Lucas's eyes widened as he read the headline.
"How dare that shameless woman try to humiliate him." Lucas fumed.
It's been less than a month since their divorce and she was already seen intertwined with another man, Caleb Kent was not just a famous name; he was a symbol of success and fame that Lucas had always envied. The idea of Lizzy
being associated with him was a blow to Lucas' ego.
Lucas couldn't help but wonder how Lizzy landed a hot shot like him. He had always known Lizzy was a cunning and manipulative woman, could it be she was cheating on him during their marriage?
How brazen of her, she must be really shameless playing the role of a victim. He was so glad to get that shrewd woman out of his life, besides it was only a matter of time before Caleb realized what an undeserving woman Lizzy was.
Lizzy sat in stunned silence as the doctor's words echoed in her ears.
.
"Congratulations Ms Lizzy, you are three weeks pregnant" Lizzy's mind raced as her thoughts collided in a whirlwind of disbelief and shock. Her hands instinctively moved to her abdomen, a tentative smile playing at the corners of her lips. Tears streamed down her cheeks, but she wiped them away quickly, steeling herself.
Lucas didn't deserve to know he had forfeited that right, Lizzy made up her mind with a firm resolve. This child was hers and hers alone and she would protect her baby ensuring she grew up with the love she never had.
After the appointment Lizzy put on a brave face as she left the hospital to meet her cousin Vance Berlin.
Vance was a renowned figure who had made a household name for himself in the business world. Vance had agreed to help her familiarize with the family business as her father was handing over the reins to her.
Today was a big day for her as it was the Berlin charity gala, she needed to show her father how capable she was of carrying on his legacy. This was her chance to meet with prospective clients and network.
Vance greeted her with a warm smile pulling her into a quick hug.
"Hey, Lizzy. Ready for the big day?"
Lizzy forced a smile, trying to mask her inner turmoil while she tightly gripped the ultrasound in her hand.
Vance glanced at the paper in her hand, raising an eyebrow in concern
"Is everything okay? What's that you've got there?" Lizzy hesitated for a moment, then sighed.
"It's nothing, just some personal stuff."
Vance studied her for a moment, then nodded.
"Alright, if you say so. But remember, I'm here if you need to talk." Lizzy smiled grateful for Vance, she knew she could trust him,but she wasn't ready to open up about everything just yet.
As they drove to the venue, Vance filled her in on the details of the event, and the people she needed to connect with, and the importance of making a good impression. Lizzy listened intently, determined to succeed in her new
role.
Lucas sipped his wine as he scanned the lavish crowd. This was a prestigious gathering, reserved for only the top elites of society, that it was almost impossible to get in.
He needed to make a strong impression today, especially on Markus Berlin. Scarlett stood beside him in a sleek, black evening gown that accentuated her figure.
She looked every bit the part of the sophisticated woman he needed her to be tonight.
"Scarlett," Lucas whispered in a low tone "We need to get into the chairman's good graces. He's a key player, and his endorsement could open a lot of doors for us." Scarlett flashed him a confident smile.
"Don't worry, Lucas. I know how to handle these situations. Mr. Berlin will be eating out of the palm of my hand by the end of the night."
Lucas felt a sense of relief wash over him. Scarlett's assurance always had a calming effect. He was about to respond when he noticed Mr Gibson an old acquittance of his who had brought him tons of money and Lucas knew he couldn't afford to make a misstep.
"Lucas, good to see you," Mr. Gibson greeted, shaking his hand as he approached them.
"Mr. Gibson, always a pleasure," Lucas replied. "I'd like you to meet Scarlett, my girlfriend." Turning to Scarlett, Gibson gave her an appraising look
"Glad to finally meet you Scarlett" Gibson stated with a hint of approval in his
tone.
Just then, Mr Gibson's gaze shifted, his eyes narrowing slightly as he spotted someone across the room. "Isn't that your ex-wife, Lizzy?" he asked, with mild surprise.
Lucas's heart skipped a beat. He turned to follow Mr. Gibson's line of sight. There, standing with an air of confidence she was Lizzy looking more poised and radiant than he had ever seen her. She had lost a healthy amount of weight and the red dress which she wore clung to her body revealing her curves, he didn't know why but he felt a pang of regret as he stared at her but tried to brush it off.
