Chapter 16 - The Grand Illusion
The grand Tuscan villa was completely transformed by the following evening.
Dozens of luxury vehicles lined the long, sweeping driveway.
The sprawling manicured gardens were brightly illuminated by hanging crystal lanterns, and a live string quartet played softly near the massive infinity pool.
Julian’s guests were the absolute elite of European society—corrupt politicians, ruthless hedge fund managers, and wealthy aristocrats.
I wore an incredibly stunning, form-fitting emerald gown that Julian had personally selected for the occasion.
I mingled flawlessly with the powerful guests, laughing at their hollow jokes and sipping champagne.
I played the role of the incredibly lucky, beautiful American divorcee who had miraculously landed the ultimate billionaire savior.
Sophia and Maya were dressed in beautiful silk dresses, completely oblivious to the massive tactical strike slowly moving toward our exact location.
I kept them incredibly close to my side, refusing to let Julian’s security detail escort them back to their rooms.
At exactly nine o'clock, Julian tapped a silver spoon against his crystal champagne flute.
The dull roar of conversation instantly quieted.
He stood at the head of the massive outdoor dining table, radiating total power and arrogant confidence.
He gave a beautiful, highly rehearsed speech about finding true love after tragedy.
He spoke eloquently about taking my vulnerable family under his fierce protection.
He slowly walked over to me, pulled a massive, flawless diamond ring from his tailored jacket, and gracefully dropped to one knee.
The crowd gasped and applauded enthusiastically.
Julian looked up at me, his eyes entirely devoid of real love but burning with the absolute triumph of his lifelong revenge.
I looked down at the man who had secretly funded the mercenaries that terrified my children.
I looked at the man who had destroyed my ex-husband purely to settle a thirty-year-old vendetta.
I took a deep breath, smiled brilliantly for the watching crowd, and joyfully said yes.
Julian slid the heavy, incredibly cold diamond onto my finger and stood up to passionately kiss me.
The guests cheered wildly, entirely unaware that the grand illusion was about to violently shatter.
As Julian pulled away from the kiss, his chief financial officer pushed urgently through the crowd of wealthy guests.
The man looked completely terrified, completely ignoring the social etiquette of the moment.
He whispered frantically into Julian’s ear.
Julian’s triumphant smile instantly vanished.
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He looked directly at me, his dark eyes flashing with sudden, unadulterated fury.
His financial officer had just realized that my multi-million dollar blind trust was entirely, completely empty.
