Chapter 2 THE BUSINESS GALA

Lily's POV

I was thrilled to attend the exchange party with the CEO of Caldwell Industries, who happens to be my husband. I have tried out some plans I laid out to help me on my journey to becoming the most influential businesswoman ever since I got married, but they all proved futile, and I was almost on the verge of giving up.

Then, Grayson came with the news of the New York Exchange gala, and it felt like all my problems had been solved. Only the top businesses in New York are invited to this event. So, I decided to latch onto several dignitaries and make connections that will help my plans.

On getting to the venue hand in hand with Grayson, just to show the world that I was married to him, and automatically attract the attention of big men.

I was looking around to decide which top figure I was going to approach first when I saw her. "What the fuck is Lilian doing at this party", I thought, puzzled. "No, it can't be Lilian, my eyes must be deceiving me," I tried convincing myself otherwise, but the more I looked, the more I was convinced that it was my twin sister whom I had not seen in five years.

"What the hell is she doing here? And how come she got an invite to this event?" I said through gritted teeth, my hands were already balled into fists. This caught Grayson's attention.

"My eyes should be playing pranks on me, right? Because I can see Lilian over there talking to Mr Bilgris, the first businessman in the country right now, a man I had long longed to meet," I informed him as soon as I got his attention.

"Lilian?" Grayson's reaction only fueled the anger that was already boiling in me. "What do you mean by that, Lilian, my twin sister and your ex-wife, is standing right there, and you tell me you don't recognize her," I purred furiously.

I could see the shock on his face when he spotted who I was talking about. "I don't understand. Why is she here? How exactly did she get in? How did she get to talk to Mr. Bilgris?" he asked all in one breath.

"How am I supposed to have an answer to that question? I am confused as you are right now, so please don't ask me any foolish questions," I growled as we approached Lilian.

"Lilian?" I called out, still hoping she wasn't the one, but my hope was dashed as she turned to face us.

"Oh, Mr and Mrs Hartley, it's lovely to see you. It's been how many years now..." She paused, "Five years since we last saw each other. It's lovely to see you again, finally," Lilian recalled almost as if we were mere business partners.

"Oh cut the crap Lilian, I am not buying any of the bullshit you are spilling," I voiced angry at the way she was addressing us as if we were nobodies.

"How did you get in here? Who did you sleep with to get an invite to this place? How low did you stoop just to get here?" I asked all in one breath, while Grayson just stood there with admiration in his eyes for her.

I was caught off guard by Lilian's laughter. "Oh, come on? You are still as annoying as ever, twin sis," she said, laughing in between words.

"For your information, I have no obligation to answer your question but I will like to give you a piece of advice, stay as far away from me as possible if you don't want to get burned," she purred, her aura changing from the calm one we approached to a scary one.

"Now, if you guys will excuse me, I have important things to do with my time," she said and walked away.

I was left stunned and took my anger out on Grayson. "Why didn't you say anything when we approached her? You just kept on admiring her when I was here, doing all the talking.

Do you admire her that much now? Or wait...." I paused when I imagined something. Were you helping her behind my back? Are you the reason she was able to get an invite to this party?" I asked furiously.

"Hey, you won't blame me for anything, will you?. I was as shocked as you when I saw her, and the only reason I didn't say anything was that I didn't know what to say. I'm sure you also saw the transformation in her. Didn't you?" Grayson said and walked away from me.

Grayson had never walked out on me before, let alone shouting at me. Lilian has been in our lives again for barely two seconds, and my life is already turning upside down. "I won't let the past repeat itself," I said in determination.

I was going to find out who she was and how she had ended up at the event. Then, I will expose her for who she is, and I will be the only one standing.

I was sure that my plan would be a success, and I felt relieved. I gathered my remaining courage and walked up to meet with people that I knew were big shots. I wasn't going to let the opportunity slip away because of my good-for-nothing twin.

Lilian's POV

Although I was shocked when I realized who called my name, I quickly regained composure. I can't be caught unaware. I was expecting to see them at the party, but looking at the faces that almost ruined my life still shook the very foundation on which I stood. But I was glad I was able to tell them off. The look on their faces when they saw me was hilarious. I just can't get enough of it.

I saw the way Grayson looked at me, and it even got me angrier. "When I loved you, you threw me to the dogs, now I will make sure I destroy you along with your company and everything you own", I muttered with an evil glint in my eyes. My naive days were long gone.

I was aware they were going to keep their eyes on me all through the evening, so I decided to approach all the big shots I luckily had contact with through my boss, just to make them feel inferior to me.

I could tell my plan was working when I saw Grayson and Lily arguing at a corner and Grayson walking away. My presence alone could cause them to argue. What if they find out about who I am and what I came to do in New York? I laughed; my mind was already playing scenarios of how they would react.

"This is just the beginning; I am going to ruin your lives just like you almost ruined mine. I will destroy your lives and shatter them into pieces so that you won't be able to pick what's left of them. You just wait and see. No one can save you from my wrath," I said with a renewed passion for revenge.

"There you are," I heard James say behind me. I changed my facial expression and turned to him, smiling. "I have been looking all over for you. Where have you been?" He said inquisitively.

"Where else will I be?" I replied, smiling and gesturing to him to follow me so I could introduce him to some important people.