His Perfect Scapegoat

Chapter 5: The Revenge Plan

Betty’s POV

Ethan's workplace was sleek, contemporary, and secluded, making it feel like the ideal war chamber. With a notebook in hand and a flurry of emotions roiling inside of me, I sat across from him and tried to concentrate.

Ethan started walking close to the wide windows that provided a breathtaking view of the metropolitan skyline, saying, "Justin thrives on appearances." "He'll be scurrying if you take that away."

"So, we hit him where it hurts most—his reputation," I remarked, maintaining my composure despite my roiling rage.

Ethan paused and grinned. "Exactly. And he's throwing a gala next week, so I know just where to start. Despite being a charity event, he is essentially using it as a stage to show off his connections.

"And you'd like me to come?" I raised an eyebrow in question.

Ethan leaned across the desk and corrected, "No." "I want the evening to be yours. Take the limelight, get him perspiring, and then hit him with a surprise blow.

I nodded, seeing the image in my mind already. "What is the strategy?"

Ethan gave me a tablet containing a list of information. "We'll begin by giving the media subliminal clues about your looks. Just enough to generate talk, nothing overt. When you get there, you'll make an impression that nobody will be able to ignore.

"And then?"

During your speech, we'll set up a scene that reveals one of his weaknesses. It need not be an outright assault. "Just enough to make his colleagues question themselves," Ethan murmured, his eyes shining with resolve.

"Let's do it," I firmly stated.

Ethan grinned more broadly. "That's the essence."

I experienced a glimmer of exhilaration for the first time in weeks. This was about taking back my power, not simply about getting even.

The gala night came sooner than I thought it would. I was standing before the full-length mirror, fiddling with the glistening emerald dress that was a great fit for my body. The garment was meant to draw attention since it was daring and unrepentant.

Amelia exclaimed as she entered the room, "You're going to be the talk of the night." "Are you prepared?"

I nodded after taking a long breath. "More than prepared."

The paparazzi's dazzling lights welcomed us as we drew up to the venue, where Ethan's limousine was waiting outside.

"Remember that you are in charge tonight," Ethan remarked in a soothing, quiet voice. Don't show them anything but assurance.

The cameras switched to me as soon as I got out of the car. As I proceeded up the carpet with my head held high, the crowd's whispers became more audible.

The enthusiasm in the room was palpable. As I walked in, everyone's attention was on me, even though the guests were all dressed to the nines.

“Betty Caldwell,” murmured someone. "After the scandal, I assumed she had vanished."

With his arm wrapped around Clara, Justin stood close to the bar. For a moment his face froze, and then he regained his composure. Clara, however, appeared enraged.

"Betty," Justin remarked slickly as he walked toward me. "I was surprised to see you here."

I grinned, the epitome of peace. "I wouldn't pass up such an occasion. It's for a good cause, after all.

He squinted, but before he could answer, Ethan came to join me. With his arm extended, he said, "Shall we?"

Justin stood there, stunned, and I took it.

I noticed a change in the tension in the air as the evening wore on. My speech was almost ready, and I could feel Justin's anxiety rising.

As the host invited me to the stage, Ethan nodded subtly. With my heels tapping on the marble floor, I approached and grinned confidently at the audience.

I said, "Good evening," in a firm voice. Being here tonight in support of such a worthy cause is an honour. However, I believe it's crucial to consider our core values—honesty, justice, and accountability—as we discuss charity and integrity.

I took a moment to process the words.

"Unfortunately, not everyone follows these principles," I said, glancing momentarily at Justin. “Some people build their success on the backs of others, using deceit and manipulation to climb the ladder.”

The muttering started instantly.

“Of course,” I answered with a faint smile, “it’s not my place to name names. But I believe the truth has a way of exposing itself, eventually.”

As I walked down from the platform, I could feel the weight of the crowd’s murmurs. Justin’s jaw was clenched, his knuckles white as he held his glass.

As I went back to my seat, Ethan muttered, "Well done." "The seed has been planted by you."

With my heart racing, I nodded. This was only the start.

The evening had not yet ended. Clara cornered me close to the balcony as the event came to an end. She didn't bother trying to hide the wrath that flared in her eyes.

Her voice was low but furious as she snarled, "What the hell are you doing?" "Are you attempting to ruin Justin?"

Calmly, I looked into her eyes. Clara, I'm only reporting the facts. It is not my fault if the truth causes him any trouble.

"You're pitiful," she spit out. "Coming here and acting like a victim." Do you believe you can defeat him? We are far superior to you.

I moved in closer and spoke in a chilly whisper. Be careful, Clara. You're not aware of my abilities. However, you'll learn soon enough.

For a second, her confidence wavered, and I took advantage of the situation to leave her standing there, speechless.

I saw Justin staring at me with an inscrutable face as I re-entered the crowd. I noticed something unexpected—fear—in his eyes for the first time.

The game had barely started, but the night was over.