The Best Revenge It Wasn't Even Your Child novel Chapter 15

The ballroom buzzed with energy, and wherever Lance went, people gathered around him. He chatted with a few respected business leaders, barely getting through a conversation before someone new walked up to say hello.

“Lance.” Adelina made her way to his side, slipping her arm through his with practiced ease.

Lance’s arm tensed for a second, but his composure quickly returned. “You’re just in time. Let me introduce you. This is Jackson.”

Adelina leaned into Lance, smiling sweetly at the man. “Hello, Mr. Jackson. My dad has mentioned you so many times. It’s so nice to finally meet you.”

Jackson laughed warmly. “I remember holding you when you were just a kid…”

While they chatted, Lance glanced around the room. He didn’t see Catherine anywhere, and his brow creased with concern.

“Lance.” Adelina tugged at his sleeve, lowering her voice. “Everyone keeps teasing me, asking when we’re getting married.”

At some point, the conversation had drifted into personal territory.

Lance’s lips curled into a polite smile, though his eyes stayed cool. “Soon. When the time comes, you’re all invited to celebrate with us.”

That was all it took for the people nearby to crowd around, offering congratulations and lighthearted jokes. Even though it was supposed to be a business event, gossip about Lance’s private life sent the energy in the room soaring.

Suddenly, someone called out, their voice rising above the chatter. “Lance, is that your secretary?”

Heads turned in unison. The moment everyone caught sight of Catherine, the room seemed to pause.

She wore a black gown that hugged her figure, the asymmetrical strap highlighting her graceful collarbone. She had taken off all the extra ribbons and even snipped away some of the fabric at the back, leaving most of her back bare. The elegant curve of her waist and the faint outline of her shoulder blades were just visible, her pale skin drawing the eye in the most understated way. Even with the alterations, the dress’s designer pedigree was obvious.

Her makeup was soft and subtle, and her long, dark hair flowed freely over her shoulders, giving her an effortless kind of confidence.

By the time Lance realized she was gone, the night was halfway over. He excused himself, leaving Aaron to handle the crowd. As he moved through the room, his gaze drifted, searching for Catherine without really meaning to.

Catherine had found a quiet corner to hide in. Every now and then, she glanced over at Lance and Adelina, standing side by side. The sight stung more than she wanted to admit.

Eventually, Catherine took a deep breath and turned to leave. If she didn’t see it, it couldn’t hurt.

Just as she was slipping away, the mood in the room shifted. A burst of noise came from the entrance.

A man in a loud floral shirt strode in, surrounded by his entourage. He held a glass of vodka, his arrival turning heads throughout the ballroom.

The same people who had been crowding around Lance now rushed to greet the newcomer.

Gavin Main, heir to the Main Family—and Lance’s biggest rival.