Все главы Billionaire Producer's Secret Wife: Глава 21 - Глава 25

Devacraux Estate — 8:04 PMThe Foundation Gala, Arrival HourSerena Rivera didn’t stumble. She didn’t hesitate. On the outside.She stepped out of the car like she belonged in it—like it was hers. Like the black silk pooling around her ankles hadn’t been second-guessed fifteen times in front of a mirror. Like she didn’t know exactly how many vultures were waiting just beyond the carpet with pens disguised as compliments.You’re walking into a lion’s mouth, Ava Vale, her mother in law, had told her, fastening the last clasp of her earrings earlier that evening. 'So smile like you own the jungle.'She failed spectacularly, until Ava showed her some "references" and context behind some pictures of Seraphina, Aiden, and even her mom, Elizabeth Rivera. Her heart clenched when Ava bought out paparazzi photos of her mom. It was beautiful in its own way. Her mom was beautiful. She knew her mother, but she knew her hollywood's starlet less. Elizabeth Rivera, the person before she was a mother

Devacraux Estate – Somewhere Between the Ballroom and the ShadowsThere were too many mirrors in the Devacraux estate.Too many reflections to track. Too many corners that looked like stage lights and smelled like ambition.Serena was halfway to the west corridor, skimming the edge of the gala like a woman tracing her escape route, when she saw them.Lana Keene. Dominic's sister. And Leo.He was laughing.Not the kind that carried joy, but the kind that settled in your bones like smoke—coiling, insinuating, familiar to every girl who’d ever been told to lighten up or be smart about her career.Serena didn’t recognize him by face. But she recognized the body language. The hand that hovered just a bit too low on Lana’s waist. The tilt of his head as he said something that made Lana smile—but only with her mouth. Serena remembered his attempt to do the same to her. It wasn’t the first time he’d touched Lana. That was a certainty Serena didn’t have to be told.Her heels were already piv

She excused herself.Not with words—just a smile, a nod, something Aiden could hopefully spin into something forgivable and graceful. Something that said: Serena Rivera is just a little overwhelmed from all the love you're expressing for her perfomance. She is totally fine. Just needs a little break. Her heels clicked across marble like war drums. Her clutch clutched like a lifeline. She could barely remember holding it for support when Gia handed it to her before going after Eli to ask something.The hallways bled out behind gilded doorways and laughter she didn’t belong to. She didn’t stop until the walls were quieter and no one could see her.Only then did she breathe.The kind of breath you take when something inside you has been knocked off its axis.She pressed her back to a paneled door—some guest lounge, dimly lit and untouched—and closed her eyes. The chain around her neck burned against her skin. Still there. Still hers.That was the worst part.Her fingers closed around it