Filed to story: Billionaire Bride’s Revenge (Vera & Howard)
Settling into the pleasant ambiance, Vera commented, “The setting here is truly splendid.”
Victor replied with a gentlemanly nod, “I’m pleased you think so, Miss Montgomery.”
Soon after, a waiter delivered their meals.
Just as Vera was about to savor her steak, a harsh voice interrupted.
“Vera Montgomery, so this is why you finalized our divorce without a fuss, not even asking for a dime from me. Seems you’ve already moved on to someone else.”
Turning, Vera’s gaze fell on Howard’s scornful expression, which immediately dampened her spirits. Lily trailed behind, eyeing Vera with envy, convinced that Vera’s newfound fortune post-Howard was the reason for her change.
Suppressing her bitterness, Vera realized how naive she had been in the past.
Setting down her fork, she retorted, “Indeed, I’ve found a new man. Mr. Adams surpasses you in every conceivable way. You’re no match for him.”
Victor merely raised his eyebrows, remaining silent.
Vera’s words stung Howard. Incensed, he shot back, “Have you forgotten how you begged me to marry you? I regret marrying someone like you.”
“Marrying you was the gravest mistake of my life,” Vera replied coldly.
“You!” Howard glared at her, then burst into mocking laughter. He turned to Victor, jeering, “She’s been passed on by Mr. Adams. A man of your caliber could choose any woman. Why settle for her?”
Victor responded coolly, “You’ve overlooked a gem in favor of the mundane. I appreciate the opportunity this oversight has given me.”
Taken aback by his words, Lily glanced at Victor, her composure slightly shaken, yet she quickly regained her confidence.
Fists clenched, Lily approached with feigned concern. “Mr. Adams, perhaps there’s been a misunderstanding. Vera is skilled at manipulation, and Howard simply doesn’t want you misled.”
As she spoke, Lily’s accusatory tone shifted to Vera, “I’m not trying to expose you, Vera. I just want to spare you the repercussions later.”
Vera responded sharply, “You’re quite the actress. Ever considered a career in entertainment?”
With that, Vera intended to end the exchange. Just then, more unexpected guests made their entrance into the restaurant.
When Jeff and Sharon entered and saw Lily on the verge of tears, their gaze quickly shifted to Vera, sitting quietly aside, which sparked immediate fury.
Despite her polished facade as an elite, Sharon rushed at Vera, spitting venom. “Bitch! You’ve ruined Lily’s life, but still dare torment her.”
The sting of her words hit Vera deeply. She had once been cherished as Sharon’s darling, but now scorned, merely due to a DNA report.
Disenchanted by what she saw as hollow familial ties, Vera retorted sarcastically, “Did you actually see me harm her? Why don’t you teach Lily some manners? She’s quite the hypocrite.”
Lily, hurt, whispered, “Vera-“
Sharon, inflamed, jabbed a finger at Vera. “Lily is good and kind. Think she’s like you? Warn her again, and I won’t hold back.”
Victor, though visibly annoyed, remained silent, observing the confrontation.
Vera’s eyes glinted with icy disdain while Howard, regretting his earlier harshness, remained tight-lipped.
Sharon, still seething, lashed out, “I regret ever raising you, you ingrate! I wish I had never let you survive your childhood.”
Vera clenched her fists, hiding her anger as Lily smirked in victory, reveling in Vera’s downfall. Once a beloved member of the Montgomery family and Howard’s wife, Vera now found herself ostracized, an outcast in her own circles, according to Lily.
Victor then fixed a chilling stare on Sharon and Jeff, asserting his formidable presence. “It appears the Montgomery Group is prospering,” he said, his voice light, but laced with an unmistakable threat.
Sharon, typically domineering, recoiled under his intimidating aura.
Sensing Victor’s protection of Vera, Lily panicked, fearing the consequences of crossing the powerful Adams Group.
Reluctantly, Lily pulled at Sharon, clutching her chest. “Mom, I’m feeling unwell. Can we leave?”
Sharon quickly steadied her daughter, concern etched on her face. “Of course. Let’s get you to a doctor.”
As they made their way to the exit, Sharon shot a warning glance at Vera, her look promising that this wasn’t over. The meal had lost all appeal to Vera.
She took a sip from her goblet, a slight furrow forming between her brows.
“I have to admit that I have some sympathy for you, Miss Montgomery,” Victor said, pulling her from her distracted state. Their eyes met, and in his gaze, Vera found not mockery, but compassion.
With a wry smile, she faced him earnestly.
“I apologize for such a scene, Mr. Adams. Also, calling you my new boyfriend was a spur-of-the-moment thing to get back at Howard. I didn’t mean to offend you.”
She clutched the fabric of her dress, hoping he wouldn’t misunderstand her intent.
“I know,” Victor replied, tapping his knee thoughtfully. “Have they always treated you this way?”
Vera shook her head, her emotions surfacing.
“They were kind to me once, treating me like a princess. But later… perhaps they felt I usurped the life meant for their biological daughter.”
She had regained her composure and spoke about her past dispassionately, as if she were merely an observer.
Victor studied her intently. “Do you hate them?”
Caught off guard, Vera hesitated, but then shook her head again.
“I hold no resentment towards them, nor do I believe I’ve wronged them. My birth was not my choice. I’ve repaid them financially, and moving forward, we’ll part ways, as strangers.”
Victor’s expression darkened at her words.
“Given their actions today, they won’t let this go easily. Be careful. And in the future, choose your companions more wisely,” he advised, his tone carrying an underlying warning.
Vera forced a smile to mask her bitterness, stating firmly, “I won’t fall in love again. It’s too painful. In the future, I’ll devote myself entirely to my career. You won’t be disappointed in our project, Mr. Adams.”
Victor’s eyes gleamed with increased respect as he lifted his glass.
“I look forward to it,” he said smoothly.
Vera raised her goblet, and they clinked glasses.
“Likewise.”
Their smiles met in mutual understanding. Unbeknownst to them, a paparazzo lingered nearby.