The city buzzed with restless energy that evening, neon lights flickering against glass towers as if mocking the people rushing beneath them. Elena had never cared much for social galas, but she had no choice tonight. Her husband's company was sponsoring a high-profile charity event, and she was expected to attend. In her past life, she had dreaded these occasions—standing in the shadow of Naomi, listening to Daniel's smooth voice as he publicly doted on her sister while throwing Elena the occasional mocking glance. She remembered the sharp whispers, the pitiful eyes of onlookers, and the way her so-called best friend Mira used every chance to highlight her flaws. But this life was different. She had promised herself never again.
When she stepped into the ballroom, all eyes turned to her. The gown she wore was not extravagant, but its sharp lines and bold crimson color hugged her figure with elegance that demanded attention. The deep V-cut back revealed pale, flawless skin, and the subtle diamonds at her ears glimmered with every turn of her head. Elena no longer moved like prey trying to avoid the hunters. Tonight, she was the storm that walked into the room.
Whispers began almost immediately. "Is that Mrs. Blake?" "I heard the Blakes hardly acknowledge her." "She's changed… doesn't she look different?" Elena let their words wash over her, unbothered. Her heels clicked against the polished marble floor as she accepted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter. She raised it to her lips, her eyes scanning the crowd with cool precision.
Then, she saw him.
Daniel.
The man who had once called himself her fiancé, the man she had once stupidly loved with all her heart. He looked almost the same—dark hair slicked back with his usual arrogance, tailored suit hugging his tall frame, smile dripping with charm as he spoke to a cluster of business partners. His presence had once made her heart race. Tonight, it made her blood run cold.
He noticed her almost instantly. His smile faltered for a fraction of a second before reforming into something polished and practiced. With smooth steps, he excused himself from the group and made his way toward her. The crowd parted instinctively, their curiosity piqued.
"Elena," he greeted, his voice warm with false familiarity. "It's been far too long."
Her lips curved in a polite smile, though her eyes glittered with ice. "Has it? I barely noticed."
A murmur ran through those close enough to hear. Daniel's jaw tightened, but he maintained his charming façade. "You've… changed. You used to be gentler. Softer."
"Translation," she said, tilting her head, "I used to be naïve enough to believe the lies you fed me." She took a deliberate sip of champagne, the sparkle of the crystal glass catching the light as she studied him like one might study an insect pinned beneath glass. "Don't worry, Daniel. That girl is long dead."
Gasps rippled through the surrounding crowd. Daniel's polished mask cracked slightly, the charming smile straining at the edges. "You're still bitter, I see. But don't forget who once gave you everything. Without me—"
"Without you," she cut him off sharply, "I might have had a chance to live in peace instead of being treated like a second-hand pawn in your and Naomi's little game. You never gave me anything, Daniel. You took. You used. And you discarded."
The sting of her words echoed through the hall, sharp enough to cut. Daniel's face darkened, but before he could retort, Elena leaned forward, her voice dropping just enough to let those closest catch her words. "Tell me, does Naomi know you're staring at me with that look in your eyes? Or are you hoping to add me back into your collection as well?"
The surrounding murmurs grew louder, scandalous. Daniel stiffened, his perfect composure finally beginning to fracture. For the first time, he looked like the one on the defensive.
Elena smiled faintly, victorious, and turned away without waiting for his reply. She walked toward the buffet table with effortless grace, her figure commanding the attention of everyone she passed. Behind her, Daniel stood frozen, his fists clenched at his sides, humiliated in front of the very crowd he had hoped to impress.
From across the room, another pair of eyes watched intently. Adrian Blake leaned lazily against the balcony railing on the second floor, a glass of whiskey in hand. His expression was unreadable, but the faintest curve of his lips betrayed something darker, more dangerous. Amusement. His little wife, who had once been docile and quiet, had just humiliated Daniel White in front of half the city's elite. She had shown claws he hadn't realized she possessed, and the sight stirred something deep inside him.
Elena felt his gaze long before she looked up. Their eyes met briefly across the crowd. For a heartbeat, it was as if no one else existed. Adrian's gaze was sharp, probing, yet beneath it lingered something dangerously close to interest. Elena lifted her glass slightly in silent defiance, her chin high. She would not cower before him either. Then she turned away, leaving him to watch.
The whispers followed her for the rest of the night, but instead of pity, they carried shock, awe, and grudging respect. For the first time in years, Elena White was not the fragile girl everyone trampled over. She was a woman who could command a room, who could humiliate a man like Daniel with nothing but words and poise. And somewhere in the shadows of that glittering ballroom, her cold husband was watching it all, his interest in her growing with every passing second.
What she didn't know was that Adrian was no longer indifferent. Tonight, she had lit a spark in him. And when Adrian Blake's interest was ignited, it was a dangerous fire no one could easily extinguish.