CHAPTER 54
Gabriella stood up, grabbed her bag, and walked out of the café.
She stood outside, dialing her assistant's number with calm precision.
"A car is gonna pass the Ville intersection. The car is black. Do what I want you to do to it," Gabriella said, smirking venomously.
"Your wish is my command," Blake, her driver, replied and hung up.
"William, you think you can use and dump me for just a little wench? And Liam—you think you can play with me? Hmph! You should keep on dreaming," she whispered coldly.
---
Liam drove cautiously, his hands sweaty around the steering wheel.
He couldn't stop thinking about how to explain everything to William.
Thoughts spun in his head—would William still accept him as a friend or cancel their relationship completely?
Lost in his thoughts, Liam didn't notice his surroundings.
Before he could return to reality, a big truck crashed into his car, pushing it off the road and into a bush.
The truck came to a stop, reversed briefly—then zoomed off.
Smoke oozed from the car engine.
Liam was unconscious, blood smeared across his face and body.
Tina was walking back from the grocery store, carrying several bags of foodstuffs and beverages when she noticed the rising smoke.
"What's that?" she asked herself cautiously. "Is there a fire outbreak at the Ville intersection?"
She scurried toward the smoke.
As she got closer, her eyes widened in shock when she recognized the wrecked vehicle.
"It's Liam…" she whispered.
She dropped her bags and bolted toward the scene like a mad dog.
"Liam!" she screamed, banging on the car window. "Liam, wake up!" she cried out desperately.
She searched the ground and found a smooth iron rod. Wielding it like a weapon, she forced it into the gap in the car door and yanked it open.
She pulled Liam out and placed his limp body on her lap.
"Liam! Wake up!" she called again, gently tapping his face.
Frantically, she brought out her phone and dialed 911.
---
"What? Liam got into an accident?" Kate shouted, springing up from the couch in her room.
"Lady Tina called this evening and explained everything to me," Joyce said, calmly.
"I can't believe this. How did it happen?" Kate asked, pacing.
"Lady Tina has already informed the police. An investigation is ongoing," Joyce replied.
"Oh… that's a relief. You can go home now. The maids will finish the rest. Go and prepare for tomorrow's gala," Kate said, dismissively.
"Okay, ma'am," Joyce said.
"I'll give Tina a call," Kate added.
"Please do that, ma'am," Joyce said, then left the house.
Kate grabbed her phone and dialed Tina's number.
Tina answered on the sixth ring.
"Hey girl," Kate said, softly.
"Hi," Tina replied weakly.
"I'm sorry you're going through this," Kate said, her tone warm and comforting.
"I'm tired. Why Liam?" Tina said, her voice trembling. "I swear, I'm going to catch the person who did this and break them into a million pieces that can't be replaced."
"Calm down, girl. You need to take a deep breath," Kate said, firmly. "Liam is like a brother to me. If you're going to get justice for him, then you don't have to do it alone."
"Okay. I accept. Let's do this together," Tina said, softening. "How's your health?"
"I'm getting better day by day, and the baby is getting healthier. Thank you for your care," Kate said, calmly.
"You're welcome. Goodnight."
"Goodnight," Kate replied, then hung up.
---
The grand chandelier lit up the entire Greensville Hall, its light glimmering across the marble floors.
Rich men and women, business tycoons, and billionaires were present at the gala.
Each one mingled with familiar faces, exchanging brief nods and polite smiles.
Kate's limousine stopped at the entrance.
She stepped out elegantly—her diamond ceramic heels glinting under the bright lights, tapping confidently on the polished floors.
Her bronze gown hugged her curves, perfectly outlining her figure.
The dress revealed her back down to her waist, while her soft makeup gave her face a radiant glow.
She glanced around the hall, scanning the crowd.
William appeared behind her, his blue tuxedo tailored to perfection.
He opened his arm slightly, and Kate's hand slipped into his.
They walked into the hall together.
Immediately, all eyes turned to them.
Surprise painted the faces of many. Some opened their mouths, but no words came out.
---
In a nearby dressing room, Gabriella entered with a man.
"Is it done?" she asked.
"Yeah. It's done. She just needs to walk into the trap, and then she'll meet her parents up in heaven," he said.
"That's good," Gabriella said, feeling satisfied.
"Kate, it's time you met your parents. And this time, no one's going to save you. If William tries to barge in, it'll be even better—so you two can kiss yourselves to heaven."
She laughed maniacally.
---
The MC walked onto the stage and grabbed the mic.
"Ladies and gentlemen," he said, drawing attention.
"The wife of the popular billionaire, William Dray, is here with a special announcement. Please listen attentively."
Just then, Jeremy entered the hall and walked straight toward William.
"You're late," William said, not looking at him.
"Something bad is going to happen today. Gabriella is planning something dangerous," Jeremy said urgently.
William's eyes widened. He turned to face Jeremy.
"Tell me."
"I'll go straight to the point. If Kate steps into the center beneath the chandelier to make her speech, the chandelier will fall on her," Jeremy revealed.
"What?!"
"Mrs. Kate Dray," the MC announced, "you may take the center to make your speech."
William watched as Kate walked gracefully to the center.
She smiled at him—but he shook his head, warning her with his eyes.
He looked up at the chandelier—it was shaking dangerously.
The thin rope holding it snapped.
William bolted forward, pushing Kate out of the way and cradling the back of her head to shield it from the ground.
The chandelier came crashing down, glass shattering across the hall as screams erupted.
William covered Kate protectively with his chest.
Jeremy rushed to help them up.
William scanned the hall and spotted Gabriella beside his mother, Helena Dray.
He stormed toward them and yanked Gabriella forward, nearly crushing her arm.
"William, you're hurting me!" Gabriella struggled.
"So now you know what it feels like to be hurt!" he snapped. "What has she done to you, Gabriella? Why would you go to such lengths?"
"She's done a lot! She's a thief, a cheat, and a countryside bumpkin!" Gabriella yelled.
"What?" Kate whispered, stunned.
"I've had enough of her. She needs to get out of my way."
"You're insane," William said, his voice filled with disgust.
"She's not insane," Helena cut in coldly.
"Mom, why do you always support her?" William asked bitterly. "Can't you see what she just did?"
"I'm not supporting her. But what evidence do you have to prove she's the culprit?"
"She's the only one capable of doing this. I'll get to the bottom of it," William said with resolve.
"There's nothing you can do. That girl has never brought joy to this family—only sorrow," Helena declared.
"Hmph! You think she never brought joy? What about this trash who's barren and still scheming?" William retorted, pointing at Gabriella.
"You don't—mean…" Helena said, realization dawning.
"Yes. She's pregnant with my child," William revealed.
He turned to the crowd.
"I have an announcement to make. I'm expecting a child with my wife," he declared.
"And let me make this clear—after what happened tonight, if anything else happens to her, everyone in this room will be held responsible. Especially you two."
He pointed at Gabriella and Helena.
Kate stared at him, a whirlwind of emotions stirring inside her. She didn't fully understand the feeling—but somewhere deep in her heart, something felt… fulfilled.