The Arrival of Light and Truth
The mahogany doors swung open. Twelve armed bodyguards entered first, forming a V-shape, their presence like a moving 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 caught the light. My hair was perfectly styled, my posture carrying absolute authority and control.
Billionaires, politicians, and celebrities erupted into applause. Camera flashes exploded like lightning. But my gaze locked onto Marco—and I watched his champagne glass slip from his hand.
CRASH!
His face drained of color. His body stiffened. Valerie froze beside him, her smile collapsing into fear.
“C-Clara…?” Marco whispered, his voice trembling as though even the air had turned against him. “I… I-impossible… s-she’s my wife…”
I walked toward him slowly, the crowd parting in silence. I stopped just inches away and let my gaze sweep over him, mirroring the same contempt he had shown me only hours before.
“Good evening, Marco,” I said, my smile ice-cold. “I’m here. Sorry I’m a bit late. My husband burned the dress I was supposed to wear.”
Executives nearby exchanged confused looks.
“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 calmly. Then I turned to Valerie, who was now visibly shaking.
“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 broke instantly. “M-Madame Chairwoman… I didn’t know he was your husband! He was the one who flirted with me!”
