From Rags To Riches: A Tale Of Revenge

Chapter 04

Amanda stepped out of the car in front of the grand hall. The exterior itself looked glamorous, a beautiful piece of elegance and sophistication. The building was adorned carefully with intricate stone carvings, delicate filigree, and ornate balconies. Tall and slender columns rose from the ground to support a pediment with a huge golden chandelier.

The sound of gentle music and laughter drifted through the air. Various sophisticated guests poured in, each wearing the most expensive outfit they could think of. Their wealth would make any outsider feel small and worthless.

Amanda held her head high as she walked onto the red carpet. Journalists, photographers, and fans were already snapping pictures of the guests as they walked in.

Before she could walk any further, a buzz started behind her. The journalists and photographers were already snapping at whoever was behind her. She turned to see who was making everyone go crazy.

It was Mr. Jayden Anderson, the intricate CEO of Zenith Global Enterprises. He didn’t even pay much attention to the fans who were going insane over him. He held his head high, his power and demeanor speaking for themselves.

Everyone wanted a piece of him. A young, handsome billionaire rumored to inherit his father’s multi-billion-dollar industry anytime soon. Rumors swirled that he was looking for a wife to secure his inheritance.

But it wasn’t just the money. The man was handsome. His face was perfectly sculpted, accentuating his strong jawline and prominent cheekbones. His piercing blue eyes hid a story of the ages. His dark hair was perfectly slicked with a hint of texture, adding to his effortless charm.

His expensive suit was tailored to perfection, showing off his burly athletic physique. The tan vest over the crisp white dress shirt matched the suit pants that fell over his perfectly shined shoes.

As he approached, Amanda caught a whiff of his expensive perfume—a rich scent of bergamot and cedarwood, with subtle undertones of vanilla and amber.

Beside him was his personal assistant, Anastasia. She clung to his side the whole time. Amanda wondered what the hell she was up to. Why was she involved in her death? And what was she plotting against Jayden? And it felt like almost a calling to stop whatever it was.

“Mr. Anderson,” Amanda smiled as he approached. He kept his face straight, showing no emotion as his eyes snapped to her. Almost taken aback as their eyes met. Her heart faster thank it should have been.

She looped her arms around his as they walked inside. Though he looked at her confused, he didn’t refuse.

“What are you doing here?” he asked in a deep, honeyed voice. Though he kept a straight face, his question was demanding.

“I was invited,” she answered simply as she gave a soft smile to the cameras. He didn’t respond or question her as they kept walking on the red carpet. Flashlights flashed at them as whispers bustled around. She knew she would be making breaking news tomorrow.

Anastasia, who had maintained a professional look the whole time, kept shooting sharp glares at her. But Amanda didn’t mind. She wasn’t intimidated in the slightest. If death couldn't stop her, then nothing will.

They finally made their way inside the hall. The place was already half full with guests. The interior looked even more expensive. Huge chandeliers hung from the ceiling. The place smelled softly of lavender, with scented candles carefully placed around the room, adding to the novelty of the space.

The marbled floor was shiny enough to see your own reflection. Just decorating this hall must have cost more than her apartment.

When they walked in, Jayden grabbed her arm and pulled her to the side.

“Care to explain?” he asked coldly.

Amanda sighed with a soft smile. “Are you still angry about last week?” she asked in a soft voice. Jayden crossed his arms with a stern expression. But she wasn’t about to give up. Being so caring and trusting all her life, it was so easy for her to pull a face anyone would pity. Maybe there was something to take from her stupid past self.

“You insulted me and embarrassed me in front of everyone. You made me a laughingstock in front of your mates,” he reminded her. Amanda remembered what she had done all to well. Not only did she want to embarrass him, but she wanted to show her love and devotion to her loving Robert.

Jayden had come to her with a marriage proposal, but she denied him. Even though she wasn’t rich, she had still been arranged to marry him because of her grandmother. Her grandmother wasn’t rich either, but she was their family doctor. She was the one who treated and helped her after save her mother from kidnappers. To thank her, they arranged Amanda’s marriage with their son. Somehow that was the least they could do for. But who knows how the rich think?

Her grandmother really did want her to get married to the Andersons. She adored and talked so highly of them. She still praised them even on her deathbed.

So Amanda wasn’t surprised when Jayden came to her. But she rejected him for Robert, who betrayed her and sold her out for money. And then She already hated rich people because of what Robert had told her, and he forced her to reject Jayden.

Now she understood why it always made Robert angry when she mentioned the arranged marriage back then. Why she always talked down on Jayden. Because this marriage threatened his plan to destroy her.

“Well, I thought about it,” she started. After all, she had the whole two years to think about it. “I shouldn’t have treated you like that. At least not without giving you a chance,” she said in a humbled tone. He gave her a skeptical look, a glint of anger in his eyes.

“Did Robert do something? Did he cheat on you?” he sounded more angry and protective than curious. Amanda got the impression that even after all she did, he still cared about her. But he was also gentleman enough not to force himself on her. She hoped that statement would make him ridicule her, now that she was coming back begging. But rather got the opposite reaction.

Just then, Robert and Lisa entered the hall, holding hands as they walked inside. Lisa didn’t stop blabbing, while Robert’s eyes scanned the room.

Amanda turned her focus on Jayden, who looked like he was about to confront Robert, anger visible on his face. Amanda reached out to hold his hand, signaling him to calm down.