Chapter 4

Over the next few days, Richard poured all his energy into preparing the celebration.

He booked the top-floor ballroom at the most luxurious hotel in the city and sent invitations to every business contact, academic acquaintance, friend, and relative he could think of.

Soon, everyone in their circle knew: the Bennetts were throwing a lavish party to celebrate their daughter’s university admission, their company’s return from the brink, and, as a bonus, to “resolve” her unsuitable relationship.

I had become a complete joke.

Olivia called me once, sounding hesitant.

“Ethan, do we really have to do this? I think… it’s too much.”

“And things between us aren’t that bad yet.”

“Isn’t this what you wanted?” I asked.

Silence filled the other end.

“Olivia, there’s no taking it back now.” I hung up.

When my best friend, Chloe Parker, heard about it, she nearly exploded. She tore into me over the phone.

“Ethan Reed, have you lost your mind? You’re really going to hand them a stage for this? What the hell are you thinking?”

“I want a clean break. And it’s time we settled a few things from the past,” I said evenly.

“You…” Chloe was too angry to finish.

“Fine. Great. I can’t wait to see how you get yourself out of this!”

On the day of the party, I walked into the glittering ballroom in an ordinary casual suit.

Richard and his wife wore expensive formalwear and greeted their guests with radiant smiles.

Olivia wore a costly custom evening gown. Her arm was linked through Mason’s as they accepted everyone’s congratulations and admiring looks.

Richard’s smile vanished the instant he saw me. He hurried over, lowering his voice, disgust and warning in every word.

“You actually had the nerve to come!”

“You invited me. Of course I came.” I met him calmly.

“Remember, you do exactly as I say tonight. No tricks!” He shot me a vicious glare.

Mason came over, too. He looked me up and down and sneered. “Ethan, are you here to wait tables?”

“Consider this a warning. Some very important people are here tonight. Stay in your corner and don’t embarrass the Bennetts.”

I said nothing. I just smiled.

I had a feeling I wouldn’t be the one embarrassed tonight.

Olivia’s eyes briefly met mine. She quickly turned away, her expression complicated.

I found an unobtrusive corner and sat down to watch the farce unfold.

I watched Richard work the crowd, boasting about how he had saved his company.

I watched Mason act like a conquering hero as he described his grand plans for the future.

I watched Olivia, the woman I had loved for three years and once imagined spending my life with, smiling among the rich and influential as she drifted farther and farther away from me.

Halfway through the evening, the host invited Richard onto the stage.

Under the spotlight, Richard gripped the microphone, brimming with confidence.

“Ladies and gentlemen, my friends, good evening!”

“Today is a wonderful day for me! First, Bennett Industries has secured new financing and is stronger than ever! And I have all of you to thank for your support.”

Thunderous applause filled the ballroom.

He basked in it, then moved on.

“Second, my daughter, Olivia, has secured guaranteed university admission. A brand-new life awaits her!”

He beckoned Olivia and Mason forward.

“And third, I am delighted to announce my daughter Olivia’s engagement to Mason Carter.”

They walked onto the stage together and stood beside Richard.

“Mason has just returned from studying overseas. He and Olivia are perfectly positioned to support each other.” Richard’s gaze landed on me, cold and pointed.

“I know some people might try to cling to her because of a past relationship. But not just anyone can attach themselves to the Bennett family.”

Every head in the room turned toward me. Some faces held sympathy or pity. More were filled with amusement.

To them, I was the unwanted extra who didn’t know his place.

Olivia lowered her head, refusing to look at me.

Mason slipped an arm around her waist and silently flaunted his victory.

Richard cleared his throat and was about to continue.

I stood and walked slowly toward the stage.

Everyone froze. Even the music stopped.

Richard’s face darkened. He growled into the microphone, “Ethan! What do you think you’re doing? Get off this stage!”

I ignored him, walked straight to center stage, and took a second microphone from the host.

The lights fell on me. I could see every stunned face in the crowd.

“Not so fast, Richard.”

I smiled, my voice carrying through the entire ballroom.

“Aren’t you going to thank the man who paid for everything you’re celebrating tonight?”