Chapter 4 - The Gala Ambush
The Phoenician Resort ballroom was a sea of crystal chandeliers, expensive champagne, and Arizona’s wealthiest corporate elite.
I walked through the gilded double doors flanked by Luke and Mark, who both looked incredibly intimidating in their tailored black tuxedos.
Nathan had stayed behind at the safe house, happily watching Maya and monitoring the security cameras.
My heart pounded furiously against my ribs, but my face remained an unreadable, perfectly calm mask of confidence.
It did not take long to spot Justin and Vanessa holding court near the center of the massive ballroom.
Justin was wearing the expensive Tom Ford tuxedo I had paid for with my own savings for our anniversary.
Vanessa was clinging tightly to his arm, wearing a clinging red dress and holding a glass of sparkling water to maintain her fake pregnancy illusion.
They looked incredibly smug, completely unaware that the sword of absolute justice was hanging directly over their heads.
I caught Justin's eye across the crowded room, and I watched the arrogant smile completely slide off his handsome face.
He whispered something frantic into Vanessa's ear, and she whipped her head around to glare at me.
They immediately started walking aggressively toward us, hoping to quietly intercept me before I caused a scene.
"Clara, what the hell are you doing here?" Justin hissed under his breath as he approached, trying to maintain a fake smile for the surrounding crowd.
"You are not on the guest list, and you need to leave right now before I have security throw you out."
Vanessa crossed her arms, looking me up and down with intense, burning hatred.
"Are you really so pathetic that you have to stalk us at a professional event?" Vanessa sneered.
I did not flinch, I did not look away, and I certainly did not back down.
"I am not here to talk to you, Justin," I said clearly, my voice carrying over the soft jazz music playing in the background.
I looked past his shoulder, making direct eye contact with Richard Vance, the elderly CEO of Justin's real estate empire.
Richard had always liked me, and he looked incredibly confused by the tense standoff happening in the middle of his gala.
"I am here to speak with Richard," I stated firmly, stepping smoothly around my soon-to-be ex-husband.
Justin panicked, grabbing my upper arm roughly to stop me from moving forward.
Before I could even react, Mark stepped in and gripped Justin's wrist with terrifying, bone-crushing force.
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"Remove your hand from my sister, or I will break it in three places," Mark whispered darkly.
Justin gasped in pain, immediately releasing my arm and taking a frightened step backward.
