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CHAPTER 20
Last Updated:
2025-03-09 22:47:55
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A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 21
Damien’s POVThe first thing I felt when I woke up was pain. A pounding headache pulsed behind my eyes, sending sharp, punishing waves through my skull. I exhaled, slow and controlled, pressing my fingers against my temples in an attempt to get rid of the discomfort.The morning light streaming through the curtains did nothing to help. If anything, it only made my irritation worse.Fragments of last night slammed into me all at once—the erased footage from the nursing home, the sight of Celeste standing beside Theo Mercer like a united front, the unshaken fury in her eyes, and then… the slap.A muscle ticked in my jaw as I reached up, touching the lingering sting on my cheek.She had hit me.Not out of desperation. Not out of hysteria.But to protect him. Damn. A bitter taste filled my mouth, something ugly and unfamiliar twisting in my chest. I would never forget that moment, suddenly getting stripped of my dignity. Just like that. And for what?! For that asshole. Celeste had neve
Last Updated : 2025-03-20A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 22
Damien’s POVGenevieve’s words hung in the air, her voice coated with just the right amount of confidence and conviction. My mother’s lips pursed, deep in thought, while my father simply watched me, unreadable.I could already see the wheels turning in their heads.Then Genevieve delivered the next blow."The only reason Damien hasn’t finalized the divorce yet is because he’s making sure Celeste doesn’t walk away with more than she deserves," she said smoothly, her tone almost matter-of-fact. "He’s ensuring that every asset, every cent, remains right where it belongs—within the Vaughn family."I was astonished, to say the least. And quite impressed. My mother’s expression shifted, her disapproval easing into something more contemplative. "Is that true, Damien?" she asked, tilting her head. "You’re making sure the damage she caused is contained?"I didn’t answer immediately.Because the truth was—I hadn’t even thought about it.I should have. That’s what I had done in the past, securi
Last Updated : 2025-03-21A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 23
Celeste’s POV“Twice the Scandal? Former Mrs. Vaughn Exposed in Late-Night Rendezvous with Another Lover—Billionaire Ex Goes Berserk!”The headline practically screamed at me from my phone screen, the bold, flashing text a cruel mockery of my already crumbling reputation. My stomach twisted as I read the words again, each one feeling like a fresh slap across my face.Another lover.As if I’d been cycling through men like they were disposable. It was everywhere! Every tabloid, every social media page, every gossip site. My name, my face, plastered across the internet like a dirty secret the world couldn’t wait to tear apart."Celeste Monroe strikes again! After being exposed in a scandalous video, the disgraced Mrs. Vaughn is caught sneaking around with another man! Who are her secret lovers?"It wasn’t enough that the world had branded me a whore once before—now, they were determined to do it again.And why?Because of Damien Vaughn.If he hadn’t drawn attention to himself—recklessly
Last Updated : 2025-03-24A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 24
Celeste’s POVTheo’s words hung between us heavily. I won’t leave you again.I wasn’t prepared for them.I had always known Theo as my rock—the steady, dependable presence who had once been my closest friend. But something about the way he said those words now made my breath catch.There was no hesitation, no room for doubt.I met his gaze, and for the first time, I realized something had changed. Or maybe… it had always been there, and I had been too blind to see it.The way he looked at me now intensely, like I was the only thing that mattered—was different.Too different.My heart began to beat crazily. What’s going on? Had I misread him all these years? Or was it just now that I was truly seeing him?My pulse became a bit erratic, my emotions beginning to get tangled in knots. This was unfamiliar territory for me. But then, he moved past me, setting a bag down on the counter, the scent of freshly brewed coffee and pastries wafting into the air. He had come prepared, as always."
