10
1584 Words
Soon, the following week began, and James dedicated half of it to working on and implementing new policies that he believed would lift the company to greater heights. He spent several days visiting various businesses, including the Luna Vista Lodge, the country’s most prestigious hotel, along with museums, cinemas, and shopping malls—all of which he now owned.
These places were impressive, each costing an immense fortune. Bella felt it was important for James to visit the businesses to assert his presence as the new owner and meet the managers appointed by his father.
By Tuesday morning, James had not yet visited even half of the businesses. Glancing at his wristwatch, he noted the time: 10:27 AM. Lillian’s wedding ceremony was about to take place.
Standing in front of the mirror, he adjusted his limited-edition Cavalier Vanquish II suit, its 4-carat diamond buttons and African platinum trim reflecting the light. He hesitated when Bella first revealed the suit’s price, but now he wore it. Holding the wedding invitation, he reminded himself why he was going.
It wasn’t about Lillian. He wanted to see Lily one last time, hold her briefly, and reassure her not to worry. Knowing Lily, she wouldn’t eat or relax unless she knew he was okay, and he wanted to assure her that he was.
By evening, the Silver Crown Hotel glowed brilliantly under the city lights. Inside, the grand ballroom exuded elegance, with guests chatting and drinking cheerily in stylish gowns and tailored suits as classical music played softly in the background.
James entered with Bella by his side, her diamond-encrusted gown shimmering under the chandelier’s glow. Her beauty and poise drew every gaze in the room.
The bride, Lilian, was still getting ready and hadn't arrived at the wedding venue yet, so the ceremony had not begun.
Bella sighed, feeling stuffy and uncomfortable. “James,” she said lightly, “I am going to get a drink. I’m thirsty.”
James nodded and Bella walked to a large table. The table had a variety of snacks and drinks. In the center, there was a tall red velvet cake. Bella poured herself a glass of wine and took a sip, savoring the rich taste of exquisite wine while James stood a bit far from her with his hands in his pocket, completely spaced out.
Moments later, the grand ballroom doors opened, and Lillian appeared in an elaborate wedding gown. Gasps of admiration filled the room, but her gaze immediately landed on James.
“Well, well,” Lillian sneered, striding toward him. “I didn’t expect to see you here. Couldn’t resist the free food, I suppose?”
Her harsh insult caused the guests to murmur as they stared at James. Unknown to Lilian, most of them could guess or remember James' identity or relationship with Lilian cause of his new appearance.
The suit he wore and how he styled his hair backward exuded an aura of nobility, confidence, and sophistication. Yet, Lilian ignored his polished exterior. All she could see was the struggling, penniless delivery boy who once could not buy her anything luxurious.
A few individuals who recognized James gasped, their faces pale with fright. Mr. Nelson and Mr. Rodriguez are both managers of influential companies within the XY Corps.
Mr. Nelson oversees Omicron Innovations, a company that develops advanced artificial intelligence systems, while Mr. Rodriguez manages NovaTech Industries, which manufactures high-performance electric vehicles.
Their former boss informed them of his retirement a few weeks ago. Mr. Robert took the time to share photos of his son, James Robert Williams, for immediate recognition.
The Boss stood right in front of them in the flesh, and this woman was insulting him. She was courting death!
They clenched their fists, trying to prevent themselves from acting impulsively. Both were wise men who understood that the boss did not want his identity revealed to the public. If he had wanted to be known, he would have presented himself officially since the very moment he assumed duty.
Some people recognized him as the poor son-in-law of the Evangeline family and the ex-husband of Lilian Evangeline. They opened their mouths to snicker and mock him.
“Isn't that the poor son-in-law of the Evangeline family? The lowly delivery guy”
“They are divorced now, so he has nothing to do with the Evangeline family. I am quite surprised he is still alive and here, dressed all prim and proper.”
“Is that real diamond? How can a lowly delivery guy get his hand on that suit? He must've stolen it!”
