Revenge Wears My Ring novel Chapter 183

The invitation to Zayden’s birthday party arrived right on schedule—just as much of a hot potato as Gwyneth had expected.

She received the ornate, gold-trimmed card at the office the day before, its flashy design almost gaudy. Zayden's flamboyant signature sprawled across the bottom, and as she stared at it, her eyes filled with icy contempt.

He was inviting her? Like a wolf asking a lamb for dinner—what good could possibly come of it?

There was no doubt some ulterior motive. Maybe he just wanted to see her squirm, or perhaps he had some other scheme up his sleeve.

She tapped her finger on the edge of the cold, stiff card, a frosty smile curling at her lips.

Fine, she thought. Let’s see what kind of poison he’s hiding in this chalice.

Back home, she found Bennett in the living room, a matching invitation pinched between his long, elegant fingers.

His expression was cool, almost indifferent. To him, the invitation might as well have been a gauntlet thrown down, not an olive branch.

Just then, Julian’s call came through. His voice crackled from the phone, oozing forced warmth and a tone that brooked no refusal.

“Hey, big brother. You’re coming to Mr. Ford’s birthday party, right? You have to do us the honor.”

Bennett didn’t bother with Julian’s fake brotherly affection. He simply hung up, eyes already drifting to the staircase, where Gwyneth was descending.

She held her own invitation, the garish card clutched between her fingers.

“You planning to go?” Bennett’s voice was low, unreadable, but his gaze was sharp, probing.

Gwyneth paused, her eyes flicking to the identical card in his hand. She wasn’t the least bit surprised. She even raised her own as if in a silent toast, a hint of wry amusement on her face.

“Of course.”

Her voice was crisp, radiating a cool composure that said she saw right through the game.

“I want to see what kind of show they’re planning this time. Doesn’t that sound fun?”

Bennett caught the glint in her eyes—a sharp, untamed light and a curiosity she made no effort to hide. For a split second, something tender flickered deep within his gaze.

He mirrored her smile, a sly curve at the edge of his mouth.

“All right. Let’s see what they’re up to—together.”

——————

On the night of the party, Zayden hosted an extravagant soirée at his mansion.

A massive crystal chandelier bathed the ballroom in light almost as bright as day. The air was heavy with the scents of expensive champagne, cigars, and designer perfume. Guests milled about in tailored suits and glittering dresses, laughter and the clink of glasses echoing off marble floors.

Queenie wore a syrupy sweet smile, her voice a little too loud, dripping with false affection. “Gwyneth, you made it!”

She swayed her hips and pulled Desiree along, blocking Gwyneth’s path.

Gwyneth eyed the two of them—buzzing gnats, impossible to swat away. Annoyance flashed in her eyes; she didn’t even bother to fake a polite smile, just tried to sidestep them.

But Queenie pretended not to notice her coldness, still chirping in that sickly sweet tone.

“Gwyneth, I know there’s been a lot of misunderstanding between us…”

She shot Desiree a look she thought Gwyneth couldn’t decipher.

Desiree nodded quickly, picking up the cue. “Right… right, Gwyneth, it’s all been one big misunderstanding.”

Watching their clumsy performance, Gwyneth’s inner laughter was sharp and cold.

Here it is. Right on cue.

Finally, she summoned a perfectly poised social smile, waiting to see what charade they’d put on next.

Desiree, seeing Gwyneth unmoved, quickly snatched two flutes of golden champagne from a passing server’s tray and offered one to Gwyneth, her eyes glittering with a hint of anticipation.