Twenty-Six receipts of betrayal Novel novel Chapter 48

“Bianca’s been so thoughtful–she threw this whole welcome back party just for you. Don’t let her down, Lindsay.”

I was curious what Bianca was playing at, so I agreed to play along.

The party was no small affair–company people plus all of Vincent’s business partners were there.

These past three years had been golden for him. He’d networked his way into every industry, backing the right people

at the right time.

When those investments paid off, they returned the favor–funding his ventures, expanding his empire.

The moment I walked into the ballroom, two buckets of black paint came splashing down on me.

“What the hell?!” Vincent snapped at the waitstaff.

Bianca stammered nervously:

“Vincent, don’t be mad! Lindsay just got out yesterday, and I heard black paint washes away bad energy. That place was so… unclean. I had stomach pains yesterday–I was worried it might be because of that…”

“I’m just looking out for Lindsay! I mean, people won’t say it to her face, but they might be thinking it. This way, everyone can feel more comfortable around her. Don’t worry though–I got her a beautiful new dress as a welcome home gift!”

Hearing her explanation, Vincent’s anger faded.

“Alright, I’ll take Lindsay upstairs to change.”

But Bianca grabbed his hand:

“Vincent, you have important business partners here tonight. If we don’t greet them first, they’ll think we have no

manners…”

Vincent nodded thoughtfully:

“You’re absolutely right, Bianca. Always thinking ahead.”

“Lindsay, go get changed. I’ll wait for you downstairs.”

I’d arrived in a conservative pantsuit. What Bianca had picked out for me was a revealing cocktail dress.

The moment I appeared in that dress, I finally understood her real plan.

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Chapter 3

When the crowd saw my scar–covered skin, they gasped in horror:

“Jesus Christ, is that even human skin? That’s revolting–I’m gonna lose my dinner.”

“Lindsay just got out of prison. Word is she caused trouble inside too, got what she deserved. Beat up so bad she can’t even have kids now. Serves her right for pushing Bianca.”

“Honestly, how is she even in Vincent’s league? Bianca’s the one who belongs with him. Sure, she’s got the bad leg, but she’s like an angel. Unlike Lindsay–with a body like that, Vincent couldn’t get it up just looking at her.”

Bianca blushed sweetly, protesting:

“Please don’t talk about Lindsay that way! She’s learned her lesson. Everyone deserves a second chance.”

“Besides, how could I ever compare to Lindsay? Vincent bought her that gorgeous diamond necklace–I’m nobody

special…”

She knew exactly how to play up that fragile, innocent act.

One of Vincent’s business partners, meeting me for the first time, looked from Bianca to me with undisguised disgust:

“Vincent, tell me I heard wrong–that hideous ex–con is really your fiancée?”

Vincent and I locked eyes.

After a few seconds, he looked away:

“No. Just a childhood friend.”

That was as good as announcing our breakup to the entire room.

The crowd immediately started cheering for Vincent and Bianca:

“Perfect couple! Get together! Get together!”

The business partner nodded approvingly:

“That’s what I thought! A man of your caliber, with that exquisite necklace–only a beauty like Bianca could be worthy

of it.”

And just like that, Vincent fastened that necklace around Bianca’s throat.

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