Last Updated : 2025-03-24A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 25
Damien’s POVI sat in my office, my fingers tapping against the edge of my desk, a restless rhythm that matched the chaos in my head."Three more media outlets, sir,” Mark informed me. “They've been secretly tailing Mrs. Vaughn… Miss Monroe, I mean."My jaw clenched at the correction. No matter what they called her, she was still my wife. Legally. Emotionally.Mine.I leaned back in my chair, running a hand through my hair, frustration prickling just beneath my skin. I’d given explicit instructions—no more stories, no more cameras, no more dragging her name through the mud. I thought I’d bought her peace. Apparently not.They wouldn’t stop. And I was running out of ways to protect her without standing in the spotlight myself—and dragging her deeper into this endless mess.“The reporters have been dealt with,” Mark continued. “We paid them off to keep quiet.” My head suddenly began to throb. I closed my eyes and waved him away. But I knew.Just like the rats infesting the streets of
Last Updated : 2025-03-25A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 26
Celeste’s POV I agreed to Damien’s request to meet, trying to sound calm while my heart beat like crazy. After ending the call, I stood there dazed in the living room, phone still in my hand, the weight of what was to come already pressing on my shoulders. It all felt surreal. Theo glanced up from the couch, concern showing on his face. “You’re going to meet with Damien?” he asked, already knowing.I nodded. “He wants to talk about the divorce.”Theo’s expression didn’t change much, but I noticed the slight tightening of his jaw. “Do you want me to come with you?”There it was—his instinct to protect. He always offered that quietly, never forcefully. And yet… I shook my head.“No. I need to go alone. I have to do this by myself, Theo.”This time, it wasn’t because I didn’t want to trouble him, or because I feared the press would twist something out of nothing. Well, maybe that too. But more than anything, I didn’t want him dragged into my mess.He had already done enough.“You’ve h
Last Updated : 2025-03-27A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 27
Celeste’s POV I sat there, spine straight, heart clenched in anticipation.He hadn’t picked up the pen yet. It lay there on the table between us, gleaming under the garden lights, like a sword waiting to be drawn. His eyes flicked to mine—and then, slowly, to the document.I said nothing.On the surface, I remained poised. Cold, composed, detached. But beneath that mask, a trace of nervousness coiled tight in my stomach, refusing to leave. My fingers pressed against my lap, steadying themselves, hiding the tremor that threatened to betray me.He reached for the document, paused, and let his hand hover above it. His eyes moved over the pages again slowly and deliberately. For a moment, I thought he might back out. That he would look up and say he couldn’t do it.But he didn’t.His fingers closed around the pen.And with the same calm finality that once marked the beginning of our story, Damien signed his name.The pen slowly glided across the page. There was no hesitation in his hand,
Last Updated : 2025-03-28A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 28
Celeste’s POVThe bar was dimly lit and the air was tinged with the stale scent of spilled whiskey and forgotten regrets. People spoke in hushed tones, but none of it registered. The world felt muted, like it was trying not to disturb me.I sat alone at the counter, the amber liquid in my glass almost all gone. It burned going down—but that was the point.Alcohol was the best anesthetic. It numbed the ache in my chest, dulled the sharp sting of memories I wasn’t ready to confront.It's over, damn it. The marriage. The façade. The illusion that maybe, just maybe, he’d come to love me.I had given everything to that man. And in return, he’d given me humiliation.My god! The betrayal and accusations... The imprisonment in that goddamn asylum like I was something to be hidden and left to suffer and rot. I’d looked down at my own trembling hands once and seen blood. My blood. A quiet scream for help no one ever heard.Back then, I promised myself—if I ever got out, I would cut him out of
Last Updated : 2025-03-31
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A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 66