Scarlett, sensing the shift in Lucas' demeanor, glanced over at Lizzy, and her resentment boiled leaning in closer to Lucas, her lips curved into a sneer.
"From what hole did you manage to crawl your way in here?" Scarlett spat as they made their way towards Lizzy.
Lizzy scoffed, her gaze meeting Scarlett's icy glare.
"You really do lack manners. What a way of greeting."
"Oh, shut up, you shrewd woman," Lucas thundered, stepping forward. "Who did you leech onto this time to get an invitation in?" Lizzy's eyes sparkled with defiance.
"I think you need to mind how you speak to me, Lucas, unless you would regret it."
"You are so full of yourself, Lizzy," Scarlett hissed, her voice dripping with venom.
"Who do you think you are to speak to Lucas in that manner?" Lizzy's lips curled into a confident smile.
"You are really begging for it this time, you just wait and see soon, you would know what I am capable of"
"Do you have a death wish,how dare you try to show off," Lucas retorted, his voice low and threatening,
"No soon you would be thrown out by the guards."
That's right," Scarlett chimed in, her tone triumphant. "You better leave before you humiliate yourself further."
Lizzy stood her ground, her posture unwavering.
"Ms. Lizzy, I believe Mr. Jenkins is being kind as you were his ex-wife," Mr Gibson continued, his voice dripping with false politeness. "But this is a gathering of top elites, and frankly speaking, you are not suited to be here."
Besides," Lucas added with a mocking chuckle, "you can't even afford to buy any of the items that will be displayed tonight."
Scarlett and Lucas both laughed, as they mocked her, Lizzy's eyes flashed with anger, but she maintained her composure.
"We'll see about that," Lizzy stated fiercely
"I think it wouldn't bode well for you if you jump to hasty conclusions." Lucas' smile faded, replaced by a sneer.
"You never seize to amaze me Lizzy you're still the same delusional woman, thinking you belong in places you clearly don't."
"I belong here just as much as anyone else," Lizzy shot back. "And I intend to prove it." Scarlett rolled her eyes.
"How about you know your place and just leave you're embarrassing your self."
"And what place is that?" Lizzy challenged. "Beneath you and Lucas? I don't think so."
Lucas stepped forward,his face inches from Lizzy's.
"You always were stubborn, Lizzy. But this is a new low, even for you."
"Stubborn?" Lizzy chuckled as she stated
"Of course you would say that because you can no longer fool me" Lucas' eyes narrowed.
"You've always had a way of getting under people's skin, Lizzy. But this time, you've gone too far."
"I went too far" Lizzy asked, her voice calm." then what would you call cheating on me in our marriage" Lucas face turned beet red. Scarlett opened her mouth to retort, but Lucas bit her it.
"Enough of this, I would show you mercy if you leave this gathering at once"
"Why?," Lizzy said in a sickly sweet voice " I don't think I can do that Lucas, cause if I do, how would the auction go on without me."
Scarlett crossed her arms, a smirk on her face. "Oh please, this is why people like you, should never be let in such grand event, you only bring in your gutter behavior"
"People like me?" Lizzy repeated, raising an eyebrow. "And what kind of person am I, Scarlett?"
"A nobody," Scarlett said coldly. "A nobody trying to play in a league far above her."
The tension between them was palpable, and the air thickened with shimmering resentment.
Lucas' face twisted in anger. "This is your final warning, you are really asking for a beating Lizzy"
"I'm not leaving," Lizzy said firmly. "And you can't make me."
"Don't be so sure," Scarlett sneered.
"Once Mr. Markus Berlin arrives, we'll see who has the last laugh."
At that moment, a hush fell over the crowd as Vance Berlin entered the room, his presence commanding immediate attention. Even though Vance was not the chairman his influence and authority were undeniable, making him a man not to be messed with.
Lucas and Scarlett's expressions faltered as they saw him making his way toward them, his eyes scanning the room until they settled on Lizzy.
Vance approached, his gaze sharp and assessing. "Lizzy," he called warmly,as he drew closer to her Vance whispered in her ear.
"You father is here, he would be joining in as soon as the auction begins"
Lucas and Scarlett exchanged confused glances, their confidence wavering. Lizzy's smile was triumphant as she turned to face them.
"It seems Mr. Berlin has arrived," she said softly.
"Now, let's see who truly belongs here