"I think we should call the police"
Lilian smiled triumphantly. This was exactly what she had pictured. James might've stolen and worn a suit engraved with diamonds just to look good, but Lilian could see the real him. The poor, hungry little dirtbag called James, and that filth and poverty was something that even the expensive suit he had on couldn't hide from her eyes.
All she needed to do was embarrass him a little and then call the police on him for theft. Pay them a few hundred dollars, and he would spend the rest of his miserable life behind bars. Even if she didn't pay them off, they still would—That suit looked very expensive; it'd be close to $70,000 or more.
He would go to jail, and she'd laugh her a*s off about this; after all, this was what he deserved for failing to meet her expectations for years.
"I bet he would become so ashamed he'd pee on his pants and rush out of this place like a scared f*****g child he is," Lillian thought inwardly with a wide grin.
Before James could respond to their mocking words, Bella returned with a glass in hand. Slipping her arm through James’s, she pressed herself close to him—an intimate gesture.
“James, darling,” Bella said smoothly, her voice warm yet edged with steel. She glanced at Lillian, her expression polite but unimpressed. “Who’s this?”
“Lillian,” James replied, his tone calm, almost indifferent. “An old acquaintance.”
Bella's eyebrow arched as her gaze swept over Lillian in evaluation. “Ah, I see. A piece of James’s past that should’ve stayed there.”
Lillian stiffened, her smug expression faltering. “Excuse me? Who are you to talk to me that way?” she said, her tone sharp. “James was a nobody when I knew him. James here couldn't afford a proper wedding when we were about to get married. He is always scrambling for money, delivering packages, and barely feeding himself, let alone me and our daughter. My grandpa and parents practically kept him alive”
“Thank you for sharing your opinion,” Bella said, her tone razor-sharp despite its sweetness. “Though let me set the record straight. You may have walked away from James, but I chose him—and that’s the best decision I’ve ever made. Unlike you, I see the man he truly is, and I assure you, he’s worth far more than you can comprehend. If you're wondering, the name is Bella Rosewood Harthone.”
Gasps and whispers rippled through the room as Bella’s lips curved into a cold, faint smile.
"Is that Bella Harthone? The only daughter of the Harthone family. She is much more gorgeous than we see on televisions and billboards!"
"I heard that she now works as the assistant to the newly appointed heir of the Williams family!"
"As expected of Miss Bella Harthone!"
"But did she just say she chose him? Are they dating?"
"Miss Bella was thanking Lillian for letting go?"
Lillian clenched her fist in anger as she cursed Bella under her breath. Today was Lilian's wedding. The make-up artists had spent close to three hours dolling her up and yet, despite all that, her beauty couldn't hold a candle compared to Bella's. It pissed her off. Bella's beauty was ethereal. Her elegant features and captivating curves made her stunning. But it was more than just her looks - even the smallest gestures, like the way she'd place her hands on her hip and sway to one side when making a point, oozed a subtle captivating charm.
Coupled with the fact that Bella was a thousand times more influential and richer than the Evangeline family.
"Do you know what you've gotten yourself into? Miss Harthone" Lillian sneered, her smile widening. "What will the Harthone family say after discovering that you're having an affair with a flimsy pauper? A man who could only survive by seducing rich women after I dumped him-"
Bella cut her off with a raised hand. “As for accusing him of seducing women to stay afloat, he doesn't compare to you in that regard,” she said firmly, her voice laced with quiet authority as she swept her gaze towards Bill who flinched.
Bill fumed silently, his gaze flicking to Bella. She was undeniably beautiful, exuding confidence and allure.
“How did James attract such a graceful and beautiful woman like Bella Harthone?" Bill thought bitterly.
Mark, Lillian's stepbrother's frustration mirrored Bill's, “She's leagues above Lillian. Beautiful, sexy, confident—and she's defending him? How does James do it?”
The room went silent, the weight of Bella's words hanging in the air. Lillian was left speechless, her attempts at mockery crushed under Bella’s calm but smooth replies. Her cheeks flushed in shame as she gritted her teeth in anger and hatred.
- Writer
