Chapter Twenty Five
Celeste’s POV
I stood with my mouth agape as Damien burst into obnoxious laughter, Vanessa quickly joining him.
Did they think this was a joke?
“I’m being serious, Damien.” I said through gritted teeth. “You’ve gone too far this time.”
“You’re fighting me for custody? That’s the most ridiculous thing I’ve heard in a while.” He said with his signature sneer.
“Right, babe?” Vanessa wiped tears of laughter from her eyes. “Celeste has nothing to her name, and this loser with her won’t be of any use:”
Damien’s laughter simmered down. He regarded Ryan with distaste as he shifted Bonnie to his other arm.
“Who is this guy, anyway?” He asked.
Ryan stepped forward, carrying himself with confidence. He stood a full head taller than Damien, who was already a large man.
“I’m Ryan Edwards, an old friend of Celeste’s.” He said, extending his hand.
Damien shook it. My eyes widened as his knuckles turned white from the force of his grip.
“I’m sure I don’t need an introduction.” He said with a smirk.
Ryan didn’t flinch.
“No, I know who you are. You’re Celeste’s scum ex husband.”
Damien’s eyes narrowed as he released Ryan’s hand.
“I’m the CEO of a successful large jewelry company.” He said coldly. “What do you do for a living?”
Vanessa chimed in. “Live under a rock, perhaps?”
“I work as an assistant for an upcoming jewelry designer.” Ryan responded without missing a beat. “Never heard of you.”
Damien sniggered. “An assistant? You’re too busy fetching coffees to learn anything about the jewelry industry. You have no business being here.”
I had enough of Damien and Vanessa disrespecting Ryan. They were too small–minded to see that he’s a diamond in the rough. I took a step forward to defend him, but a gentle tug pulled me back.
I glanced up at Ryan and he shook his head.
“Their words don’t faze me, Celeste.” He fixed them with a pointed glare. “And they’re not worth your time.”
I swallowed my anger–he was right.
“I think I need to remind you who you’re dealing with.” The humor in Damien’s eyes morphed into harsh arrogance. “I’m the CEO of Imperial Aurum Group, a successful jewelry company. I can hire the best divorce lawyers in the country if I need to. My financial capability surpasses anything the two of you could scrape together, so drop the pipe dream.”
I couldn’t help but scoff. “As far as I know, your company is on a steady decline.”
Chapter Twenty Five
+25 BONUS
“Don’t spread baseless rumors about my company.” He spat. “You’re just a useless housewife. You know nothing about Imperial Aurum or the jewelry industry.”
“Then tell me, is there some other reason a thriving company would sink to plagiarizing a new designer?” I asked, folding my arms.
Damien’s eyes flashed with malice. “You better watch your tongue if you know what’s good for you.”
Ryan tensed beside me, and it was my turn to calm him down. I placed a hand on his arm and shook my head when he glanced down at me.
His jaw clenched, but he nodded.
.
“Are you investigating Damien’s company to get revenge because he left you?” Vanessa asked, scandalously covering her mouth. “I didn’t know you were so petty, Celeste.”
“How many times do I have to tell you I have no interest in Damien before it sinks in?” I was exasperated. “I would never waste my time investigating him. I can tell his company is struggling from the pathetic way he was begging Rosemary to work with him.”
I almost laughed when Damien stood taller, his chest puffing out with overzealous confidence. His inflated ego would never allow him to show weakness.
“It won’t take her long to realize who I am and come running to my company. I’ll definitely sign Rosemary.” He gave me a bitter smile. “No one says no to Damien Kent.”
A dry chuckle escaped my lips.
I wasn’t the same meek woman he took advantage of throughout our marriage. I had become a capable jewelry designer who was so successful that even he was desperate to sign me with his company. Da n underestimated me at every turn, but that would be his downfall.
Soon I’d have the financial stability I needed to look after my daughter.
“We’ll see about that.” I say, a hint of a smirk on my lips. “I don’t think the custody battle will be much of a fight. Courts tend to choose safe homes over large ones.”
The vein in Damien’s temple throbbed as he gave Vanessa an icy glare. She fiddled with her hair, avoiding his gaze.
Trouble in paradise?
A victorious smile finally broke across my face. I felt more confident in my claim for custody of Bonnie. Damien and Vanessa finally had nothing to say, and I could only hope it was because they understood the gravity of the situation.
“Mommy.”
My heart skipped a beat as my full attention turned to my daughter. Her little face was scrunched into a hard and serious expression.
“Yes, honey?” I breathe. “Mommy is listening.”
When she spoke, she mimicked Damien’s indifferent tone perfectly.
“Leave our family of three alone, Mommy, and don’t fight with Daddy and Auntie Vanessa.” Bonnie snuggled deeper into her father’s arms. “I want to keep living with them, not you.”
+25 BONUS
Chapter Twenty Six
