Chapter 10
958 Words
The grand opening of Elora’s boutique did not just begin—it unfolded like a spectacle.
Crystal chandeliers shimmered overhead, scattering light across polished marble floors. Mannequins dressed in exquisite fabrics stood like silent witnesses to a moment that was bigger than fashion—it was power, transformation, and something far more dangerous beneath the surface.
Guests filled the room—elite figures, influential names, members of the Collins empire. Cameras flashed. Soft music played. Every detail screamed wealth.
And at the center of it all—
Elora.
Draped in a stunning, form-fitting gown, she stood poised behind the podium. No trace of the uncertain girl from weeks ago remained. Her chin was lifted, her gaze steady.
But deep inside…
Her pulse was anything but calm.
“Good day, everyone,” she began, her voice smooth, controlled. “Thank you all for showing up.”
A wave of polite applause followed.
Elora’s eyes swept across the room—and for a brief second, they flickered toward the entrance.
Nothing unusual.
“I would like to thank my husband, Mr. Windsor Collins… my father-in-law, Mr. Collins… and the entire Collins family…” she continued, each word measured carefully, “for making an illegitimate daughter—married into their family by contract—a CEO.”
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
Some surprised.
Some impressed.
Some… judging.
But Elora didn’t flinch.
“You all can now shop luxury items from me,” she finished, her lips curving into a confident smile.
Applause erupted—louder this time.
But just as she stepped away from the podium—
The main doors creaked open.
Soft.
Almost unnoticed.
Yet somehow—
It felt loud.
A figure stepped in.
Matilda.
Her presence was like a blade cutting through silk—sharp, silent, and impossible to ignore.
Her eyes locked onto Elora.
And in that instant—
Elora’s smile faltered.
Just for a second.
Then it was gone.
Masked.
Hidden.
Perfect.
—
Minutes later, the event carried on like nothing had happened.
Champagne glasses clinked. Guests laughed. Designers mingled.
But Elora was already walking briskly down the hallway toward her office.
Her heels clicked against the floor—fast, controlled.
She shut the door behind her.
Exhaled.
Silence.
For a moment—
She thought she was alone.
Then—
Bang.
The door flew open.
Elora didn’t need to turn around.
She already knew.
“You are now acting like a rich CEO,” Matilda’s voice cut through the room, dripping with mockery.
Elora turned slowly.
Calm.
Collected.
“Of course,” she replied coolly. “I am.”
Matilda let out a short, disbelieving laugh.
“Wow,” she said, stepping further into the office. “You are married to a billionaire… and now you’re being made an independent billionaire too.”
Her eyes darkened.
“You are enjoying my rights,” she snapped. “You’ve taken what belongs to me.”
The air grew heavy.
“How dare you!”
The words echoed.
But Elora didn’t step back.
Didn’t flinch.
Instead—
She stood.
Slowly.
Then—
She clapped.
Once.
Twice.
The sound was sharp. Mocking.
“Wow,” Elora said, her voice low but cutting. “I’ve heard those words before.”
She took a step closer.
Now they stood face to face.
“And now…” she added, her eyes narrowing slightly, “I finally know the person behind everything.”
Matilda’s expression flickered.
Just for a second.
“How dare you, Matilda,” Elora continued, her voice rising—not in panic, but in power. “How dare you kidnap me?”
Silence.
Thick.
Dangerous.
Matilda’s lips parted slightly—but no words came out.
“Always remember,” Elora pressed on, her voice shaking now—not with fear, but with emotion, “you rejected Windsor. You refused the contract marriage.”
Tears welled in her eyes.
But she didn’t wipe them away.
“Your father handed me over to him… even after hearing he was rude, wicked—” her voice cracked, “and I had no choice.”
The room seemed to shrink.
The truth… laid bare.
“But I’m grateful,” Elora whispered, her voice softening. “Grateful I found love.”
Matilda’s face hardened.
That word again.
Love.
Something twisted inside her.
“I will spare you,” Elora said suddenly, her tone turning cold again. “I won’t tell my husband. I won’t tell the Collins family that you were the one who arranged my kidnapping.”
Matilda’s eyes widened.
A flicker of fear.
Gone almost instantly.
“But the next time,” Elora continued, her gaze piercing, “you try to mess with me… or my family—”
She leaned in slightly.
“I will tell him.”
A pause.
“And you know exactly what that means.”
The threat hung in the air like a loaded gun.
Silence followed.
But it didn’t last long.
Because—
The door opened again.
Both women turned.
Windsor stepped in.
His presence filled the room instantly.
Confident.
Dominant.
Unaware.
“Hey, my wifey,” he said casually, walking straight to Elora.
Before she could react—
He kissed her.
Soft.
Possessive.
Real.
And for a brief second—
Everything else disappeared.
Except—
Matilda.
Watching.
Her fists clenched tightly at her sides.
Her nails digging into her palms.
She said nothing.
She just turned—
And walked out.
The door shut behind her.
Quietly.
Too quietly.
Windsor glanced toward the door, confused.
“Why did she walk out?” he asked.
Elora turned back to him.
And smiled.
“I guess…” she said lightly, “she’s jealous.”
Windsor chuckled.
And just like that—
The tension seemed to dissolve.
They laughed together.
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