Chapter Twelve
Chapter Twelve
I wasn’t quite sure what had happened, but something inside me snapped. The heartbreak, the betrayal, it all melted into something colder, something sharper.
I wanted to see Zack fall.
I wanted to be there when everything he built came crashing down.
“Thank you for showing me this,” I murmured, my voice steadier than I expected.
“You’ve both been so kind to me.‘
David studied me carefully. “Are you okay, Lena?”
I forced a small smile. “Yeah. I just need to rest. It’s been a long day.”
Asher folded his arms, still watching me like he didn’t quite believe me.
“I’ll arrange for a masseuse and the best
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makeup artist in the country. You need to look your best at Dad’s retirement dinner tomorrow.”
I blinked. “It’s tomorrow? Oh God, I completely forgot.”
“It’s alright,” Asher reassured me.
“These past few days have been hectic. Luckily, we already picked out our outfits. I’ll bring yours tomorrow.”
“Thanks, Asher,” I said, rubbing my eyes. “That means a lot.”
I wasn’t looking my best, but that was nothing a good night’s sleep couldn’t fix.
And when I woke up, I’d be one step closer to making Zack regret everything.
Asher delivered on his promise, and even
more.
I woke up to the scent of freshly brewed coffee and something warm and buttery. As I opened my eyes, Asher stood in front of me, holding a tray of food.
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“How did you know I was starving?” I groaned as I stretched.
“You didn’t eat last night, Lena.” He set the tray down beside me. “How are you feeling?”
“Amazing.” I took a bite of the food, sighing in relief.
“Good.” Asher stood. “The masseuse is waiting downstairs. Take your time.”
I felt quite fortunate to have Asher as my brother. It felt like he was my
compensation for having to go through all I did from the Rashfords.
The banquet was held at one of Asher‘ s most exclusive hotels, and it was nothing short of extravagant, Chandeliers glowed overhead, reflecting off the polished marble floors. Guests poured in, each one dressed to perfection.
As we arrived, I skimmed through the guest
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list. My breath hitched.
“The Rashfords are coming?” I asked, barely hiding my surprise.
Asher nodded.
“Dad is Mr. Rashford‘ s biggest investor. He had to invite them. And with what Dad
has planned for you tonight, the whole world has to be here.”
I swallowed, trying to calm the nerves creeping up my spine.
Asher led me through a secret entrance and up the stairs to a private balcony. From here, I could see everything without being
seen.
“Stay here for now,” Asher said. “I‘ 11 bring you out when the time is right.”
I nodded, gripping the railing as I scanned the room below.
More guests trooped in, exchanging pleasantries, presenting gifts, taking their seats. Cameras flashed from every corner.
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AFT
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This wasn’t just a retirement dinner, it was a spectacle.
Then, the Rashfords arrived.
The scene of that day on the rooftop with my mom came rushing in. That night, I saw the extent of the hatred she had for me, and the reminder made my stomach
turn.
My fingers tightened against the railing as I watched Zack step inside. He was dressed in a perfectly tailored suit, his hair was neatly styled, looking every bit the man I once loved. He looked around, with his brows slightly furrowed, as if searching for something or someone.
He adjusted his cufflinks, then leaned toward Serena, whispering something. He scanned the room again, with an
unreadable expression. Then, he made his way toward Asher.
I wished I could hear what they were saying. Zack’s posture was stiff, he
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seemed very nervous.
Before I could analyze further, the lights dimmed, and a spotlight illuminated the
stage.
Mr. Farleigh stepped forward and room fell silent, everyone fixed their gaze on him.
“Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for being here tonight. We are gathered to celebrate my retirement, but more importantly, to welcome the next leader of my empire; my daughter, Lena Farleigh.”
The room was filled with echoes of
murmurs.
Cameras flashed as Asher stepped forward, gesturing for me to come down.
I straightened my posture, inhaled deeply, and descended the stairs.
Then, he hall fell silent, everyone looked at me like they had seen a ghost.
“The tragic accident she suffered led to our reunion. I welcome her officially into
Chapter Twelve
my family,”
My eyes moved from my mom, to my dad, and then, between Zack and Serena.
Before I could take another step, Mr. Rashford’s voice echoed through the room. “This is a mistake! Lena is my daughter!” he sounded very angry.
Now, there were lots of journalists bombarding us with questions. I didn’t know which to answer and which to leave, but a certain question struck me.
“You’re supposed to be dead. Your family held your funeral a few weeks ago. How come?” a journalist asked.
“The Rashfords were so eager to erase me that they held a funeral without a body,” I said, looking Mrs. Rashford dead in the
eyes.
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