Chapter 26 – Old Drama
Faye’s Pov
After Hunter handed me the invitation to the Blackwell Gala, he left.S
The gala was tomorrow night. That didn’t give me much time.
I sighed and stood up from my desk.
“Anna,” I called out to my assistant. “Cancel the rest of my meetings today.”
“Yes, ma’am,” she said quickly.
all in the city. It was mine, of course, but
I grabbed my purse and headed straight for the boutique on Fifth Avenue–the biggest designer mall today, I was a customer!:
The head seamstress lit up when she saw me.
“Miss Berkeley! We weren’t expecting you.”
“I need something custom,” I said. “Gala tomorrow.
“Right away”
They didn’t waste time. Within minutes, fabric samples were laid out.
I picked a deep emerald green silk with tiny gold accents.
It shimmered softly under the lights–strong, elegant, impossible to ignore.
As they measured me. I stared at my reflection in the mirror. This woman this version of me… she was no longer invisible. She stood taller. Spoke louder. She wasn’t a shadow of who she used to be.
“That’s perfect,” I said once they finished pinning the design around my body.
“We’ll have it ready by noon tomorrow,” the seamstress promised.
I nodded and grabbed my bag to leave!!
That’s when I heard her voice &
“If it isn’t the big, bad CEO herself.”
I froze for a split second. I knew that voice.
Lily.
1 turned my head slowly.”
She stood there, arms crossed, fake pout on her lips. Her blonde curls were perfect as always, and she wore designer heels like she owned the ground beneath them.!!
I didn’t say anything. I didn’t owe her anything.
I walked past her.
But of course, she followed.!!
“How’d you do it, Faye?” she sneered, “How did a poor little nobody end up as CEO of Berkeley and get engaged What’d you do? Blackmail him? Seduce him?”
jed to Hunter E
Blackwell?
I kept walking.”
“Faye, I’m talking to you!” she snapped louder. “You don’t just become a CEO overnight. And Hunter? You think someone like him would actually love someone like you?”
I stopped at the door.
said. turning around slowly “You’re talking a lot about blackmail for someone who’s been blackmailing Gabriel “s Her face turned red.!!
“You don’t know what you’re talking about “X
“I know enough” I said, voice calm. “And I’m not in the mood to relive high school drama with you.“}
“I’m going to find out how you scammed your way to the top,” she hissed. “And when I do-“)
I cut her off “Do what, Lily? Cry? Lie? Play the victim like you always do?”
She stepped forward. “You don’t scare me.“|
“Good” I smiled tightly “Because I’m not trying to.”
Then she did its
She threw herself to the ground with a loud gasp
“Ah You hurt mat
Senously?
I didn’t even touch her!
People turned. An elderly woman nearby rushed over “Oh dear Are you alright?” she asked, helping Lily up I
“She pushed me” Lily whimpered, wiping invisible tears from her cheeks.
The woman tumed to me. “Young lady, you should be ashamed of yourself. Bullying someone like this.”
I just stood there. Calm. Still
Lily stiffed. “She’s always hated me. Always wanted Gabriel And now look–she’s doing it again
I laughed. “You still have that fake cry down to an art. Too bad I don’t fall for it anymore
The doors behind us opened spent
Gabriel walked in with Ace and lan
His eyes scanned the scene. Then he rushed forward, putting an arm around Lily
“What happened?” he asked, looking at me. “Why are you hurting her?
1 didn’t touch her I said coldly!
“Lily loves you” Gabriel said, frowning. “She’s just trying-”
“Scare me,” I en
I glanced at the boys.
per now. “You always see what you want, Gabriel. Never the truth”
lan’s eyes were glued to the marble floor. Ace clutched his dad’s sleeve, silent. They weren’t calling me names. Weren’t smirking. Weren’t saying anything
Just cued Almost, asremedi
frowned, something was wrong because they didn’t even try to help Lily
I locked at Gabriel one last time
“Take care of your kids.” I said
Then i tumed and walked away!
My heels echoed down the marble hallway and I sashayed with pride.
I’m not me same
It was obvious, I’ve changed and I loved it!
0:14 AM C
Hunter’s Pov
