Chapter 3: The Hayes's Charity Gala

Three years ago, as I sat beside my father in this very ride to the gala, my only thought was a naive hope of what was to come.

But tonight, I was filled only with the desire to instigate my revenge at any cost.

As our limo pulled up to the gates of the Hayes’s mansion, a strange feeling took over.

The trimmed lawns, the pristine fountain in the centre of the landscape, and the grand mansion were all once my home—but now, they seemed only to remind me of deep betrayal.

“I’ll be meeting with Walter Hayes tonight. Olivia’s father helped arrange it. A partnership with him would be great for our firm,” my father said beside me, snapping me out of my thoughts.

Of course.

Walter and that snake, Olivia, had already planned to take over my family’s legacy from day one.

But this time around, I would be right there to make sure their plans crumbled.

“Really, Daddy? That’s wonderful. I would love to join you, maybe learn a thing or two,” I said with a smile, and I knew that my father was pleased to hear this.

“Yes, that would be great, Marilyn. It’s time you learnt the business. I’ll see you inside.”

I nodded in response, jittery in expectancy for how well my revenge was going to come together.

The limo came to a stop in front of the red carpet and as I stepped out, I was determined to own the moment.

The photographers and nearby guests gushed as I posed confidently before the cameras, the sequins encrusted on the satin of my dress shimmering under their lights.

After a few photos, I made my way into the mansion.

The sound of soft piano music and light chatter filled my ears as I found myself in the main hall, where the gala was being held.

Guests murmured with admiration as I moved with ease, my mind set on finding one person only.

And then I saw her, beside the grand piano, a glass of wine in hand, wearing the dress I had hoped.

Olivia.

The identical nature of our dresses couldn’t be missed.

I had chosen well.

The same sweetheart neckline. The same tight-fitting bodice naturally hugging the curves. Same bold emerald colour.

A smile of deep satisfaction formed on my lips as Olivia’s eyes finally locked with mine, her once calculated gaze slipping into a state of fury and confusion.

However, she quickly fixed her smile, making her way over to me.

“Marilyn…… We’re wearing the same dress.” I heard the unsaid “How dare you!” loudly in her tone.

She had expected to be the star, effortlessly outshining me.

Checkmate, Olivia.

You’re not the only one sparkling.

Before I could react, a familiar deep voice spoke from behind me.

Even before he stepped between Olivia and me, I knew that it was Walter, and for a second, I wondered how I could feel so irritated now by a voice that I once found so charming.

“Ladies,” he started, that cocky smile finding its way to his lips, “Wearing the same gown I see, is this an unfortunate coincidence or simply a testament to great taste?” he finished as he stared at me with what seemed to be intrigue.

I met his eyes, a confident smirk on my face, one that the Marilyn from the past would hardly have managed.

I no longer melted under his gaze. In fact, I was the one in control—and from now on, I would be the one doing the manipulating.

My voice came out sweet as I extended my hand.

“Marilyn Sawyer. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

I didn’t miss the surprise that graced his handsome features as he gently kissed my hand.

He probably couldn’t believe that I was the same girl Olivia planned to introduce him to.

The one they planned to use as a foolish, dispensable pawn to take over her family’s legacy.

How mistaken they were.

They had no idea how determined I was to do everything in my power not to let that happen.

But for now, I needed to play it cool.

“The pleasure is mine,” he replied with a smile, a silent acknowledgement that I may prove to be a bigger challenge than he had anticipated.

He looked over at Olivia, and at this point, she did nothing to hide her fury.

She had planned to introduce me herself, as her meek and trusting best friend—just like she had done in the past.

Not this time, Olivia.

“Yes, Walter, this is my friend I told you about. Her father owns Sawyer Corp,” she managed to say finally, as Walter nodded.

“I see. Although you failed to mention how charming she was.”

I smiled seductively, seeing how easily my plan was falling into place.

If I could get Walter to fall for me and forget about Olivia, I could act first and take everything from him!

Starting from his company.

Before I could respond, a waiter carrying a bowl of punch walked by and in a split second, Olivia pretended to trip, bumping into him.

He staggered, emptying the contents of the bowl all over my dress.

It happened too quickly for me to react, and I gasped—along with several guests around me—as I looked down at the red liquid splattered all over my chest.

“Oh dear Marilyn! I am so sorry!” Olivia rushed over to me as she made to clean the stain, but she only succeeded in spreading it more into my dress.

A wave of anger filled me up as I scanned the room for the nearest exit.

This bitch and her petty antics!

I would deal with her later, but now I needed to get out of here and save my dress!