Celeste’s POV“…Hello?”The voice on the other end was rough. Dry. Like gravel dragged across pavement.I steadied myself. “Hi, Mr. John Deaks? My name is Celeste Monroe. I’m sorry to call out of the blue, but I was told you might be able to help me.”A pause. Wariness instantly crept into the silence.“I’m looking into what happened at Rosehill Orphanage,” I continued carefully. “I’m just trying to understand—”“I don’t know what you’re talking about! You’ve got the wrong guy.” The man blurted, and then—CLICK.The line went dead.I stared at my phone, stunned.I tried calling back immediately.Nothing.The number was still active, but now it wouldn’t even ring. Straight to voicemail. He was cutting me off, for some strange reason. I stood in the middle of the room, the quiet pressing against my skin like fog.Just hearing the word orphanage had made him panic. Not hesitate nor deny calmly. He knew something.Something he didn’t want to say and was terrified to say.My fingers tighte
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 65
Celeste’s POVI called again.Still no answer.The night was growing quieter around me. But all I could hear was the unanswered ringing in my ear. ‘Come on, Theo.’ I whispered in my head. ‘Answer your phone. Where the heck are you?’I tried once more. My fourth attempt. This time, the call finally connected.“Theo?” I breathed out.“Celeste.” His voice came through low, slightly rushed, like he had only just stepped away from something urgent. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to miss your calls.”“Where are you?” I asked, trying—and failing—to hide the concern in my voice. I was certainly relieved to hear him on the other end. There was a brief pause. In the background, I could hear the shuffling of papers and some other people talking in low, hushed voices.“I’ve been asked to go to Switzerland,” he said. “A business negotiation. It came up at the last minute. I’m not sure how long I’ll be gone.”I frowned, confused. “Oh! But… I thought you said you were staying in the city this week.”“I
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 64
Celeste’s POVThe banquet was drawing to a close. And for the first time in a long while, I felt still.Fulfilled.Like maybe, just maybe, all the stress, the sleepless nights, the pressure I’d quietly carried on my back—had been worth it.Not only had Madam Diane publicly praised my work, but the buzz I’d been hearing all night—the sideways glances, the whispered names, the cards slipped discreetly into my palm—told me everything I needed to know.People were paying attention now. Not because of the scandal, but because of what I could create.This was another high point in my career—one that I had carved out with my own two hands.First, the recognition from Sebastian, a highly-esteemed icon in the fashion world who rarely praised anyone, and now this.I took a small sip of wine and let my shoulders relax.And in that moment of quiet—“Excuse me, ma’am?”I turned slightly, lowering my glass.A man in a tailored uniform bowed politely. “Our chairman would like to have a word with you
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 63
Damien’s POV"I know she's with someone else," I said quietly, setting my glass down harder than necessary. "But I can’t live without her."The words felt heavy coming out, raw and ugly in my throat. Admitting it made me feel like I was tearing open a wound that had never fully healed.Rob just stared at me.He opened his mouth once like he wanted to say something, then closed it again. Ran a hand down his face. Shook his head in disbelief.Finally, he leaned forward, elbows braced on the table. "You’re serious," he said, as if he still couldn’t believe it.I nodded once.His mouth twitched, like he wanted to curse or laugh or maybe both, but he didn’t. He just sighed heavily, his voice turning more serious than I'd heard it all night."Then you can’t fight her," Rob said. "And you sure as hell can’t fight him either."I frowned. "Then what?""You offer her something she can’t ignore," he said simply. "You figure out what she needs most... and you give it to her."I stared at him, his
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 62
Damien’s POVI left the room.I needed to find Celeste first—she would know more about Genevieve’s plans—she was part of this.And that Genevieve...How many more secrets was she hiding?I thought back to the moments I had spent with her. She had always worn that sweet, flawless smile.But who knew what lurked beneath it?I pushed through the thinning crowd, ignoring the fake smiles, the clinking glasses, the meaningless noise.At the entrance, I caught sight of an event staff member adjusting a clipboard under her arm. I cut straight toward her."Celeste Monroe," I said tightly. "Have you seen her?"The woman blinked up at me, startled. "Oh, I’m sorry, Mr. Vaughn. But Miss Monroe left a little earlier, sir."The word hit harder than it should have."With who?" My voice was sharp, clipped.She glanced at her notes. “I believe it was someone who was inquiring about her designs. Perhaps a new client? I’m so sorry, I don’t have more information.” “Was it a man or a woman? What did they l
