Chapter 5: The Woman in White

For the briefest moment...

Vanessa Hale’s flawless smile faltered.

It was gone almost as quickly as it had appeared, replaced instantly by the poised, professional expression expected of an executive secretary. She extended her hand gracefully.

"Mrs. Blackwood, it's an absolute pleasure to finally meet you."

Celeste looked down at the outstretched hand.

This was the woman. The anonymous sender. The woman who had worn the "FOREVER CELESTE" necklace before it had found its way into the velvet box Adrian had so proudly presented to his wife.

Yet Vanessa stood there looking perfectly composed, as though their paths had never crossed before.

Celeste slowly reached out and accepted the handshake. "Likewise."

Their hands met for only a second. Neither woman looked away, their gazes locked in a silent, freezing battle of wills. The tension between them was entirely invisible to everyone else in the bustling room, but to them, it was unmistakable.

Adrian cleared his throat, breaking the heavy silence. "Vanessa has been with the company for almost a year now," he explained, a touch of pride in his voice. "She's incredibly capable."

Vanessa smiled modestly, lowering her eyes. "Mr. Blackwood gives me far too much credit."

"Oh, don't be so humble," Adrian replied with a light laugh. "The office would be an absolute mess without you."

His easy praise landed like a physical blow in Celeste's chest. For three years, she had sacrificed her own brilliant career to support Adrian's ambitions from the shadows. Now, another woman stood beside him in the spotlight, receiving the admiration that should have belonged to her.

How deeply ironic.

At that moment, Old Master Blackwood’s butler stepped onto the grand stage at the end of the ballroom.

"Ladies and gentlemen."

The lively conversations throughout the hall gradually faded into a respectful quiet.

"Thank you all for joining us this evening to celebrate Chairman Blackwood’s seventy-fifth birthday."

Warm applause echoed under the high ceilings. Moments later, Old Master Blackwood slowly descended the grand staircase, supported by a polished ebony cane. Despite his age, his presence remained commanding, carrying the weight of the entire Blackwood empire.

The entire room rose to its feet in respect.

"Happy Birthday, Grandpa!"

One by one, members of the Blackwood family stepped forward to present their carefully prepared, extravagant gifts. Rare paintings, antique jade, vintage wines, and luxury watches—each offering drew polite murmurs and applause from the crowd.

When it was Adrian's turn, he gently guided Celeste toward the stage.

"Grandpa." Adrian bowed respectfully, presenting an exquisitely carved wooden box. "I wish you many more years of health and happiness."

Old Master Blackwood smiled warmly, his sharp eyes softening. "You've always been thoughtful, Adrian." His gaze then shifted to Celeste. "And you've brought my grandson a wonderful wife." The old man offered her a gentle, grandfatherly smile. "Take good care of each other."

The simple, sincere blessing made Celeste's chest tighten with a suffocating guilt. She lowered her head, fighting to keep her voice steady. "I will, Grandpa."

The words almost caught in her throat. Would there even be a marriage left to protect by tomorrow?

As they stepped away from the stage, a sharp figure intercepted them.

Victoria Blackwood.

Elegant, impeccably dressed, and perpetually dissatisfied. Adrian's mother swept her cold eyes over Celeste from head to toe, a hint of immediate disappointment flashing across her face.

"So, this is what you chose to wear tonight?" Victoria asked, her voice dripping with disapproval.

Celeste looked down at her champagne-colored gown. "I thought it was appropriate for the occasion."

Victoria let out a soft, dismissive laugh. "A wife represents her husband's status, Celeste. You should have worn the "FOREVER CELESTE" necklace. It was created especially for you. By leaving it at home, you've embarrassed Adrian in front of our guests."

Before Celeste could draw breath to respond, Adrian spoke up.

"Mother." His voice was calm, but the warning tone was firm. "I told her she could wear whatever she felt comfortable in."

Victoria frowned, her posture stiffening. "You're spoiling her, Adrian."

"No," Adrian countered smoothly, placing a supportive hand on Celeste's lower back. "I'm respecting my wife."

Victoria's expression hardened for a fraction of a second before she finally looked away, adjusting her diamond-encrusted bracelet. "Fine." She lifted her champagne glass toward Celeste. "I only hope she eventually learns what it truly means to be worthy of the Blackwood name."

With that parting sting, she swept back into the crowd.

Celeste quietly released the breath she hadn't realized she was holding. "You didn't have to defend me."

Adrian smiled down at her, his eyes warm. "You're my wife, Celeste. I'll always protect you."

His words were so gentle. His expression was so sincere. Anyone watching them in that moment would have believed every single syllable. Celeste almost wanted to believe them too, just to make the aching stop.

Then, her phone vibrated inside her clutch.

Pleading a sudden headache, Celeste excused herself with a quiet apology and slipped through the French doors onto the quiet, stone terrace overlooking the dark gardens.

The cool night air brushed against her flushed skin, bringing a momentary sense of clarity. She unlocked her phone.

A new message from the unknown sender.

Only four words:

"Look behind you."

An icy chill crawled down her spine.

Slowly... very slowly... Celeste turned around.

Standing beneath the soft, amber glow of the garden lights, dressed in a stunning, pure white evening gown, was Vanessa Hale. She held a crystal champagne flute in one hand, a calm, victorious smile resting on her lips.

"You finally came out alone," Vanessa said softly, her voice carrying over the gentle rustle of the leaves. "I've been waiting for this moment."

Celeste's fingers tightened around her phone until her knuckles turned white.

The two women stood facing each other in the silent garden. For the first time, there was no Adrian, no family, and no crowd between them.

Only the truth.