Chapter 1 Part 1. The Banquet Hall of Ruin

"What a splendid party!" Amora's loud voice rang out from the far end of the guests' line facing the podium.

The hall was decorated with pink balloons, filled with guests-children and adults alike. Amora's eyes fell on her husband, Vicktor, hosting a birthday celebration. What cut even deeper was recognizing the woman in the ivory-white gown standing by his side. That woman was Lucy-her own friend.

Driving her car, Amora had secretly followed Vicktor Caldwell, her husband, after she discovered a check, proof of payment for the hall, worth a billion. The dark secret had been revealed while she was tidying her husband's study.

"A-Amora..." Vicktor stammered, both nervous and shocked to see his wife's sudden arrival.

"Vick, don't let Amora ruin Kelly's party," Lucy whispered softly.

All eyes turned toward Amora as she walked slowly across the red carpet toward the podium.

It wasn't just Amora's sudden arrival, but her full, rounded figure that shifted everyone's attention solely onto her.

Vicktor's heart pounded harder than ever as Amora ascended the podium. Her gaze was sharp, first piercing into Vicktor's face, then shifting to Lucy's. Finally, she bent slightly, leaning toward the little girl, around six years old.

"What's your name?" Amora asked gently.

"Kelly Caldwell," the girl answered in a small voice, her eyes locked on Amora's, a flicker of fear in them.

Amora lifted her head again, throwing a cold look at Lucy.

"Amora..."

"Hi, Lucy. It's been a while since we last met."

Amora cut off Vicktor's voice, which sounded as if he was trying to calm her.

"How have you been?"

Lucy didn't answer. She stood frozen, only glancing at the bewildered Vicktor.

"Why wasn't I invited to your daughter's birthday party?" Amora's voice trembled with rage, fighting to hold back the storm building inside her. She wanted to explode, but the presence of children kept her restraint.

"Amora, darling. I can explain everything-but not here," Vicktor said, reaching for her hand. Amora quickly brushed him away.

"Why, Vicktor? Afraid people will find out about your sordid affair?" Amora's lips curled into a cunning smile.

"Please, Amora. Don't ruin my daughter's celebration," Lucy finally spoke.

"And what about my marriage that you already ruined?" Amora retorted, her voice low but dripping with venom.

The hall fell into silence.

"Mommy, when can we cut the cake?" Kelly asked innocently. The little girl had no idea of the storm swirling around her.

"In a moment," Lucy answered with a faint smile.

"Kelly, I have a gift for you." Amora reached into the handbag she carried. She pulled out a small square box, tied neatly with a red ribbon.

"Here, this is for you, sweetheart." Amora extended her hand.

"Thank you, Auntie." Kelly smiled shyly as she accepted the gift.

"Go on, continue your party. But remember this, Vicktor-our business isn't finished!" Amora's fox-like eyes bore into the two people who had betrayed her so cruelly.

"And you, Lucy," Amora's finger pointed sharply at her former friend. "You filthy woman!" she spat, her voice cutting through the air.

With that, Amora turned and walked out. She had heard enough. Now it was time to plot her revenge.

For years, Amora had trusted Vicktor. Yet behind her back, he had betrayed her. Ten years she had given to her husband, devoting herself entirely to him.

And not only that-Vicktor's entire family lived under her roof. The luxurious mansion had been a wedding gift from Robert Shane and Jessica Shane, Amora's parents.

It was Amora who had lifted Vicktor's standing, pleading with her parents to grant him a role in managing the Shane family business.

The next day, the CCTV of her home captured something that made Amora's blood boil. Vicktor walked in carrying Lucy and Kelly.

"How dare he bring his mistress into my house!" Amora muttered furiously as she stormed to meet them.

The main door swung wide open, and her face twisted into a sneer at the sight of Vicktor. Planting her hands on her hips, Amora glared straight at Lucy.

"Amora, since you already know about me and Lucy, I've decided-I want Lucy and Kelly to live here with us," Vicktor declared, boldly.

It was as if lightning struck her in broad daylight. Amora stood frozen, her chest tight, the fire inside her burning hotter than ever.