THE SIGNING CEREMONY

"He thinks he's made it now, doesn't he? I truly envy him."

"I still can't believe Ethan Whitmore managed to secure a contract with the Lanchester. Everyone knows they don't associate with anyone beneath their class."

"Exactly. Their standards are impossibly high. I heard they took a mild interest in his work, but let's be honest—Victoria pulled the real strings to make it happen."

"No doubt about it. Do you think he won them over on merit alone? If anything, this just proves how powerful Victoria's connections are."

"She's friends with Montgomery; why wouldn't she?"

The gossip continued to circulate among the crowd. A few people approached them to offer congratulations, while some were there to make connections and others were simply hoping to catch a glimpse of the Lanchesters.

"Why did you show up here?" Victoria asked, her voice loud enough for those nearby to hear. "I thought Ethan made it clear he doesn't need you anymore. You're divorced. The Lanchesters will be here soon. How can you show up like this?"

A hush fell over the crowd, and curious eyes turned toward them as whispers began to spread like wildfire.

"She's no match for Victoria."

"Maybe she dressed like this to seduce Ethan."

"Can't she see Victoria is the better choice?"

Olivia met Victoria's gaze with an unbothered smile, taking a slow sip of her champagne. Victoria was angered by her silence. "I just thought you'd want to avoid the embarrassment. It's not every day someone gets replaced so publicly."

Ethan, who had been silent until now, sighed, clearly irritated. "Olivia, let's not do this here."

Olivia raised an eyebrow. "Do what, exactly? Stand in the same room as you?"

Ethan's jaw tightened. "You know what I mean."

Victoria smirked, looping her arm through Ethan's. "She's still bitter," she said lightly. "It's understandable, Ethan. She thought she had forever with you."

Olivia chuckled, shaking her head. "Forever? Oh, Victoria, you misunderstand." She glanced at Ethan, her expression unreadable. "I didn't lose anything compared to what you're about to lose."

Ethan's eyes darkened. "Is that so?"

Olivia tilted her head. "Tell me, Ethan, was it satisfying? Signing those papers, thinking you were upgrading?"

Victoria's smile faltered slightly, but she quickly recovered. "Of course he did. We're engaged now. That should tell you everything."

Olivia hummed thoughtfully. "Engaged, huh?" She glanced down at Victoria's hand. "That's a lovely ring. Let me guess, Davenport's family money paid for that?"

Ethan stiffened. "What's that supposed to mean?"

Olivia smiled, shaking her head. "Nothing. Just an observation." She stepped forward, lowering her voice just enough for only them to hear. "Enjoy this moment while you can, Victoria, because soon, you'll realize something important."

Victoria narrowed her eyes. "And what's that?"

Olivia met her gaze, amusement dancing in her eyes. "You fought so hard to take my place. But you have no idea what it means to stand there."

With that, she turned, gracefully walking toward the small podium in front that bore the contract. Holding it up, she stunned everyone present.

"Olivia, what are you doing?" Ethan asked wearily.

"For three years, I made you go this far only for you to choose her? You're mistaken, Ethan; I can do whatever I want here."

"She's crazy, everyone! Someone, call the security and get her out of here!" Victoria shouted.

"You did nothing to me here," Ethan stated firmly. "Let's not do this here, Victoria."

The crowd was shocked by the current revelations.

"An ex-wife claiming to have helped a man this far? Who does she think she is?"

"Well, you can't blame a desperate woman."

"Yes, she's jealous of his success."

People began hurling accusations at Olivia when someone stepped forward to speak. She was Sabrina Calloway, a representative of the Calloway family, who owned a small business looking to gain more fame. Though not as famous as the Davenports, they were a multimillion-dollar business. Sabrina, who had a friendship with Victoria, saw this as her chance to advance.

"Olivia, you should step aside with some dignity. Clinging to a past that was never yours is just embarrassing. Ethan has finally come to his senses. Did you think someone like you could keep up with him?

You should be grateful that he was with you at all. Just look at yourself, what do you have to offer? Your pretty face is just a waste. Ethan deserves a woman who truly belongs in high society, not someone pretending to fit in."

Suddenly,

"Strange how the ones who talk the loudest are always the least important."

Everyone turned their heads. It was none other than...