Chapter 5 The party

In a haute couture tailor shop specializing in custom-made dresses for high-end clients, Ethan sat on an Italian leather sofa, exuding an aura of noble indifference. He glanced at Bella, who was allowing the designer to take her measurements, and said, "According to my secretary, Mason wants to meet the CEO of Rainbow Pharmaceutical Company to secure this collaboration opportunity."

He spoke carefully, watching Bella's reaction, hoping to gauge whether his sister had truly moved on. To his relief, Bella remained impassive. She turned to let the designer measure her waistline. "Brother, I'll handle this. I've cut ties with him completely-there's no way they'll get this deal again."

After speaking, she turned to look at herself in the mirror. Her complexion had returned to its usual glow, and her eyes sparkled with bright confidence, a stark contrast to the haggard look she had when she was at Michelle's place before. This dazzling version of herself was the real Bella. Screw all those worthless men!

"Very well," Ethan said calmly. "I'll hand over full control of Rainbow Pharmaceutical's Los Angeles branch to you. You'll be its chairwoman."

Rainbow Pharma, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical giants with annual revenues topping $50 billion, had been a cornerstone of the Theodore family for over a century. Its headquarters were in New York, but the LA branch housed a massive factory set to launch a new product after recent expansion.

"Baby, I've missed you so much!"

As Bella spoke with her brother, a bubbly voice erupted nearby. Abby, her best friend, lunged at her, wrapping her in a tight embrace that lasted several seconds.

"Bella!" Abby choked out, her voice trembling. "I thought you'd forgotten about me!"

"I never have," Bella whispered, her eyes shimmering with tears.

"You're a heartless bastard!" Abby snapped, releasing her. "You vanished for three years, and even told him about your divorce? Do you still consider me family?"

Bella's chest tightened. "Of course I do."

"I'm ashamed," Abby added, her tone softer. "When you begged me not to marry Mason, I called you crazy. Now look at this... I can't face you."

Bella smiled wryly, recalling her reckless decision to ignore Abby's warnings. What a fool I was.

"Shame belongs to that blind idiot, Mason," Abby spat. "He doesn't deserve a second chance!"

"Nobody messes with my girl," Abby vowed, gripping Bella's hand. "I'll kill anyone who hurts you!"

Tears blurred Bella's vision as the two women laughed, their bond stronger than ever.

"Wipe those tears, sweetheart," Abby said, dabbing her face with a napkin. "Let's celebrate your fresh start tonight! No more losers-just champagne and new beginnings!"

"Deal!"

Bella glanced at Ethan, who was engrossed in a magazine nearby. She tightened her grip on Abby's hand, realizing how foolish she'd been to sacrifice so much for a man who didn't value her. Family. Friends. Their love was far more real than the hollow fantasy she'd chased.

"Stay here tonight. Your dad's hosting a gala, and Ethan and I are attending. You're coming too, aren't you?" Ethan asked, glancing up.

"Oh." Abby sounded bored. "Then I'll throw you a bigger party later. Come over tonight-I'll wait."

Mr. Brington, Abby's father, was a Wall Street legend and a longtime family friend.

That night, at a sprawling estate on Long Island, luxury cars lined the driveway. Guests in tuxedos and gowns streamed inside, their whispers rising as a Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up. Mr. Brington himself greeted the driver, his smile widening when he spotted the passenger.

The crowd stilled.

A broad-shouldered man stepped out, his charisma magnetic. Then a woman emerged, her gown shimmering like starlight. Ethan Theodore? people murmured. The youngest billionaire titan, rumored to be worth $70 billion. Here, of all places.

Mason, deep in conversation with a pharmaceutical CEO, hadn't noticed the commotion.

"Let's go!" Abby pulled Bella into the fray. "Introductions first!"

Ethan called after them, "Don't wander off, sweetheart."

Bella sipped champagne as Abby dragged her through the crowd. "Meet Marcus. He's a tech heir. And Olivia-she's an Oscar winner!"

Suddenly, a sharp voice cut through: "Watch where you're going, clown!"

Bella froze.

The snobby voice belonged to Mia, Michelle's brash sister-in-law. Her eyes narrowed. Here we go.