6

AVA

Ria rushed towards me the instant she saw I was kicked out. She helped brush off the dust on my dress when all of a sudden, I noticed a figure stalking towards me.

I frowned. It was Angelo. 

One of the guys I turned down before I met Carson. A spoiled rich brat.

“Well, well, well…” He slurred his words as he approached us. “If it isn't the fallen heiress of the Malcoms. I always knew it'd come to this. Now look at you.”

His gaze stung my flesh.

“Poor, feeble, with nowhere to turn to.” 

I didn't let his words take their effect on me before I spat back. “What are you driving at Angelo? We both know you're here to salten my wounds so leave me alone.”

I turned to Ria. “Let's leave.”

Just before I could turn, his hands grabbed me. “Still proud I see. I want you, Ava.”

I tried my very best to yank out of his hold. When I finally did, I slapped him without remorse. Angelo's eyes darkened almost immediately as his gaze rolled down me. “How dare you!”

He raised a hand to hit me. I jerked my eyes closed in fear, shaking on the spot. It was the soft pinch of Ria's fingers that made me open my eyes.

A sweet scent caught my attention. I glanced right at Angelo and smirked, noticing the gleam of fear in his eyes. I noticed a much firmer hand was gripping his and from the way his breath was hitching, I could tell he'd just met someone far beyond him.

I raised my gaze. Firm shoulders. Tall silhouette. Dark tousled hair. He was dressed in a black suit white shoes that glistened even under the silvery glow of moonlight.

His eyes tore through me like daggers. Alluring jade green daggers. My heart thumped heavily in my chest, I tore my lips open to speak but he interrupted me, “How dare you lay your hands on her?”

I was stunned by how thick his voice was and how it shook the circle. I found myself caving deep into his eyes but soon called myself back to par.

His eyes were fixed to Angelo's and I could testify to how terrifying it was to have his gaze on you. It felt like having your skin burn but in a good way.

“I am so sorry, Mr Jaxton. We were just having a friendly conversation and…”

Veins throbbed against his hands. “Get out of here. Now.” He growled.

Angelo didn't hesitate to leave. He charged for the parking lot and dived into his car the next second before veering off. 

The tension in the air cooled for a second before I turned to him. “Thanks for the help.”

His eyes softened just for a split second. “I hate seeing damsels get hit on by jerks.”

I get it now. He was just like every other man here who wanted me. “What do you want?”

“I saw you in that hall. I saw how much of a fool that bastard made you look. I can help you get back at him.”

I raised a brow. “How?”

He stepped closer. “Marry me. I'm the CEO of Jaxton enterprises. You're one of the best marketing prodigies the business world has ever seen. I want that for my business. And in exchange..”

He lowered his tone, his breath hot against my neck. “I'll have your husband’s business fall apart.”

“You mean my business?”

“Well, it isn't yours anymore. It's his now. The least you can do is break it all apart.”

Just as he finished the door shot open and I caught Carson's startling blue pair of eyes on me.

“Why the hell are you still here, Ava? I thought I told the security to escort you out.”

His tone dripped with venom.

He made his way towards us then paused and turned at Jaxton. “I am so sorry, sir. She must've caused you some trouble. I'll have her sent out immediately.”

Jax’s hands gripped Carson's shoulders and pressed it. Hard. “I actually came with her.”

The crowd gasped in shock. I stared at the people in front of me, feeling a part of my heart sting. They betrayed me. They all did.

“She's my…”

His eyes softened in my direction as I pressed my lips into a line. Everyone turned curious. Cameras flashed in my direction. Tension rose.

The memories of all the cruel things Carson did to me all through the years of our marriage crossed my mind. I clenched my fists.

I had to get my revenge.

Taking a step towards him, I swallowed before speaking. “His partner.”

Carson laughed. "What do you mean partner? Business partner?"

He angled his gaze towards Jaxton, "We both know the steel conglomerates wouldn't want a fallen heiress on board as a partner. Do your business a favor and—"

I noticed the bright gleam of rage in Jaxton's eyes, "Only a fool throws all his cards out in the middle of a game. You lost a gem, Carson. I recognized that gem."

"What gem? A fallen heiress?"

Carson bellowed. A cruel laugh tore through his lips. Very soon, his mother, Gissele and some of the other guest joined in on it. 

I lowered my head sadly as I felt the weight of their gazes on me. 

As if he saw right through me, Jaxton gripped Carson by the neck tightly. I watched as he tugged helplessly, trying to get out of his firm hold. The crowd gasped. Security guards headed towards the scene but froze in their tracks the instant, Jaxton's gaze met theirs.

I must have underestimated him. I had to admit that.

Jaxton Steele had more power and authority than I imagined. Glaring back at the sharp veins clinging to his arm, I balled my hands into fists. 

"How dare you insult my fiance? I hope you do know that this is a slap on the steele household name."

"T-that can't be real. She's nothing but a f—"

"Well, believe it. Isn't that right, Ava?"

Jaxton’s hands gripped mine. Tightly. His touch was soft. I had to admit I felt safer with him than I ever did with any man. Carson included.

I wasn't sure what to say to him. Only one word clicked in my brain. Yes. Every veins in my body urged me to say it. 

That one word could get me everything I've lost. This was my chance to rise again. This was my chance to cut off the tags Carson put on me.

Glaring back at my panting soon-to-be-exhusband, I smiled, pulling close. "Yes, Jax."

I shot my gaze at Carson. “And as for you, Carson, I'll have the divorce papers sent to your office soon.”

I patted his chest. “Do me a favor and sign it, okay?”

This was my last chance at revenge and I sure as hell wasn't going to let it slide right out of my hands.