My Coldhearted Husband'S Regret novel Chapter 29

29 A Rival’s Extravagant Debut

29 A Rival’s Extravagant Debut

The banquet hall buzzed with activity as Elara and Julian stepped inside. Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the crowd of industry leaders and investors gathered for the annual Tech Innovation Gala.

Elara smoothed down her deep blue gown, a simple yet elegant piece that complemented her natural grace. She felt Julian’s reassuring presence beside her as they navigated through clusters of animated conversations. 3

“Elara Vance,” a voice called out. “You look stunning tonight.”

She turned to find Joshua Simpson, the event host and CEO of Simpson Technologies, approaching with a wide smile.

“Joshua, thank you for the invitation,” Elara said, accepting his brief hug.

“The pleasure is mine. Your return to the tech world has everyone talking.” Joshua’s eyes gleamed with genuine admiration. “That AI predictive model you presented last week? Absolute brilliance.”

Julian beamed proudly beside her. “I’ve been telling everyone for years what they were missing without her.”

A waiter passed with champagne, and Elara took a flute, grateful for something to occupy her hands. The attention still felt foreign after years of standing in Damien’s shadow.

“I’ve arranged your seating near the stage,” Joshua said. “Several investors are eager to

”

His words were cut short by a sudden hush that swept through the room. The conversations dimmed as heads turned toward the entrance.

Elara followed the collective gaze, her champagne flute freezing halfway to her lips.

Damien Thorne stood in the doorway, commanding attention without effort in his perfectly tailored black suit. Beck and Lucas Sterling flanked him, but they weren’t what caused the room’s reaction.

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29 A Rival’s Extravagant Debut

It was the woman on Damien’s arm.

Vivienne Dubois glided into the room like she owned it, draped in a shimmering gold gown that caught every ray of light. The dress hugged her curves before cascading to the floor in an elegant train that seemed to flow like liquid metal with each step she took.

Elara’s breath caught in her throat. She recognized that gown instantly.

“My God,” whispered a woman nearby to her companion. “Is that the Aurelia gown from Valtieri’s collection?”

“It must be,” her friend responded in hushed awe. “I heard only one was made, priced at thirty million dollars.”

“Damien Thorne bought it for his girlfriend weeks ago. Custom-ordered, they say.”

The words sliced through Elara like knives. Three weeks ago, she had seen that very gown in a private showroom when shopping for tonight’s event. The boutique owner had mentioned it was a one-of-a-kind piece that had already been sold to an undisclosed buyer.

Now she knew who that buyer was.

Julian’s hand pressed gently against the small of her back. “Elara?” he murmured, concern lacing his voice.

She forced herself to breathe, to maintain the composed façade she’d perfected over years of public appearances alongside Damien.

“That dress,” she whispered, keeping her smile fixed in place. “I saw it three weeks ago.”

Understanding dawned in Julian’s eyes. “He planned to bring her here all along.””

The realization stung. While she’d been rebuilding her life and career, Damien had been planning this grand entrance with Vivienne – a public declaration of his

commitment to her half-sister.

–

Vivienne’s laughter rang out across the room as she accepted compliments from admirers gathering around her. The diamond earrings at her ears – another gift from Damien, no doubt – caught the light as she tilted her head back.

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29 A Rival’s Extravagant Debut

“I didn’t know they would be here,” Joshua said apologetically to Elara. “Thorne called last minute to confirm attendance.”

Elara maintained her smile. “It’s a public event, Joshua. Everyone important in tech is here.”

Despite her calm words, her pulse raced uncomfortably. Damien’s gaze swept the

room with casual authority, nodding at acquaintances while keeping a possessive hand at Vivienne’s waist.

Then his eyes landed on Elara.

For a brief moment, something unreadable flickered across his face. Recognition, perhaps. Or surprise that she was there among the tech elite, no longer just his soon-to-be ex-wife but a professional in her own right.

Vivienne followed his gaze, her perfectly painted lips curving into a smirk when she spotted Elara. She leaned closer to Damien, whispering something in his ear that made his attention return to her.

“We should mingle,” Julian suggested, his voice tinged with protective concern. “Edwards from Venture Capital Associates wanted to discuss potential funding.”

