บททั้งหมดของ My CEO Ex-Husband's Regret: Chasing His Dying Wife Back : บทที่ 61 - บทที่ 70

Goodness me…The ballroom was a sea of diamonds and designer gowns, all glittering under the massive, very beautiful crystal chandeliers that looked like they belonged in a fairy world. Everywhere I looked, there were people who belonged here. People who'd been raised in this world of excess and elegance.And then there was me.I stood just inside the entrance, feeling suddenly and completely alone despite the hundreds of bodies packed into the space. The music was too loud, the lights too bright, the pressure too much.Why didn’t I ask Maya to follow me?Where was Turner?Where was Vincent?I scanned the crowd desperately, looking for his familiar face. He'd promised to be here, to introduce me properly, to stand beside me when I faced his family. But all I could see were strangers in expensive clothes, laughing and drinking like this was just another Tuesday night.My heart was racing. My palms were sweating despite the air conditioning. Every instinct screamed at me to turn around

I wanted to disappear off the face of the earth but the Blackwood family members materialized like sharks sensing blood in the water before I could take a step.Marcus Blackwood arrived first. Damien's younger brother looked almost identical to him, same dark hair and sharp features, but with an easier smile that somehow made him more dangerous. Where Damien's cruelty was obvious, Marcus hid his behind charm.I shivered.Behind him came Catherine Blackwood, Vincent's sister. She was in her fifties, with iron-gray hair styled in an elegant updo and eyes so cold they could freeze fire. Everything about her screamed old money and ugly ruthlessness.And then there was Elena Hastings. No, wait. A woman pushed past Elena, and I recognized her immediately from Neomi's lessons.Genevieve Hastings. Catherine's younger daughter, Elena's sister.She was beautiful in that artificial way that came from expensive procedures and personal trainers. Platinum blonde hair that was definitely not natural

I pushed through the bathroom door and immediately locked it behind me, leaning against the cool wood while my heart hammered in my chest.The bathroom was as luxurious as everything else in this place. Marble countertops, gold fixtures, fresh flowers in crystal vases. Even the soap dispensers looked like they cost more than my old monthly rent.I caught sight of myself in the floor-to-ceiling mirror and barely recognized the woman staring back.She looked put together. Elegant. Expensive.But inside I was falling apart.I moved to the sink and gripped the edge of the counter, taking deep breaths the way Maya had taught me during my panic attacks after losing Lucas.In for four. Hold for four. Out for four."You can do this," I whispered to my reflection. "You've survived worse than a few cruel rich people."Had I though? Tonight felt like being thrown to wolves while wearing a meat dress.First Damien and his circle of sharks. Then the Blackwood family calling me Vincent's sugar baby

I frowned at the text."Show time! Do not disappoint me, Ivy Blackwood."Ares.That fucking bastard.How did he even know what was happening? Was he here or did he have someone here? Spying on me??I wanted to get so angry but my mind fixated on one part of his stupid text.Ivy Blackwood.He'd called me that. Used the name like it was already mine, like the announcement had already happened and been accepted.The audacity of it should have made me angrier. Should have made me want to find him and slap that smug expression off his perfect face.But instead, something shifted inside me.Anger, yes. Hot and bright and furious that he thought he could mock me, that he believed I'd fail, that he was watching my potential destruction like it was entertainment.But underneath the anger was something else. If Ares Fucking Mortivane already accepted me as a Blackwood, then everyone else would, by fire or by force..If he wanted a show, I'd give him one worthy of the Blackwood family.Ivy Bl

Vincent led me down the stage steps, his hand gripping mine like a lifeline.Each step felt like the world was tilting. The marble under my heels warped and turned to jelly. I couldn't tell if it was actually moving or if my brain was just shutting down from sensory overload.I gripped Vincent’s arm a bit too hard but he didn’t react or tell me off."You'll be fine," he murmured, his voice low enough that only I could hear. "I promise you, everything will be okay. Just stay close to me."His thumb rubbed gentle circles on the back of my hand, a gesture so paternal it almost made me cry.I’d never had a father all my life, growing up, watching children with their fathers always filled me with so much longing and now having him here with me? I was tearing up.But I couldn't cry. Not now. Not in front of all these people who were watching my every move, analyzing every expression, looking for any sign of weakness they could exploit.Calm down, Ivy… please.Too much attention. Too many e