Chapter 4 - The Grand Entrance
The flash of cameras outside the Sterling Gala was blinding.
Reporters shouted our names as Vincent guided me out of the limousine.
He kept his hand firmly on the small of my back, a silent promise of protection.
When we stepped into the grand ballroom, the chatter of hundreds of wealthy elites instantly died down.
Every single eye turned toward the entrance.
I felt a moment of panic, but Vincent squeezed my hand reassuringly.
"Keep your head high," he whispered into my ear.
"They aren't judging you; they are terrified of you because you are with me."
We walked down the sweeping marble staircase like royalty holding court.
Across the room, I spotted Tyler standing near the bar with Vanessa.
His smug smile vanished the second he realized who the stunning woman in the emerald dress was.
His glass actually slipped from his hand, shattering on the polished floor.
Vanessa looked at me in pure shock, her designer dress suddenly looking dull in comparison.
Vincent leaned in, his lips brushing against my ear in a display of calculated affection.
"Look at him," Vincent commanded softly.
I met Tyler's gaze head-on, refusing to shrink away like I used to.
I didn't feel fat, ordinary, or unlovable.
I felt like a queen who had just realized her crown was made of gold.
Several powerful men approached Vincent, eagerly trying to shake his hand and win his favor.
Vincent introduced me to all of them as his partner, holding my waist with a possessive grip.
Every time someone complimented me, I could feel Tyler's eyes burning holes into my back.
He couldn't stand the fact that the woman he threw away was now the most desired person in the room.
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I took a sip of my champagne, savoring the sweet taste of absolute victory.
The night was far from over.
