Chapter Forty Six
Chapter Forty Six
Celeste’s POV
“Let go of me, you caveman.” I hissed, yanking my arm free from Damien’s grasp.
Only he would have the nerve to insinuate I snuck into this lavish event to seduce Celine’s husband. It took a special cocktail of delusion, arrogance, and crazy.
“Frankly, you pathetically trying to cozy up to the elite doesn’t surprise me.” Damien said coldly. “No, it’s the fact that a worthless housewife made it through the front doors that I find astounding. You don’t belong here, Celeste.”
He stalked towards me, and I backed away.
“But I’m more than happy to rectify that mistake.” His lips curled into a twisted smile.
Then Brian stepped in front of me, his tall frame towering over Damien.
“That is no way to treat a lady, never mind one of Celine’s honored guests.” The powerful man glowered. “Show some respect to Ms. Rosemary.”
Damien froze where he stood, stupefied.
“You mean to say that the woman behind you is the rising designer, Rosemary?” He furrowed his eyebrows, incredulous. “No offense, Mr. Mars, but I think you’ve been deceived.”
Brian looked down his nose at Damien.
“Your inability to recognize what’s right in front of you explains why Imperial Aurum Group is facing a financial crisis.” His voice was thick with judgment.
The look on Damien’s face was priceless.
“But it’s Celeste.” He babbled. “How could she be the one I was desperately searching for?”
I stepped out from behind Brian, elegantly swirling my champagne.
My ex husband stared at me, trying to connect the radiant woman I’d become with the submissive housewife he had used, abused and discarded. I relished in the disillusionment of his twisted idea of who I was and what I was capable of.
The most delectable revenge was success.
“That’s right, Damien. I’m Rosemary.” I tilted my chin slightly, eyes cold steel. “And if your company dares copy my designs again, I’ll take legal action.”
His fists balled tightly as he processed my words.
“It’s clear you owe Ms. Rosemary an apology for your abhorrent behavior, Mr. Kent.” Brian said icily.
Damien glared at the floor, chest heaving. After a moment, he fixed his harsh eyes on me, the vein in his forehead throbbing.
“I can only offer you my sincerest apologies, Rosemary.” He spoke like each word was a punchrto the gut. “I should never have spoken to you in that manner. Please forgive my abhorrent behavior.”
Damien Kent never apologized. And yet, here he was, groveling before me.
I’d never felt more alive.
+25 BONUS
Chapter Forty Siz
“Although,” he said, a cruel smile twisting his lips. “I believe you owe me a show of gratitude–you would never have built this career without me.”
There was no end to his egotistical insanity.
“You had no hand in my success, Damien.” I said, keeping my voice low despite my anger.
“If I didn’t divorce you, you would never have worked so hard to become someone I can’t ignore.” He laughed. without humor. “Congratulations, Rosemary. It worked–you have my attention now.”
My blood pressure spiked.
If we weren’t in a crowded room teeming with society’s elite, I would have gone apeshit on the bastard.
Brian cleared his throat uncomfortably, forehead creased.
“I will leave the two of you to deal with your private affairs.‘ He said and gave Damien a sideways glance. ” Rosemary, please call security if Mr. Kent steps out of line again.”
“Thank you, Brian.” I smiled at him before turning a death glare to my arrogant ex.
Damien held out a hand. “It was a pleasure seeing you again, Mr. Mars.”
“I wish I could say the same, Mr. Kent.” Brian regarded him with distaste before leaving.
He glared at the man’s retreating figure, then turned to me.
“I should have known you were Rosemary simply because you’ve been a thorn in my side these past few months.” His oily smile made my skin crawl. “It’s time we have an overdue conversation.”
I folded my arms. “I’ve said all I need to say to you–stop plagiarizing my work or I’ll sue your company.”
“Work for my company and I’ll stop using your work for… inspiration.”
“I’ve seen your design department.” I scoffed at his shamelessness. “It’s full–on plagiarism, and it needs to stop or I’ll take my evidence to the International Jewelry Association.”
Damien’s eyes narrowed. “What evidence could someone like you possibly have?”
I smirked, thinking of the incriminating pictures I’d taken of his design room.
“Test me, and you’ll find out.” I warned and turned to leave.
“Celeste, wait.” He called after just two steps. “Please hear me out.”
The desperation in his voice filled me with glee.
“What is it, Damien?” I asked, raising a sharp eyebrow.
“I’d like to collaborate with you.” He said, drawing himself to his full height. “I’m willing to be very generous and offer you more than the going rate.”
“I have this little thing called integrity.” I spat, my lip curling back. “No amount of money could ever persuade me to work for such an unethical company as yours.”
