. Not in public. Not even in private. But right now? I felt like someone had hollowed me out from the inside.My mind kept going back to that night when she’d called me from the asylum. Her voice, frantic on the other end of the line, and me… shutting it off. Shutting her off.I thought she was trying to manipulate me. Just throwing another tantrum. But she wasn’t. What did I miss? What really happened to her there?I sighed, the massive burden and pain of all my mistakes suddenly
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-11A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 39
Genevieve’s POVI whispered to the empty room, "You’ll regret walking away from me and wanting to send me away, Damien."The door clicked shut behind him, but the echo of his footsteps lingered like a slap to my face.I slammed my glass onto the table. The shatter echoed through the pristine apartment, shards of crystal flying across the floor."Damn it!" I choked out, gripping the edge of the counter to steady myself.All that work. All that effort. And for what?To watch Celeste Monroe crawl out of the ashes again? To watch Damien—the man I held onto for years—look at her like she was the only star in his sky?My hands trembled. Not from weakness, but from rage."Why?" I whispered, staring at my reflection in the glass. "Why does she always win?"We were both orphans. Both unwanted girls clawing our way through a cruel world.So why does she get to have the fairy tale?Even after I was chosen. Even after the Lancaster family claimed me, dressed me in silk and diamonds—Celeste still
Terakhir Diperbarui : 2025-04-11
Bab terbaru
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 55
Damien’s POVMy eyes narrowed at Michael as he stood there. Something about the way he was looking at me made my instincts prickle. After everything that just happened, now he suddenly wanted to chat?No.I was on high alert.“What do you want?” I asked, keeping my voice flat.He raised his hands slightly, as if to show he came in peace. “Relax. I’m not here to pick another fight.”I didn’t relax.Michael glanced toward the hallway I’d just come from, then back at me. “I just… I wanted to ask you more about Celeste.”I stared at him. Hard. “I know how that sounds,” he said quickly. “But it’s not what you think.”“Really.” My tone was ice.“I’m not after her,” he added, reading my thoughts too easily. “I just… she looked familiar. That’s all.”Familiar? I almost scoffed. He was a Lancaster heir. Born into nobility. Grew up surrounded by heiresses from every elite bloodline across the country. Celeste didn’t come from that world. Who could she possibly resemble?“Familiar how?” I aske
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 54
Damien’s POVThe cab ride to the hospital felt longer than it should have.A nurse guided me down a sterile corridor. My mind was elsewhere—on Celeste’s voice, her eyes, the man in the bar, the slap, the accusations. Everything felt like a blur wrapped in static.“This way, sir,” the nurse said politely, gesturing toward a room at the end of the hall.I stepped inside.Genevieve sat up in bed, her cheek still slightly red, but her smile bloomed instantly when she saw me. “Damien,” she breathed, like I was the hero in her story arriving at just the right time.I didn’t return the smile. Beside her, Michael stared at me with irritation, seemingly noticing my disheveled look but choosing to say nothing. I turned to the doctor standing nearby. “What’s her condition?” I asked, voice clipped.The doctor gave a slight nod. “We ran some tests. Nothing serious—just some bruising and mild swelling. She’ll be fine in a day or two.”That was all I needed to hear.“Good,” I said. “Then I’ll be o
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,
