Chapter 5 CRESTFIELD CITY

Isabelle

11 Years Later

The woman staring back at me in the mirror was unrecognizable from the person I'd been over a decade ago. My tailored dress hugged my figure perfectly, and my hair was styled in soft waves that exuded effortless elegance. I adjusted the diamond earrings that sparkled under the light and smirked at my reflection.

Isabelle Everett, CEO of Everett Ventures. A name that carried weight in every major city. A woman who had built herself from the ground up, turning heartbreak and betrayal into power and influence.

I smoothed the fabric of my dress one last time before stepping out of the car. The grand ballroom of the city's most prestigious hotel loomed ahead, glittering with chandeliers and teeming with socialites. The gala was in my honor-a celebration of my return to the city after years of success abroad.

The air buzzed with excitement as I entered the room, the sound of laughter and conversation washing over me. Heads turned, whispers followed, and a sense of satisfaction bloomed in my chest. This was my moment.

A woman with a clipboard approached me, her smile polite but professional. "Miss Everett, welcome. We're honored to host you tonight. The mayor would like to personally introduce you to the crowd in just a few moments."

I nodded, offering her a graceful smile. "Thank you. Lead the way."

She escorted me toward the stage, where a microphone stood waiting. I caught snippets of conversation as I passed, the awe in people's voices unmistakable.

"She's stunning."

"Is that Isabelle Everett? The one who made that billion-dollar merger happen?"

"I heard she started with nothing. Truly remarkable."

The mayor greeted me with a firm handshake and a wide grin. "Miss Everett, it's an honor to have you here tonight. Your story is an inspiration to so many."

"Thank you," I replied smoothly. "It's good to be back."

As the mayor began his introduction, my gaze wandered over the crowd, scanning the sea of faces. This city held so many memories, but none of them had a place here tonight.

After the speech, the event shifted to mingling. I moved through the crowd, exchanging polite smiles and handshakes, keeping my guard up despite the friendly atmosphere.

I turned to grab a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, but before I could take a sip, someone bumped into me.

"Oh!" I gasped as the cold liquid spilled onto my dress. "Watch where you're-"

I froze as I looked up, my words dying on my lips.

It was him.

Damion Ryder.

His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, the shock in his expression mirroring my own. For a moment, the noise of the gala faded, leaving only the pounding of my heart in my ears.

"Isabelle," he breathed, his voice low and full of disbelief.

My grip tightened around the glass as I forced myself to speak. "Damion."

His name felt foreign on my tongue after so many years. He stared at me, his gaze sweeping over my face, my dress, the champagne staining the fabric.

"I didn't-" he started, but I cut him off.

"It's fine," I said coldly, stepping back and setting the glass on a nearby table. My pulse raced as memories of the past came flooding back, the wounds he'd inflicted threatening to reopen.

Before he could say anything else, I heard my name being called out.

"Mommy.." my son ran out of a corner, and I gasped, fear swelling inside me, not wanting Damion to see him.