Chapter 9: Triumphant.

Bella's pov

I smiled sweetly at Vera, trying to hide my unease. "So, Vera, I didn't know you'd be joining us tonight."

Vera's grip on Alex's arm tightened, her eyes flashing with possessiveness. "Alex invited me. We're celebrating our one-month anniversary."

Alex raised an eyebrow, his expression nonchalant. "Yeah, Vera's been keeping me company. No big deal."

I felt disappointed, but Alex's casual tone made it clear he wasn't invested in Vera romantically. I sensed an opportunity.

"Congratulations, you two," I said, my voice light. "I'm sure you make a great couple."

Vera's smile was triumphant, but Alex just shrugged. "Thanks, Bella." he said untangling his arm from Vera's hand .

"Would you like a drink, Bella?" He let out with a smile

"Yes, Alex. Thanks, that's thoughtful." I smiled my stare drifting from Alex to Vera .

As soon as Alex was out of earshot, Vera's expression turned icy. "Stay away from him, Bella," she hissed, her voice low and menacing. "He's mine, and I won't let anyone take him from me."

I smiled sweetly, my eyes locked on Vera's. "Oh, Vera, I'm shaking in my boots. But let me make one thing clear: I'm not interested in stealing your boyfriend. I have far more class than that, I'm interested in making him mine."

Vera's eyes narrowed, her grip on her clutch tightening. "You think you're better than me? I'll destroy you, Bella. I'll ruin your reputation and your career if you even think about touching him."

I laughed, a husky sound. "Vera, darling, you're so predictable. Threats don't become you. And as for ruining my reputation, I think you'll find I'm not so easily intimidated."

I took a step closer, my voice dropping to a whisper. "You see, Vera, I have something you'll never have: self-respect. And that's what makes me truly beautiful."

Vera's face reddened, her eyes flashing with anger, but I just smiled and turned away, leaving her seething with rage. The game was far from over, and I was ready to play.

Alex returned with the glasses of wine, handed them out, and smiled at me. "You look stunning tonight, Bella. That dress was made for you."

Vera's eyes blazing with fury, her face darkening with anger, but Alex didn't seem to notice. He took a sip of his wine, his eyes scanning the room, completely unattentive to the tension between us.

Just then, the emcee called out his name, asking him to take the stage for the opening speech. Alex smiled, set his glass down, and headed towards the microphone.

Vera's eyes lit up with expectation, thinking he would thank or acknowledge her. But as Alex began to speak, his words took an unexpected turn.

"I'd like to take a moment to thank someone special tonight. Someone who has impressed me with her talent, her boldness and her beauty. Please join me in congratulating our newest team member, Bella!"

The room erupted in applause as I felt my face heat up with surprise. Vera's eyes widened in shock and anger, her face reddening with rage. She had been expecting Alex to thank her, to acknowledge their relationship, but instead, he had publicly praised me.

Alex smiled, his eyes locked on mine, as I made my way to the stage to accept his congratulations. Vera, on the other hand, looked like she was about to explode, her anger and humiliation simmering just below the surface.

The night went on fine, I mingled with the guests, laughing and chatting, as Vera's hateful glares followed me from across the room. I could sense her seething with anger, her eyes flashing with resentment. She was a spoilt brat, used to getting attention and affection on demand. I wondered if she was from a wealthy home, where everything was handed to her on a silver platter.

Just as I was enjoying the attention and admiration of the other guests, Vera stormed over, her eyes blazing with fury. She "accidentally" spilled wine all over my face, the red liquid staining my dress and dripping down my chin. "Accidentally" in quote. That was so cliche.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" she exclaimed, her voice dripping with insincerity.

But before I could react, she turned on her heel and flounced out of the hall, leaving me standing there, stunned and embarrassed.

My instincts screamed at me to retaliate, to confront Vera and give her a piece of my mind. But then I remembered my goal: to win Alex's attention and affection. And this was the perfect opportunity to play the victim, to gain his sympathy and support.

So I took a deep breath, smiled sweetly, and began to dab at the wine stain with a napkin, making sure to look as pitiful and helpless as possible. The guests around me gasped and clucked in sympathy, and I knew I had won their attention.

And then, I saw Alex, rushing towards me, concern etched on his face. "Bella, oh my god, are you okay?" he asked, his voice full of worry.

I smiled up at him, my eyes welling up with tears. "I'm fine, Alex. Just a little clumsy, I guess."

Alex's eyes narrowed, his jaw clenched in anger. "That was no accident," he growled. "Vera's going to pay for this."

"Don't worry Alex, it's fine. I will just go home."

"Okay. I'll call you later." He voiced out.

I walked out of the hall, my dress stained with wine, my head held high. I was determined to make a quick exit, to avoid any more drama or confrontation. As I reached the street, I saw Vera leaning against her car, a vape in her hand, a smug look on her face.

I approached her, my eyes flashing with anger. "You think you're clever, don't you?" I said, my voice low and even. "Trying to humiliate me in front of everyone."

Vera shrugged, taking a puff of her vape. "You're just a nobody, Bella. A little pawn in Alex's game. He'll tire of you soon enough."

I smiled, a plan forming in my mind. "We'll see about that," I said, my eyes locked on hers. "F .Y. I, that was very immature Vera. soon, everyone will see you for the spoiled brat you are."

Vera's eyes tightened in anger. "You'll pay for this," she spat, but I just laughed, turning to walk away.

I walked to my car, my heels clicking on the pavement. As I reached the driver's side door, I glanced back at Vera, who was still leaning against her car, vaping away.

I got in, started the engine, and pulled out of the parking lot. As I drove by Vera's car, I slowed down, rolling down my window.

"Vera, darling," I said, my voice sweet as honey. "Your behavior tonight shows your lack of self-respect. You're so desperate for attention, you'll do anything to get it."

Vera's glare sharpened, but I just smiled and waved.

"Goodnight, Vera. Enjoy your vape."

With that, I zoomed off into the night, leaving Vera in a cloud of dust and humiliation. I could see her standing there, fuming, in my rearview mirror.

I laughed to myself, feeling triumphant. I had won this round, and I knew I would win the next. Alex would soon see Vera for the toxic person she was, and he would come crawling to me.

I turned up the music and drove off into the night, feeling like the queen of the world.