I Was Only His Substitute

Chapter 5

At Willtown's annual charity gala, all the city's elites presented a veneer of harmony, yet couldn't conceal the sordid underbelly of power, money, and illicit exchanges.

At the banquet's peak, Vincent made a grand entrance with Dora.

Trailing submissively behind them was Gloria.

Many watched this bizarre group with curiosity and whispered venomously.

"That's Gloria? So the rumors are true!"

"And that must be Mr. Stevens' new mistress? How classy!"

"This is unheard of in Willtown—a stand-in replacing the side chick. Take notes, darling."

"As if you could replicate it! Her every mannerism, even her fashion sense and artistic taste, is a carbon copy of Gloria's! Could you pull that off?"

Nearby socialites burst into cackling laughter.

A mocking smile flickered across Gloria's downcast face—this brazen truth-twisting bore the unmistakable stamp of Vincent's archrival, Daniel Smith.

Gloria glanced up at Dora.

Indeed, rage flashed in her eyes.

Dora clenched the pastry into crumbs in her fist and wheeled toward the gossiping women.

But Gloria moved first. To everyone's shock, she raised her hand.

The sharp slap drowned out the banquet's whispers. The ringleader's head snapped sideways, her hand flying to her cheek as she gaped in disbelief.

"You... you dare hit me?!"

"And why wouldn't I?" Gloria's voice turned razor-sharp, ditching her meek act. "You are insulting the Stevens heiress. Does that not warrant a strike?"

She scanned the closing circle of onlookers, drawing herself up, her lips curling into a perfect mirror of Dora's signature fury.

Dora froze mid-step, the fury in her chest not subsiding but flaring even hotter!

Because Gloria wasn't just copying her—she was defending her in her own style.

"Bravo! Now that's Willtown's famous thorny rose. Impressive!"

A wave of cheers came closer. Gloria turned and met a gaze brimming with aggression.

Her eyes flickered with barely noticeable recognition. The person she'd been waiting for had arrived!

"Mr. Burnett, sorry for this," Vincent said, standing beside the man and lightly clinking glasses.

"Not at all. I loved it!" George Burnett's eyes remained locked on Gloria as he downed his drink in one gulp.

Dora's anger dissipated, replaced by a hint of pity as she glanced at Gloria.

"Uncle Vincent, aren't you going to introduce Gloria?"

Vincent hesitated briefly but spoke when Dora looped her arm through his. "This is Web International's CEO, Mr. George Burnett."

Playing her part, Gloria raised her glass toward George.

George burst into laughter, suddenly seizing Gloria's hand and finishing her drink for her.

Gloria stared at Vincent in disbelief, her eyes filled with silent pleading.

But Vincent looked away.

"Mr. Stevens, I'll take her now," George declared, draping an arm around Gloria's shoulders.

The crowd inhaled sharply. After all, George was known for taking pleasure in torment, specializing in finding exactly what his victims feared most, shattering their will before taking what he wanted.

All the blood left Gloria's face.

"No... Mr. Stevens, Dora, I was wrong. I shouldn't have meddled..." Gloria abruptly wrenched free from George's grasp and collapsed to her knees with a loud thud, desperately clutching Vincent's pant leg, her voice breaking with despair. "Please, don't give me to Mr. Burnett... I'll entertain anyone else, just not Mr. Burnett... I'll die... Please, Vincent, please... I don't want to die!"

Gloria's words had become incoherent, her body trembling with fear, yet a dangerous glint flashed in her eyes.

Vincent looked down at Gloria at his feet, a flicker of complex emotion passing deep in his gaze. He bent down and brushed off her hand gripping his pant leg.

"Don't be afraid," he murmured, his voice barely audible, as if offering comfort. "I've already spoken to him. He won't do anything to you. It's just for show."

"He will!" Gloria shook her head frantically. "He'll break me using what I fear most! Vincent, please, beg Dora for me!"

"What does Dora have to do with this?" Vincent frowned, his voice thick with impatience. "Just be good. George won't dare touch you. Be good!"

Vincent straightened, avoiding her gaze, and signaled the waiting bodyguards with a glance.

"No... please..." As they dragged Gloria away, her desperate sobs filled the air, fueling an inexplicable rage in Vincent.

"Don't worry, Mr. Stevens." George clapped Vincent's shoulder. "I'll take good care of her!"

As George left, his gaze briefly locked with Dora's.

At last, a smile of genuine, icy satisfaction curled Dora's lips.