VENGEANCE IN VELVET

Isabella's POV The night was unusually quiet, so quiet that it made me wonder if I was the only being on the surface of the earth. Uncle Victor was out of town, and I was left alone with my thoughts. I'd been living with him ever since I lost my parents, and it had been a struggle to adjust. He'd been forced to sign a divorce paper the moment I stepped into his house, and I still hadn't asked him why. I sat cross-legged on the couch in his modest living room, my laptop screen glowing with information on Damian Voss, the current CEO of Westford Company. "I'm going to have a sweet revenge on you, your family, and your company," I smirked at the image on the screen. As I scrolled through his social media profiles, I couldn't help but feel a sense of anger and betrayal. My parents had worked tirelessly for Westford Company, and this was how they were repaid? With death and ruin? A knock on the door jolted me from my thoughts. I frowned, glancing at the clock. It was nearly 9 pm. "Who is it?" I shouted across the door, still sitting on the couch. "It's your worst nightmare," the voice shouted back. Suddenly recognizing the voice, I ran to the door, but still unsure if it was her. "Gladys?" I called out. No answer. "Gladys, is that you?" I called again. "If not me, who else?" Gladys asked almost in a whisper. "Who else would bang on your door at this time of night?" she added, laughing. I opened the door to reveal my best friend since childhood, Gladys Mary, with her brown curls and irresistible energy, standing there carrying a garment bag and a mischievous grin. She brushed past me into the house as if she owned the place. "You're welcome," I muttered, closing the door behind me. "You are welcoming your nightmare," Gladys blurted, plopping onto the couch. "And I'm here to save you," she said, grinning from ear to ear. "Gladys, stop," I halted her mid-sentence, sitting opposite her. "You're sounding scary right now, and the night is still young." Gladys raised an eyebrow and laughed like she'd just heard a joke. "You're already scared?" she said, still chuckling. "Come on, Gladys, it doesn't sound funny to me," I replied, still wondering what was funny. "Sorry, your highness, it wasn't my intention to," she said in a humorous tone. "It's party time!" she shouted happily, her hands and feet rolling in the air. "No, no, no, not again!" I said with a not-so-jovial look. Gladys unzipped the garment bag, revealing a striking Halloween costume. "It's Halloween, Bella! You can't spend it alone here with nothing but your revenge plans." I had initially told Gladys my revenge plans so that nothing would mess it up along the line. I needed it to go as smoothly as possible. "Gladys, I have a fake identity now, so you don't have to call me Bella," I said, feeling a bit annoyed. "And about the party, I'm still not going. You know I hate parties." "Girl, you need a night out! I won't ever get used to calling you Elena until you come to this party. You'll get to hide behind a mask. It's perfect!" I hesitated. "Gladys, I can't..." "Yes, you can," Gladys interrupted, holding up the costume. "It's gorgeous, and it'll fit you perfectly. Come on, try it on." I sighed. Gladys wasn't going to leave until I agreed. "Fine, but hope you'll get used to calling me Elena from now on?" "Deal," Gladys said, her grin widening. I took the costume from her and headed to the bathroom to change. As I looked in the mirror, I barely recognized the girl staring back at me. The costume was a perfect fit, and the mask hid my identity perfectly. When I emerged from the bathroom, Gladys let out a wolf whistle. "You look stunning!" she exclaimed. We arrived at the party, and I was immediately struck by the atmosphere. The music was loud, and the crowd was dancing and laughing. I scanned the room, trying to spot Damian Voss. And then I saw him. He was standing by the bar, sipping a drink. His eyes scanned the room, and for a moment, I thought he looked straight at me. My heart skipped a beat. This was it. My chance for revenge. Damian's POV As I stood in front of my mirror, adjusting the cuffs of my shirt, I could feel Alex Mayor's presence, leaning against the wall close to the doorway, watching me with a smirk. Alex is my only close friend. I hardly make friends because most of them come to me because of my wealth. But Alex's case was different; he didn't want me as a friend; rather, I was the one who needed him. "You look dashing, as always," Alex said with a smirk. "Now let's go." "I said I'm not interested in that party," I replied coolly. "There are better things I have to take care of." "Come on, man, you're not seventy. You're the only person I know who can walk into a room and silence it with just a glance," Alex shot back. "Exactly why I don't want to go. I don't want to be a hit," I said, knowing Alex would still force me to go. "Fine, but I can't go alone. I don't have a girl with me either. Won't you act as my partner for at least an hour?" Alex raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. I sighed. "An hour, right? Nothing more." I grabbed the transparent mask, and Alex smiled like he'd accomplished something. We arrived at the party, and I was immediately struck by the atmosphere. The music was loud, and the crowd was dancing and laughing. I scanned the room, trying to spot someone interesting. And then I saw her. She was standing by the door, sipping a drink. Her eyes scanned the room, and for a moment, I thought she looked straight at me. My heart skipped a beat. Who was this mysterious woman?