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 61
Genevieve’s POVMy pulse skipped. Damien glanced at me once, cool and unreadable. “D-Damien…” I stammered, fear rising in my chest. “I… I didn’t know you were there.” My fingers clenched around my phone, cold sweat prickling at the back of my neck.Were my hands shaking? I curled them tighter to hide it.I forced a small, broken laugh, desperate to fill the awful silence. “Were you… waiting to use the room?”“Yes,” he said with a blank expression. “Didn’t realize you’d be in there so long.”My mouth went dry. I stepped aside quickly. “S-sorry.”I couldn’t tell if he’d heard anything. His face gave nothing away, and that scared me more than if he’d been angry.He walked past me and into the room without another word.But I could feel his gaze trailing after me as I walked away. I didn’t dare look back. ***Damien’s POVI watched her walk away, her steps too quick, too stiff—like she knew I was still standing there. Like she knew I’d heard something.And she was right.I had.Not ever
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 60
Genevieve’s POVIsadora swooped in the second Damien walked away, grabbing my arm with perfectly manicured fingers and a sharp whisper."Did you see that?" she seethed. "My son—he didn’t even spare me a second look! After everything I’ve done for him!"Isadora didn’t stop, “And now? He walks past me like I’m a stranger on the street!"I barely managed to suppress the urge to roll my eyes. If I were Damien, I wouldn’t want to bother with you either.Is throwing tantrums really the only trick you know? Have you ever tried using any other way?I shifted my gaze away, careful not to let my disdain show. Swallowing all my irritation and keeping my expression neutral.But Isadora, of course, wasn’t satisfied with my half-hearted silence. Her voice pitched just slightly louder, “What are you looking at?”“Em… Damien,” I conjured the first excuse that came to mind. “It’s just… it’s been so long since I last saw him. And Celeste is here tonight too. I’m worried…”I trailed off deliberately,
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 59
Celeste’s POV“An invitation,” she said. “To the event I’m attending. It’s a political summit, but the social side of it is just as important. Every major name will be there. I want you there—to represent your work. People should know who designed this.”I stared at the envelope in awe. She smiled again. “Besides, it’s about time you got the spotlight you deserve.”And just like that, everything I had worked for—every sleepless night, every doubt, every tear I didn’t let fall—felt worth it.*****The ballroom shimmered with gold and glass, every surface reflecting wealth and power. People weren’t just arriving—they were arriving to be seen.And tonight, I had every right to be one of them.I walked in alone, head held high, and took it all in. I hadn’t even reached the center of the room when I heard it—“Celeste?”Genevieve stood just a few feet away, mouth slightly parted in shock. Her eyes scanned me up and down, clearly not expecting to see me here.Standing beside her, Isadora h
A Ruthless Revenge: the Billionaire's Ex Wife Is Back CHAPTER 58
Celeste’s POVHarper stared at me like I had just told her the man she was interested in was a criminal.“Wait, wait, wait.” She leaned back in her chair, brows high and lips curled into a wince. “That guy—that rude, grumpy, gorgeous guy—is Genevieve’s brother?”I nodded as I sipped what was remaining of my orange juice. She let out a sharp breath, like the information physically offended her. “Well, that’s that. Instant ick. I’m officially over it.”I couldn’t help but laugh. “That fast, huh?”She shuddered dramatically. “Celeste, you know how I feel about Genevieve. If that girl’s made of fire, evil, and poison, her brother has to be at least 60% venom.”“Maybe,” I said carefully, setting my cup down. “But I don’t think he’s like her. Not entirely.”“You’re giving him way too much credit,” Harper said, narrowing her eyes. “Apples don’t fall far from their trees—so I’d rather stay far, far away from that entire family.”“He was… different when he talked to me,” I said slowly. How h
