Chapter 32. The Woman Who Returned
709 Words
The Grand Global Billionaires Gala became the most talked about event in Italy that year.
Luxury cars lined endlessly before the massive golden-lit venue while reporters and flashing cameras filled the entrance.
Only the richest and most powerful people in the world received invitations.
And tonight—
The De Luca family arrived first.
A luxurious black Rolls-Royce stopped elegantly before the red carpet as bodyguards immediately surrounded the area.
Reporters screamed excitedly.
“Mr. De Luca!”
“Mrs. De Luca over here!”
“Leonardo! Look here!”
Adrian stepped out first wearing a perfectly tailored black three-piece suit with silver cufflinks and a luxury watch resting around his wrist. His cold aura alone silenced the atmosphere around him.
Beside him, Sofia stepped out gracefully in a breathtaking diamond-studded silver gown with a long elegant train flowing behind her. Her makeup was flawless while expensive diamonds rested around her neck and ears.
Then little Leonardo stepped out holding Sofia’s hand proudly.
The little boy wore a tiny black tuxedo matching Adrian perfectly, instantly becoming the center of attention.
“The perfect billionaire family!”
“They look like royalty!”
Camera flashes exploded endlessly around them.
Sofia smiled proudly while leaning slightly toward Adrian for pictures.
This was the life she always wanted.
Power.
Fame.
Attention.
Meanwhile inside another luxury car nearby—
Elena quietly adjusted Isabella’s tiny dress calmly.
“Ready, princess?”
Little Isabella smiled brightly.
“Yes, Mama.”
The car doors slowly opened.
And suddenly—
The entire atmosphere changed.
Elena stepped out gracefully wearing a breathtaking deep wine-red luxury gown designed personally by Belléna. The elegant dress hugged her figure perfectly while diamond heels clicked softly against the ground.
Her hair flowed beautifully behind her while confidence surrounded her naturally.
Beside her stood Camilla in a classy black designer dress while Nina followed professionally carrying important documents.
Then little Isabella stepped out.
And instantly—
Everyone gasped.
The five-year-old looked unbelievably beautiful in her tiny luxury cream-colored princess gown paired with soft curls and sparkling shoes.
She looked like a little royal child.
Reporters immediately turned all their attention toward them.
“Oh my God—it’s Belléna’s CEO!”
“That must be her daughter!”
“She’s even more beautiful in person!”
Camera flashes exploded wildly now around Elena and Isabella.
Meanwhile Sofia’s smile disappeared completely.
Her eyes widened in horror.
“Elena…?”
No.
Impossible.
She was supposed to be dead.
Sofia’s fingers instantly tightened around her purse while panic rose inside her chest.
Yet Elena simply walked forward calmly as if she didn’t recognize them at all.
Her heels clicked elegantly against the red carpet while Isabella held her hand confidently.
Not once did Elena pause.
Not once did she acknowledge Sofia.
But when their eyes briefly met—
Elena smirked faintly.
And suddenly memories flooded her mind.
The slaps.
The humiliation.
The river.
The betrayal.
Yet despite all of it—
Here she stood.
Alive.
Beautiful.
And more powerful than Sofia could ever become.
Sofia felt cold fear crawl through her body instantly.
Meanwhile Adrian’s sharp eyes slowly landed on Elena for the first time.
And the world around him strangely became silent.
Something inside him shook immediately.
The woman before him looked familiar.
Painfully familiar.
But before he could process anything further—
His eyes landed on little Isabella beside her.
A daughter.
For a second, Adrian remembered Sofia’s old words.
“She left Italy with another man.”
Disgust instantly darkened his expression.
So it was true after all.
Elena really moved on that quickly.
Meanwhile Elena’s calm eyes finally met Adrian’s directly.
And immediately—
Pain flashed across her heart.
She remembered everything.
The coldness.
The hatred.
The night he let her cry alone.
The way he believed the worst about her without hesitation.
Yet outwardly, Elena remained elegant and unaffected.
Like Adrian De Luca meant absolutely nothing to her anymore.
Which somehow hurt him more than it should have.
Inside the exclusive VVIP hall, Elena and Isabella were escorted personally to the highest-level reserved section beside the world’s most elite billionaires.
And for the first time in five years—
Fate finally placed Elena and Adrian De Luca under the same roof again.
- Writer
