Little revenge

“Well, well, look who decided to show her face,” he sneered, trying to cut in. “I didn’t think they let just anyone in here.”

Vivian’s jaw tightened. His words stung, but she forced herself to hold herself up high, meeting his gaze with composure. “Charles,” she said smoothly, “anyone can get in here, you know?"

He smirked, crossing his arms. “What is a nobody like you doing here? Thought you would be hiding in some apartment by now.” His gaze drifted over her dress, looking as if he were searching for some flaw to point out. “Or did you hitch a ride with someone you found at the bottom of the barrel just like I did?”

She had expected insults, so she came prepared. “Actually, I was invited. And you’d be surprised, Charles, how much the world has to offer once you get rid of rotten meat.”

His smirk faded, a flash of irritation passing over his face. He had not anticipated her quick retort, and she took satisfaction in the faint look of surprise in his eyes.

He scoffed, but there was a hint of curiosity in his voice. “Oh? And who was foolish enough to bring you here?”

Vivian opened her mouth to respond, but before she could, a familiar hand rested on her shoulder. She glanced to her side, heart pounding with both relief and a strange warmth as Ralph appeared beside her. 

“She came with her husband,” Ralph said, his voice carrying an authority that commanded the attention of everyone around them. He kept his hand steady on her shoulder. “And I’d say it’s uncalled for to insult my wife in public.”

Charles’s eyebrows narrowed and he took a step back, his face a mix of shock and disbelief. “Husband?” he scoffed, barely able to contain his laughter. “You married her? You must be even more foolish than I thought.”

Ralph’s expression didn’t change, his gaze shifting as he looked at Charles. “Is that so?” he replied smoothly. “Foolish or not, it seems we’ll have to agree to disagree.”

“And just who are you to make judgments about me?” he mocked. “You’re here parading around with this...this nobody, and you’re going to tell me what’s uncalled for?”

"We shall see to that." 

Before either of them could speak, the sound of a microphone being tapped echoed through the room, drawing everyone’s attention. A man in a tailored suit stepped onto the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you all for being here tonight. It’s our great honor to welcome a very special guest among us, someone who has not only advanced his industry but has shown exceptional leadership and vision. Please join me in recognizing tonight’s VIP honoree, our very own Ralph Humphrey, CEO of PhreyCo.”

There was murmuring as people turned their heads, looking for Ralph, who stood calmly beside Vivian. 

The smirk melted off Charles’s face, his eyes widening as he realized just who he had been so disrespectful to. 

PhreyCo was a powerhouse in the business world—one of the largest corporations in the country. And Ralph was the CEO.

“Since many of you are so interested in knowing who I am,” Ralph said calmly, “I’m Ralph Humphrey. And this remarkable woman by my side is Vivian, my wife.” He paused, his gaze fixed. “And trust me when I say, she’s worth more than you’ll ever know.”

Charles’s face went blank, his mouth opening and closing as he struggled to find words, taken aback by the confession.

There was a loud applause as people admired them. They could not take their eyes off them as they left the stage.

Charles ran to them, "uh, Mr. Humphrey." He called out.

"Any more validation? He said, coldly.

"I want to apologize for what happened earlier. I didn't know who you were, and Vivian is fond of jumping from one—"

"Any more words about my wife? I will make sure you don't see her the next morning," he voiced out, sending chills down his spine.

Ralph turned back to Vivian, his expression softening as he gently took her arm. “Shall we?”

Once they were alone in a quieter corner, Ralph leaned close, his voice barely above a whisper. “I hope that was sufficient for your revenge, Mrs. Humphrey.”

Vivian met his gaze, her mind trying to process how he switched up moods. “Why did you bring me here, and why did you do that, Ralph?” she asked.

He smiled faintly, but his expression remained unreadable. “We both have our reasons, don’t we?” He leaned closer, his expression shifting, almost challenging. “But remember, this isn’t just about you or me, Vivian. Appearances matter. And if you want this partnership to succeed, you’ll have to do more than this. I don't need a weak partner.”

He heaved a sigh, "Was that your ex? Tch, is that who you left me for? Was what he said true, that you—"

"Stop, Ralph. Yes, he is my ex-husband. No, I didn't leave you for him, and what he said back in was a lie. You know this."

He ignored her and continued.

“Now,” he said, his voice carrying a hint of authority, “it’s time we make our rounds. Tonight isn’t over yet.”

As they returned inside, Charles walked to them with his wife.

"Hello, Mr. Humphrey. I'm Franca, I've heard so much about you, and it's a pleasure to finally meet you in person. My husband would not stop talking about you. We would be glad to partner with your company on a project. Do you mind if we schedule a meeting to talk about it?" Franca said, feigning humility.

Ralph's expression remained unfazed, "nice to meet you, but I am not interested."

As he made to leave, Franca stopped him again, "How about you hear what we have to offer? Then you can think if you're interested or not."

"In that case, I will leave it to my wife to answer. Darling, what do you think?" He asked, turning to her.

All of them turned their attention to her, waiting patiently for her response.

“You wouldn't want to hurt me, right, Vivian? I know you still love me," Charles boasted, feeling himself.

Now, this was her time to take revenge on her ex-husband. Will she agree to schedule a meeting? What plan does she have to execute her revenge?