All Chapters of Getting back at my ex with his billionaire stepbrother : Chapter 41 - Chapter 50

Zara stirred her iced latte, the ice cubes clinking against the glass like tiny bells. The café smelled of roasted beans and sugar syrup, but the sweetness didn’t reach her. She was too wired in anticipation. Her eyes were locked on Leo across their usual café table, the one in the corner, by the window, where the light hit just right and the staff had long stopped pretending not to eavesdrop on their conspiratorial whispers.He arrived ten minutes late, this time, with that smug half-grin that made her want to both slap him and kiss him. Not that she'd ever admit either."Finally," she said, without looking up from her drink. "I was starting to think you'd ghosted me."Leo slid into the seat across from her and winked, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "And miss your dramatic, caffeine-fueled plotting sessions? Never."A small smile finally broke through her guarded expression breaking through her mask. "You ready for Step 5?""The Confusion Method?" he asked, grabbing a sugar packet

An invitation showed up in Zara’s inbox quietly, with no fanfare, just a simple notification and a fancy-looking digital card. It was black with shiny silver writing, clean and elegant. At the top, in bold letters, it read: “The Midnight Masquerade.”It wasn’t just any party. This was a private, high end event, thrown by a mysterious tech billionaire. Only the rich, famous, or very well-connected got invited. It was one of those parties where you had to either be someone or know someone important to get through the door. Zara stared at the screen, knowing instantly that this was big. It was more than just a party it was an opportunity. A golden chance to take things to the next level. As she read through the details, fancy dress code, masks required, secret location one thought jumped to the front of her mind: Step Six.She didn’t waste time. Grabbing her phone, she opened her messages and quickly texted Leo. A sly smile was already forming on her face. “ Perfect “ Zara muttered

Zara hummed to herself, a soft, content sound she didn’t even notice at first. It had been a long time since she felt this kind of calm. The spatula moved easily in her hand as she flipped the omelet. Her hands moved as if she was remembering a rhythm from another life, one that felt far, far away.The smell of sautéed bell peppers and onions filled the kitchen, warm and familiar. It wrapped around her like a hug, chasing away the sharp memories of camera flashes, fake smiles, and the constant pressure to be perfect. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d cooked. Not since everything changed. Not since her days had become a blur of meetings, red carpets, and always pretending she was okay.Behind her, soft footsteps shuffled in. Her father appeared, moving slowly like a gentle ghost from the past. His gray-streaked hair was a mess, and he wore his favorite old robe, the checkered one with frayed sleeves and faded stains from years of breakfasts and quiet mornings. His eyes, the sa

The valet took the car, and Zara and Leo walked toward the entrance of the ballroom. It was grand tall doors, shining marble steps, and gold lights glowing like stars. A camera flash burst from somewhere hidden. They both flinched. The venue was a stunning mix of old charm and modern luxury a grand palace of wealth. Huge chandeliers hung from the high ceilings like frozen fireworks, their light scattering in sparkling patterns all around. Violins played softly, weaving a beautiful, haunting melody that made the whole night feel like it was made just for them. As soon as they stepped onto the red carpet, camera flashes exploded like lightning, bright and blinding. The air seemed to catch in their throats for a moment. Zara held up her IV badge with calm confidence. The velvet rope was pulled aside, and the doorman stepped back, his eyes respectful as he looked at her. The act had begun. From the moment their feet touched the red carpet, they stopped being just Zara and Leo. They h

Zara’s world had broken, and now she was walking through the shattered pieces.She didn’t run. She couldn't even if she tried to. She walked each step slow, steady, and sharp. It was her way of saying she was still in control, even if her heart was beating like a trapped bird inside her chest. The crowd moved aside as she passed, shifting like waves pulling away from something dangerous. She didn’t see their faces. She didn’t hear their whispers. All she could hear was the loud, empty noise of her own rage. The kind that came from betrayal. The kind that burned.And then, behind her, she heard it. One word. One broken word. Ripped from the mouth of the man who had just torn everything apart.Her name. “Zara.”“Zara!”Her name cut through the noise, it sounded like a hook meant to pull her back, to reel her into a lie she no longer wanted to believe. She didn’t turn. Didn’t flinch. She kept moving, faster now, pushing through the wall of bodies.Her IV badge bounced against