Chapter 5

"Just wait for me, Stella. Once we close the deal with Vanguard Capital tomorrow, we’ll get our marriage license."

He hung up, put on his smug smile, and walked back to the party.

The server handed him the updated bill.

The pending charge had climbed to ninety-four thousand dollars.

Downstairs, the proposal had devolved into absolute chaos.

A tipsy Bambi kicked off her heels and stood right on the expensive dining chair.

She raised her champagne glass high.

"Thank you everyone for witnessing our love!"

The freeloaders lined up to toast them, spewing shameless flattery.

"Congrats, Boss! You got the beauty and the money!"

"You're a genius, Tyler! Success in career and love!"

"Exactly! Tyler’s new girl is so young and hot. Way better than that stiff, boring ex-girlfriend of yours!"

When someone brought me up, Tyler didn't stop them. He laughed even harder.

His face was red with alcohol as he waved a dismissive hand.

"Stella Vance? Please."

"She's an old woman pushing thirty. How can she compare to my Bambi? Bambi is young, fresh, and actually knows how to treat a man."

Tyler hiccuped, continuing his drunken rant.

"If she didn't have those industry connections, I would've dumped her long ago."

"Once I sign the deal tomorrow, I'll take over all her clients."

"Then I'll kick her to the curb and tell her to get lost!"

Bambi giggled, leaning in to give him a sloppy kiss on the cheek.

"You're amazing, babe. I knew I was the only one in your heart."

She looked around the room, pointing at a few tables of random diners in the corner.

"Babe, I'm just so happy today!"

"Why don't we buy a round for everyone in the restaurant? Let them celebrate with us!"

Drunk on ego, Tyler didn't even look at the menu prices. He waved his hand and roared to the room.

"No problem!"

"Tonight, everything is on Tyler Sterling!"

His friends cheered, raising their glasses.

"Now that's a real boss!"

Applause broke out across the restaurant.

I glanced at my Patek Philippe watch.

9:30 PM.

Perfect timing.

I leaned back against my chair, waiting for the show to start.

Downstairs, the noise began to die down.

A tipsy Tyler, surrounded by his entourage, walked over to the hostess stand.

He pulled out my black VIP card, pinching it between two fingers, and slammed it onto the counter.

"Charge it."

The manager looked at the card.

Then, he smiled politely and pushed it back.

"Sir, the cardholder reported this card lost an hour ago. It is deactivated. How would you like to pay this hundred and thirty thousand dollar bill?"

Tyler’s smug smile cracked, piece by piece.

He grabbed the card, stared at it, and slammed it down again.

"Stolen? This is my card!"

"Is your machine broken? Run it again!"

The manager remained calm and professional.

He turned the screen toward Tyler.

"Sir, our system shows that the owner, Ms. Stella Vance, verified her identity and reported the card lost in person one hour ago."