The Scapegoat Heiress's Grand Comeback

t call. He just vanished, taking with him the last vestiges of the future I'd painst

othes, his books, his silly collection of political memorabilia – all sorted, boxed, and relegated to a corn

symbol of a promise now broken beyond repair. With a heavy sigh, I slipped it off my finger. It felt col

e cut through the silence

heirloom watch? And the cuffli

h. The one he' d claimed was "just a cheap antique" when I' d admiringly asked about it, only to fin

augh escaped my lips.

nondescript box. I called a courier service, a

to deliver it?" the cour

ott Grand Ballroom. Please ma

He wanted his precious heirlooms? He would get t

e papers, already drafted, felt heavy in my hands. Si

uperficiality. Valet parking attendants bustled, and paparazzi flashbulbs popped like f

The murmurs began immediately. People turned, whispered, their eyes following my every move.

o

ly on his arm. She was wearing a stunning emerald gown, sparkling with diamon

ening in a mixture of shock and fury. Bella, followin

ssion unreadable. The crowd parted around me like the Re

nd clear. "Your package arrive

audible as she saw the antique watch. "Oh, darling! It's exquisite! Is this the heirloom y

brief. He took the watch, his fingers brushing Bella' s wrist as he fastened the clasp. She preen

ipping with false concern. "Hoyt is very busy. And I'm not feeling w

ped to me. "Flora, I'm warning you. Leave now. Yo

e divorce papers, already signed by me. "Here, Hoyt," I said

Just sign it! Get rid of her for

from a passing waiter, his hand shaking slightly. Without even reading th

. "We have an event to get back to." He turned, pulling

tory in my hand. It was over. I watched them disappear in

forward, losing my footing, and crashed to the marble floor. A sharp pain ex

cutting voice, followed by her faint, triumphant laughter di

e sticky wetness. Through the haze, I saw Hoyt, just a few feet away, turning back

's voice was shrill, urgent. "Don't bother w

leaving me bleeding on the cold, hard floor. No one came to help. The sea o

The engagement ring was gone, probably lost in the fall.

ry. I swayed, but didn't fall. I straightened my dress, ignored the blood, and walked

," I rasped to the taxi

eyes widening at the sight of the blood on

int in my eyes. "I'm not going to die,"