Chapter 7- Resurgence

Stephanie‘s POV

The car Henry arranged for me arrives precisely on time, a sleek, glossy black vehicle that looks like it’s stepped right out of a luxury magazine.

Henry’s arrangements left me with a strange sense of discomfort. With Vince, attending events had always been a far more spontaneous affair—never such meticulous planning, even the dress was hastily chosen by myself. It made me wonder, as I stared at his every move, if he still hadn’t given up on the idea of an engagement.

The gala venue comes into view, a grand building lit up like something out of a dream. 

Inside, the ballroom is breathtaking. Crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow over the polished marble floors, and the scent of roses mingles with the faint aroma of champagne.

Waiters in crisp white uniforms glide through the crowd, offering trays of delicate hors d'oeuvres and flutes of sparkling wine.

A group of young women sipped champagne, engaging in lively conversation, their laughter ringing clear and light. But as one girl’s gaze accidentally met mine, her smile faltered, and she quickly turned to whisper to her companions. I knew their topic of conversation—my highly publicized divorce and the scandalous video that followed.  

None of that concerned me.

My eyes roamed the room. I was once a designer adored by the media and the ex-wife of a billionaire. In the past, I had crossed paths with many of the guests here and had helped Vince achieve various collaborations at many events like this.

Since I was already here, why not seize the opportunity and make these chances work for me?

These connections—these conversations—were all invaluable resources for my future. I didn’t need Henry’s help to succeed. I can set up a studio on my own.

The evening progresses smoothly at first. Conversations swirl around us, and I find myself slipping into the rhythm of the event. Henry sweeps off to grab us drinks.

For a fleeting moment, I feel like myself again.

The reprieve is short-lived.

I hear their voices before I see them, sharp and cutting against the backdrop of polite chatter.

"How could you still show your face so shamelessly in public?"

I watched them, as did everyone else in the ballroom. Yes, they were the center of attention. Vince stands beside her, his arm possessively draped around her waist, his expression cold and disdainful. Darci, with her overblown confidence, smiles at the crowd like she owns it, and they eat it up—just the way she always wanted.

"Stephanie," Darci’s voice is saccharine sweet, the kind that hides poison. "How brave of you to still show your face after everything. Divorce, scandal... You must be clinging to whatever scraps you can."

I roll my eyes. "You two shameless adulterers actually have the nerve to show up here. Why can't I?" I sneer, my voice sharp and unyielding.

Vince’s face darkened, and he lowered his voice in warning. “Stephanie, keep it down. Don’t make a scene. There are too many guests here—don’t embarrass me.”

“Embarrass you?” I raised an eyebrow, unafraid, and continued, “Weren’t you just flaunting how loving you two are? Proudly attending the gala with your mistress. It’s disgusting.”

Darci’s smile started to fade, and she nervously whispered, “Stephanie, stop.”

But I had no intention of backing down. I raised my voice, “Or should I say, your little darling Darci is nothing more than a slut who specializes in seducing married men?” I emphasized the word “slut” so everyone around could hear clearly.

Darci’s face turned pale, her eyes flickering with panic. She suddenly turned to Vince, her voice trembling as though she were the innocent victim in this conflict. “Vince, look at her, how could she treat me like this?” Her voice dropped, but enough for everyone to hear her sorrow. “I just wanted a little happiness, and yet she attacks me like this. I never intended to hurt anyone.”

She cleverly made herself appear weaker, leaning slightly toward Vince, seeking his protection. Vince immediately stepped into the role of the protector, his expression shifting from coldness to anger. He spoke firmly, “Stephanie, you’ve gone too far. Darci’s pregnant. You can’t hurt her like this!”

Darci continued her act, softly sobbing as if her heart had been deeply wounded. “I know our relationship might cause you pain, but I never meant to take everything from you. I just… I just fell in love with Vince.”

Vince tried to hurt me with his words, “Maybe you should’ve stayed home. Watching you cling to a world that no longer belongs to you, spreading lies to hold on to it, is a disgrace to all of us.”

Just as I was about to retort, a deep, steady voice interrupted. “Vince, it seems you still haven’t learned how to respect others.”

I turned to see Henry standing beside me, calm and composed, yet exuding an air of quiet authority. 

Vince narrowed his eyes, his jaw tightening. "Henry," he spat, his voice dripping with mockery. "I didn’t expect to see you here. Spent enough time behind bars, didn’t you? Fresh out of prison, and already you’re looking to embarrass yourself? Or haven’t you had enough of being a disgrace?"

Around us, the crowd began to murmur, their whispers sharp and cutting. Eyes filled with a mixture of disdain and curiosity turned toward us, their gazes like daggers aimed at both Henry and me. 

Henry, however, appeared unfazed. He met Vince’s venomous words with a calm that bordered on unnerving. "Years have passed, Vince, but some things never change. You’re still as good at twisting the truth as ever. But don’t think for a second I’ll let you get away with it again." His gaze shifted briefly to Darci, cold and unimpressed, before returning to Vince. 

Vince’s jaw tightened further, his silence more telling than any words. The tension between them was palpable.

The atmosphere shifted. Everyone knew Henry had been to prison. To the public, he was the "criminal." Yet here he stood, calm and composed, while Vince, the supposed victim, was unusually silent.

It’s clear that Vince is avoiding any discussion about what happened back then. Why is that?

But before I could delve further into my thoughts, Darci’s voice broke through. 

“How unfortunate, Stephanie.” Darci dabbed at her perfectly dry eyes, feigning sadness. “I’ve heard some people will do whatever it takes to claw their way back up. Even if it means cozying up to a criminal like Henry.” She stepped closer, her tone dropping into a near-whisper, though it was loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. “I suppose you don’t mind, do you? Being seen with someone like him?”

I took a deep breath, steadying myself against the anger bubbling inside me. Then, with a deliberate smile, I replied, "You’re absolutely right, Darci. Being associated with Henry does take courage. But, you see, compared to being a so-called 'socialite' who openly seduces married men, I’d say at least I have a sense of decency."

Darci’s practiced smile faltered, freezing on her face. Her composure cracked just enough for me to see the anger simmering underneath.

Henry cuts in before she could respond, and his face is the picture of politeness. “If you keep offending my guests, Ms.impolite. I will have you thrown out. Excuse us.”

I shoot a glare back at Vince as we stride off, and I can’t help the spark of satisfaction at the wide-eyed look on his face. Yes, I’m sure he didn’t expect Henry to give a damn about me.

Satisfaction brings a smile to my lips.

As we move through the crowd, the whispers follow us, but I keep my head high, refusing to let them see me stifling a smile.

The golden light casts a warm glow on his features, softening the edges that usually seem so sharp.

"Are you okay? " His voice is low, steady, meant just for me. "I know it’s hard, but right now, you can’t match their power head-on. Endurance is your best weapon. Focus on building yourself up. When the time comes, you’ll face them on your terms—and win."

"It’s fine, they can't hurt me." I reply with a smile. "But thank you for stepping in."

"If she truly thought this would make me lose my composure, then she’s terribly mistaken."

The music swells, and couples begin to move onto the dance floor. Henry extends his hand toward me, an unexpected softness in his expression. "Would you like to dance?"

Surprised, I hesitate for just a heartbeat before placing my hand in his.