Elara nodded, grateful for the distraction. Yet as they moved through the crowd, she couldn’t help but notice how people’s gazes darted between her and the golden couple across the room, comparing, speculating.

The thirty-million-dollar dress was a statement. Not just of wealth or taste, but of Damien’s intentions. He wanted everyone to see who had captured his attention, who warranted such extravagance.

“You know,” Julian said conversationally as they paused at the bar, “that dress is gaudy as hell.”

Despite herself, Elara laughed. “Julian.”

“I’m serious. It screams ‘look at me’ in the most desperate way.” He signaled the bartender. “Your blue gown? That’s class. The difference between nouveau riche and old money.”

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29 A Rival’s Extravagant Debut

“Vivienne has a PhD and multiple academic achievements,” Elara reminded him, though she appreciated his loyalty. “She’s hardly desperate.”

“Academically brilliant, socially cunning, morally bankrupt,” Julian countered, accepting two fresh drinks from the bartender. “The perfect trifecta.”

Before Elara could respond, a familiar voice cut through their conversation.

“Mrs. Thorne,” Lucas Sterling greeted her with a warm smile. “Or should I say Ms.

Vance now?”

“Elara is fine,” she replied, accepting his handshake. Though Lucas was Damien’s friend, he’d always been kind to her.

“Your presentation at last week’s conference was impressive,” Lucas said. “Damien mentioned you’ve always had a brilliant mind for technology.”

Elara blinked in surprise. Damien had mentioned her? And positively?

“Did he now?” Julian interjected, his tone skeptical.

Lucas nodded, seemingly oblivious to the tension. “He follows industry news closely. Speaking of which, I should warn you both-Beck is heading this way, and he’s particularly interested in YodaVision’s proprietary language.”

Elara’s guard instantly rose. Beck Sterling, Lucas’s brother and Damien’s right-hand man at Thorne Industries, was known for his aggressive acquisition strategies.

“Thank you for the warning,” she said carefully.

Lucas smiled ruefully. “Just doing what’s right. If you’ll excuse me…”

As Lucas moved away, Julian leaned closer. “Interesting that Damien’s discussing your work.”

“Probably just keeping tabs on potential competition,” Elara murmured, though the

information unsettled her.

Across the room, Vivienne had positioned herself center stage, surrounded by

admirers commenting on her dress. Her laughter carried across the space, deliberately drawing attention.

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20 A Rival’s Extravagant Debut

“They’re looking at you, you know,” Julian noted, watching the crowd. “Not just at her.” “They’re looking at both of us,” Elara corrected him. “The current girlfriend versus the soon-to-be ex-wife. It’s like a spectator sport to them.”

A flash of concern crossed Julian’s face. “We can leave if this is too uncomfortable.”

“No,” Elara said firmly. “I won’t give anyone the satisfaction. Besides, we’re here for business, not drama.”

Despite her resolute words, each glimpse of Damien’s hand on Vivienne’s waist, each burst of Vivienne’s laughter, each admiring glance directed at the thirty-million-dollar gown felt like a small cut. Individually manageable, collectively wearing.

When Joshua announced dinner would be served shortly, Elara excused herself to freshen up, needing a moment alone to gather her thoughts.

In the elegant powder room, she stared at her reflection. The woman looking back at her appeared composed, professional, even beautiful in her own right. But inside, a storm of emotions threatened her carefully maintained façade.

The bathroom door swung open, and Elara’s heart sank as Vivienne swept in, golden dress shimmering under the lighting. Their eyes met in the mirror.

“Hello, sister dear,” Vivienne purred, her voice dripping with false warmth. “Lovely to see you here. I didn’t realize you were still invited to these events.”

Elara turned to face her directly. “I’m here as a tech executive, not as anyone’s plus one.”

Vivienne’s lips curved into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “How modern. Damien said you’d thrown yourself into work lately. Coping mechanism, I suppose?”

The mention of Damien discussing her stung, but Elara refused to show it. “My work has always been important to me. Something you would know if you’d bothered to learn anything about me beyond my marital status.”

“Oh, I know plenty,” Vivienne replied, running a manicured finger along the marble countertop. “Like how much you admired this dress when you saw it at Valtieri’s showroom. Damien was quite thorough with his gift.”

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29 A Rival’s Extravagant Debut

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