Chapter 3

Ruby’s POV

Just as Scarlett was floundering, clearly unable to give an answer, Asher suddenly appeared beside her, his usual charming smile fixed firmly on his face.

“Hey, let’s calm down,” he said lightly, resting a hand on Scarlett’s shoulder. “Ruby, come on. Can’t we talk about this somewhere private?”

I did not respond, and immediately Asher grew uncomfortable about approaching me. Slowly I walked up to him. “Private?” I snapped. “I already told her to stop, and she refused. So hell no. We’re not taking this anywhere private.” I pointed straight at Scarlett.

Asher’s smile cracked. “Ruby, please, let’s just..”

“No,” I cut in, my voice rising as my control finally snapped. “I am out of my damn mind and you do not want to tempt me! I will not cover up your cheating ass.”

A hush swept through the room. Scarlett’s face drained of color, and Asher’s gaze flickered around wildly, searching for a way out.

“Ruby, stop this,” he said stiffly, neither admitting nor denying anything. The guilt on his face said more than words ever could.

I stepped closer, lowering my voice so only he could hear me, every word dripping with pur hatred.

“I’m not stopping,” I said quietly. “I have proof. And even without it, I know my sister. I know she’s been manipulating you, using you to hurt me and you fell for it. You chose her. So don’t push me, Asher. I have everything I need on my phone to destroy your reputation and bring your life to the ground.”

Scarlett shot to her feet, fury blazing in her eyes. “How dare you threaten us!”

I smiled. “I dare because I’m not scared of either of you. One wrong move, and I’ll ruin your lives. Don’t test me.”

I wasn’t planning to release the video. But they didn’t need to know that.

The room buzzed with murmurs, voices overlapping in confusion. I stood still, shoulders squared, finally feeling in control again.

Asher’s face reddened. “Then prove it,” he snapped. “Show everyone right now. And if you can’t, I’ll sue you for defamation.”

He was bluffing but fear flickered in his eyes. He wasn’t sure whether I was.

I knew if I didn’t respond, I’d look like a liar. My pride and my reputation among the elites would be destroyed. Still, I wasn’t about to expose everything publicly.

Instead, I sent him the video directly.

Silence crashed over the room as all eyes remained fixed on us.

Scarlett’s eyes widened in horror as Asher watched the footage on his phone. Her hand flew to her mouth. Asher staggered back, his face turning ghostly pale.

“H-how did you get this?” he whispered.

I smirked. “You wanted to sue me. Now tell me, should I airdrop this to everyone here?”

Scarlett opened her mouth, but I shut her down instantly. “No, Scarlett. Shut up! The only time you should open that mouth is to suck on his dick.”

The guests didn’t know what had happened, but the damage was done. I straightened and addressed the room calmly.

“I apologize for the disturbance,” I said firmly. “Please forget this incident and continue enjoying your evening.”

The music resumed.

I took a breath, watching Asher and Scarlett retreat in shame. “I meant it when I said I was done,” I added coldly. “Asher is trash, and I don’t want him back. And Scarlett, try pulling something like this again, and you’ll regret it.”

“You’re lying,” Scarlett snapped bitterly. “You’re not over him. You're only pained that he never loved you.”

I smiled sweetly, locking eyes with her. “Who said I wasn’t over him?” I asked coolly. “I’ve already found someone better.”

My gaze drifted across the room and landed on him.

An older man, commanding, confident. No wedding ring. Something about him made my pulse spike.

Without thinking too much, I walked toward him, heels clicking, and took his hand. I could see, for the first time, his face beneath his cowboy hat. It was roughly chiseled, stark, completely masculine. His skin was dark bronze, and his eyes were so light that they seemed silver. The contrast was stunning. I was ensnared in the hot light of his eyes for a long moment.

I held on, silently praying he wouldn’t pull away. I didn’t know him but I needed this. Scarlett’s glare burned into my back.

The man looked surprised, then curious. Instead of stepping away, he squeezed my hand gently, as though he understood.

His gaze released my eyes and slid down my face to my mouth. There it paused, and my heart began slamming wildly in my chest.

His gaze slid lower lazily. No man had ever looked ate the way he was looking at me. He eyed my full breasts, starining against the confines of my gown. It slipped quickly down to my glass heels, then back up.

Ignoring the tension that I felt, I released him and turned back to Scarlett, victory clear on my face.

“I’m moving on,” I said. “And I’m not looking back.”

She stormed out. Asher followed, unwilling to draw more attention.

Someone whispered nearby, “Isn’t that Harrison? The billionaire playboy king?”

I remembered then. Harrison, he was the man women chased endlessly, notorious for never keeping one for long.

I studied him again. Tall. Sharp-featured. Undeniably handsome.

Suddenly, a hand wrapped around my waist, pulling me back. My heart jumped as I thought it was Asher.

Then a deep, husky voice murmured near my ear.

“You’re bold,” Harrison said. “That’s exactly how I like my women.”

I tried to pull away. “Let go of me,” I demanded.

He chuckled softly. “You grabbed my hand first,” he whispered. “Now it’s my turn.”

I stopped. He was so close, his eyes commanded that I stayed still. There was fire there, like the fire running suddenly in my own veins. I looked at his mouth, sensually sculpted, parted slightly, and I felt an insane desire to kiss him. But immediately I snapped out of that thought.

Before I could react, he kissed me.

The room vanished. His lips were firm, confident, stealing my breath. My knees weakened as my heart raced wildly.

Gasps echoed around us, but I didn’t care. I was lost completely.

When he finally pulled back, I was breathless.

“You’re beautiful,” he said softly, his eyes were warm. Then he took two glasses of wine from a nearby table, handing one to me.

He raised his glass.

“A toast,” he said smoothly. “To us.”