The Party of Humiliation
Inside the Grand Monarch Hotel, the ballroom overflowed with luxury. Crystal chandeliers sparkled, waiters glided with silver trays, and the air buzzed with the self-satisfied chatter of the city’s elite. Marco stood at the center of attention, champagne in hand, arm linked with Valerie, his grin radiating pride.
“Congratulations, Marco! I hear the mysterious Chairwoman of the company is attending tonight,” an executive said. “Hope you impress her!”
“Of course,” Marco replied with arrogance dripping from every word. “I’m their best VP. And who wouldn’t be impressed with Valerie and me? We are the perfect power couple.”
They laughed, oblivious that the very woman whose dress Marco had burned hours earlier was about to enter.
Suddenly, the orchestra stopped. The lights went out. A massive spotlight pierced the darkness, aimed squarely at the grand entrance.
Mr. Sebastian stepped onto the stage.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” he announced, voice echoing like a decree, “after a long period of maintaining her privacy, it is my great honor to introduce the one and only owner and Supreme Chairwoman of Vanguard Empire… Madame Clara Vanguard!”
The Arrival of Light and Truth
The mahogany doors burst open. Twelve armed bodyguards formed a V, their presence as imposing as a fortress.
And at their center… I walked in.
A midnight-blue gown shimmered with real diamonds. Around my neck, the Heart of the Ocean necklace glimmered. My hair was immaculate, my posture radiating authority and control.
Billionaires, politicians, and celebrities erupted in applause. Cameras flashed like lightning. But my eyes locked on Marco—and I watched his champagne glass slip.
CRASH!
His face went pale. His body trembled. Valerie froze, her smile replaced with fear.
“C-Clara…?” Marco whispered, voice shaking, as if air itself had betrayed him. “I-Imposible… s-she’s my wife…”
I walked slowly toward him, guests parting like the Red Sea. I stopped inches from his trembling figure and let my gaze travel over him, mirroring the contempt he had shown me hours before.
“Good evening, Marco,” I said, my smile icy. “I’m here. Sorry I’m a bit late. My husband burned the dress I was supposed to wear.”
Executives nearby exchanged puzzled glances.
“B-Babe… w-what does this mean…?” Marco stammered. “Y-You’re the Chairwoman…?! You own Vanguard Empire?!”
“The company you’re so proud of? Yes, it’s mine,” I replied smoothly. Then I turned to Valerie, who now shook in terror.
“And you, Valerie. Didn’t you tell my husband you’d look perfect together tonight because you both come from high society? What a pity—you’ll both be unemployed by tomorrow.”
Valerie’s confession tumbled out. “M-Madame Chairwoman… I didn’t know he was your husband! He was the one who flirted with me!”
