Chapter Forty Seven
Chapter Forty Seven
Celeste’s POV
“If money won’t persuade you, how about the chance to have me all to yourself?” Damien spread his arms wide like he was offering me the universe.
“Gee, let me think about that.” I tapped my chin. “I’d rather stick needles in my eyes.”
His bravado dropped a notch.
“I’ll cut ties with Vanessa.” He said tenderly, hand reaching for mine. “We can be a happy family again, Celeste- just the three of us.”
“I didn’t realize your company was in such jeopardy that you’re willing to sell yourself to work with Rosemary.”
I stepped out of his reach and sipped my champagne–smirking while he frowned.
“Imperial Aurum is doing better than ever.” Damien said, feathers bristled.
I placed a hand over my mouth, chuckling. “Whatever you need to tell yourself to show your face in public.”
“I’m giving you an opportunity to expand your business and get out of the minor leagues, Celeste. Think wisely before you throw it away.” He spoke through gritted teeth.
I gave him a blasé shrug. “Why would I need to tie myself to a sinking ship when Brian Mars is interested in investing in me?”
Damien’s calm demeanor slipped, and he scoffed.
“Don’t be naïve, Celeste. Mars isn’t interested in investing in some tiny startup.” His gaze traveled down my body, tracing my curves. “He’s interested in something else entirely.”
“Oh, and your intentions are perfectly innocent?” I raised an eyebrow.
He stepped uncomfortably close, voice low. “We used to be good together. Imagine what we could accomplish in both the bedroom and the boardroom.”
“You just want to use me.” I glared up at him, repulsed. “Brian recognizes and values my talent. I’m going to be more successful than you one day, and that terrifies you.”
Before he could respond, a familiar shriek grated my eardrums.
Vanessa shoved her way through the crowd, her belly protruding slightly against her too short dress. She pointed at me, fuming.
“Stop trying to seduce my man, you thirsty slut!” She shouted shrilly.
I slid my hands up Damien’s broad chest and wrapped my arms around his neck, pressing my body flush against him. I tilted my head as the psycho bitch’s face paled.
“Oh, honey.” I tutted patronizingly. “I didn’t seduce him–he came begging.”
Vanessa’s face twisted into an ugly snarl.
“You don’t expect me to believe that pathetic lie, do you?” she asked.
I’d told her countless times that Damien’s all hers and I was tired of repeating myself. It was time she learned a lesson.
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Chapter Forty Seven
I looked up at Damien, my voice a purr. “You’ll leave her for me, won’t you, hon?”
His hands settled on my waist as he hesitated–gaze shifting between us.
“Get your filthy paws off my man!” Vanessa shrieked.
I repeated the words she’d used to twist the knife in my back on my wedding day.
“Maybe you should have taken better care of your man, sweetie.” My tone was sickly sweet and condescending
The color drained from her face.
“How does it feel, Vanessa?” My mouth curled into a smirk “Like your world is shattering? Like your heart is being torn to pieces and stomped on by ten–inch stilettos?”
I rested my head on Damien’s chest. Her hands balled into fists as he made no attempt to push me away.
My gaze was hard. “I want you to experience every anguish you put me through.”
Vanessa’s expression told me she felt it. Not as intensely as I had, but the hurt, betrayal, and anger shone in her eyes as she turned to Damien.
“Is it true? Do you want this pathetic woman?” She asked, voice shaking.
He sighed. “I’m not getting involved in this catfight.”
Typical–he was always a spineless coward.
“That’s not an answer, Damien.” She whined loudly. “Why are you letting her touch you? This bitch can’t be telling the truth. You chose me!”
Celine’s guests threw us sideways glances at her vulgar eruption.
“Vanessa, show some decorum–there are many important people at this event.” He said through a clenched smile. “Go entertain yourself somewhere before I lose my temper.”
“You’re chasing me away, not her?” She fumed.
I detached myself from Damien.
“Vanessa, please stay with your man.” I said, turning to leave. “I’ve had enough of the both of you for one night.”
But Damien caught my arm.
“We haven’t finished our discussion.” He said, turning a frosty glare on Vanessa. “You’re disrupting our business negotiations. Leave now. Don’t make me ask again.”
His audacity never failed to baffle me.
“Negotiations?” My voice was harsh as I tore my arm free. “I’ve already rejected your company, Damien. We have nothing to discuss.”
“How am I interfering with your business?” Vanessa asked, nostrils flaring. “What kind of business does a housewife have anyway? Laundry service?”
He sighed. “Do you remember that jewelry designer I’ve been hunting down?”
Her brows furrowed. “Rosemary, right? I read about her in last month’s fashion issue–she’s a big deal. What does that have to do with anything?”
“Well, I’ve finally found her.” He gestured to me.
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Chapter Forty Seven
Vanessa turned an unflattering shade of red as she stared at me in disbelief.
“You don’t mean…” she stammered.
A slow smile crept across my face as her jaw hit the floor.
“That’s right.” Damien told her. “You’re looking at the star designer, Rosemary.‘
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