Chapter four

ONE WEEK LATER - AURUM GROUP OFFICES

“Sir, there’s a problem.”

Piagel looked up from his computer. His assistant stood in the doorway, looking pale.

“What kind of problem?”

“The X-City project. The contract—it’s been revoked.”

Piagel stood slowly. “Revoked? By who?”

“The Thompson family. They sent a formal letter this morning. They’re withdrawing all support.”

“That’s impossible. We had a deal.”

“Apparently not anymore.” The assistant handed him the letter. “They’re announcing it publicly at the charity auction tonight.”

Piagel read the letter twice. Then he crumpled it in his fist.

“Get me a meeting with the Thompson family. Now.”

“I tried. They’re not taking calls.”

“Then I’ll go to the auction myself.” Piagel grabbed his jacket. “If they want to play games, I’ll play.”

THOMPSON RESIDENCE - SAME DAY

Aurora stood in front of the mirror while her mother adjusted her dress. It was deep emerald green, fitted perfectly, elegant without being flashy. Her hair was up, her makeup flawless.

She looked like a Thompson.

“You’re beautiful,” her mother said softly.

“I’m nervous.”

“That’s normal.” Her mother squeezed her shoulders. “But remember—you’re not doing anything wrong. You’re taking back what’s yours.”

Cody appeared in the doorway, dressed in a sharp black suit. “The car’s ready.”

Aurora took a deep breath. “Okay.”

“One more thing.” Her father came in, holding a velvet box. He opened it to reveal a stunning diamond necklace. “This was your grandmother’s. I’ve been saving it for you.”

He fastened it around her neck. Aurora touched it gently.

“Ready to show Velloria who you really are?” he asked.

“Ready.”

🪝🪝🪝🪝

IMPERIAL MAJESTY HOTEL - GRAND BALLROOM

The charity auction was the social event of the season. Everyone who mattered in Velloria was there.

Piagel arrived with Emerald on his arm, scanning the crowd. He needed to find whoever from the Thompson family was here. Needed to fix this before it became a disaster.

“There’s the stage,” Emerald said, pointing. “They’re about to start.”

The lights dimmed. A spotlight hit the stage.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” the host announced. “Thank you for joining us tonight. Before we begin the auction, we have a special announcement from the Thompson family.”

Piagel’s stomach tightened.

“Please welcome Mr. Richard Thompson and his daughter—Aurora Thompson.”

The room went silent.

Aurora stepped into the spotlight.

Piagel felt the world tilt.

That was his Aurora. His wife—ex-wife. In a designer dress. With diamonds around her neck. Standing next to one of the most powerful men in Velloria.

Who was calling her his daughter.

He knew her parents so well or was she lying the whole time? His body went rigid as his mind processed everything.

“Good evening,” Aurora said, her voice clear and confident. “I’m Aurora Thompson, heir to the Thompson family empire. Tonight, I’m here to make an announcement about the X-City development project.”

Piagel couldn’t move. Couldn’t breathe.

“My family is withdrawing our support from Aurum Group, effective immediately. We’ve decided to pursue the project independently.” Aurora’s eyes swept the crowd and landed on Piagel. She smiled. “Thank you for your understanding.”

The room erupted in whispers.

Piagel stood frozen as Aurora stepped down from the stage—and walked directly toward him.

“Hello, Piagel,” she said calmly. “Surprised to see me?”

He couldn’t speak.

“I should thank you,” Aurora continued. “For the divorce. It gave me the freedom to finally be myself again.”

“You’re—you were—” he stammered.

“A Thompson? Yes. The whole time.” She tilted her head. “Did you really think a simple manager could pull all those contracts for you? Did you never wonder how Aurum Group went from nothing to successful in just three years?”

Piagel’s face went white.

“That was me. All of it. And now I’m taking it back.” Aurora’s smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Enjoy the bankruptcy proceedings. I hear they’re brutal.”

She walked away, leaving Piagel standing there while the entire room watched.

Emerald grabbed his arm. “Piagel? What just happened?”

But he couldn’t answer. Because he’d just realized he’d divorced the most powerful woman in Velloria.

And he’d done it for a business deal that no longer existed.

ELSEWHERE IN THE BALLROOM

From across the room, Kieran Miller watched Aurora walk away from her ex-husband.

She was magnificent. Confident. Strong. Nothing like the crying, drunk woman who’d stumbled into his room a week ago.

Her beauty was radiant and outshined the whole world in his eyes, just like seven years ago. The way she swayed her hips with her head high showed the caliber of pride she projects.

This was the real Aurora Thompson.

And he was going to make sure she never settled for less than she deserved again.

He set down his drink and started walking toward her.

It was time to introduce himself properly.