My mother-in-law doted on my husband's mistress's child like a precious treasure, while my son crawled on the floor with a terrified look in his eyes like an abused animal. They thought I would cry... but it was my smile that made them all pay the price. / Chapter 14 / 67

Chapter 15 - The Charity Gala

The annual Chicago Philanthropy Gala was the most exclusive, high-stakes social event of the year. For the past decade, I had attended this gala as Dominic’s silent, terrified shadow, forced to wear heavy makeup to hide my bruises while he smiled for the cameras and played the role of the generous billionaire.

Tonight, I was attending on my own terms.

I stepped out of my sleek black town car wearing a stunning, floor-length emerald silk gown. I held my head high, walking up the red carpet with Marcus by my side. The camera flashes erupted instantly, blindingly bright, but I didn't flinch.

Inside the massive, chandelier-lit ballroom, the elite of the city gathered, whispering as I made my entrance. I was no longer a victim; I was the CEO of Vale-Tech and the founder of the city's most successful trauma foundation.

During the cocktail hour, Beatrice Sterling, Dominic’s incredibly wealthy and viciously cruel aunt, approached me holding a flute of champagne.

"Elena," Beatrice sneered, looking me up and down with obvious disdain. "I am absolutely shocked you had the sheer audacity to show your face here tonight. After what you did to our family name, putting my nephew in a cage like an animal."

I took a slow sip of my sparkling water, looking at her with absolute, freezing pity.

"Your nephew put himself in a cage, Beatrice," I replied, my voice carrying clearly over the soft jazz music. "I simply provided the locks."

"You are a gold-digger who stole his company," she hissed, stepping closer.

"I am a survivor who rebuilt a ruined company," I corrected her smoothly, not backing away an inch. "And if you continue to harass me in public, I will happily remind the press exactly how much of your personal fortune was tied to Dominic’s offshore embezzlement accounts. Would you like me to call the reporters over right now?"

Beatrice’s face went completely pale. She snapped her jaw shut, turned on her heel, and practically sprinted away toward the exit.