THE BILLIONAIRE'S VENGEFUL WIFE RETURNS

The guests had started arriving, their chatter and laughter echoing through the grand hall as the engagement party began to come alive. Claudia, nearly ready, stood in front of her ornate mirror, admiring her reflection. Her gown sparkled under the soft glow of the chandelier, and her makeup was impeccable, highlighting her striking features.

Beside her stood Harlow, silent and composed, with a few maids bustling around to perfect every detail of Claudia’s appearance. Harlow’s hands were clasped in front of her, her expression calm but unreadable. A soft, almost imperceptible smile graced her lips, though inside, she was burning.

Rage coursed through her veins, untamed, relentless, and consuming. But she held it back, every ounce of fury hidden behind her mask of serenity. The delicate facade didn’t falter, even as her father, Frank, entered the room.

"Claudia," he called softly, his voice warm and indulgent. It was the same tone he had once used for Harlow when she was his golden child. His steps were purposeful as he approached his eldest daughter, completely ignoring the younger one standing by her side.

Harlow’s fingers twitched, and for a brief moment, she almost scoffed. Of course, he wouldn’t acknowledge her. Even if he knew the truth. Even if he knew that Claudia had almost ruined the auction, and it was Harlow who had saved the day. His favoritism remained unchanged.

"How are you feeling? Your mother mentioned some concerns," Frank asked Claudia, his voice gentle and full of care. He brought her to sit on her dressing table as he helped her select the jewels she would need for tonight.

The diamond jewel Claudia was holding, was part of Harlow’s jewel collection at the auction. She had wanted to keep her mother’s legacy with the jewel, but it got stolen.

Harlow bit the inside of her cheek to stop herself from reacting. She had asked herself countless times why Frank treated her this way. Why did he suddenly hate her so much?

Why he showered Claudia with unconditional love and attention while she was left to shoulder the blame for everything that went wrong?

Claudia, ever the perfect daughter, turned to Frank with a sweet smile. "I’m feeling much better now, Father. The stress of planning everything was overwhelming, but I’m ready for tonight." He nodded with a smile.

"I shall leave you to get ready. Hurry up, the guests have arrived." Frank said.

"And Alanis?" Claudia asked. That’s all she cared about, the deal she had offered him was undeniable, and that’s why he had agreed to marry her in the first place. She smiled.

"He’s already arrived with his family," Frank said. The boy has been impressive lately, he had singlehandedly lifted their business from Bankruptcy to a higher level. It was really impressive to see, maybe in the future he could work on a few projects with him. Frank thought to himself.

As he walked away, he paused at where Harlow stood. "Mr Eagle is also present today and he demands to see you. Hurry up and don’t keep him waiting." Frank said coldly. "If you’re successful at it, maybe you can start working at the diamond company again." He added and left the room before Harlow could say anything.

"I can’t believe Mr Eagle made it here today." Claudia walked up to her sister who could barely contain her fury. Harlow has never been this angry in her life. She had no idea how people pretended, but she doubted she could hold this rage in for long anymore.

She was fed up...

"Oh, Harlow, you both would make the finest couple," Claudia said, mockery evident in her tone. To her, she was getting the best man, and Harlow was getting the worst. She was fine with it. As long as Harlow suffers, she would love happily with Alanis.

"That man is so old," Harlow said calmly.

"But on the bright side, he’s rich and can take good care of you. Mother married father when he was a little old and look at them today, they both have unconditional love for each other." Claudia continued like the love expert.

"You’re ready miss." The maid said and Claudia smiled.

"Don’t worry Harlow, if you’re afraid because you don’t have what to wear, I’ll provide it for you," Claudia said sweetly.

"Marine, get Harlow something to wear, I’ll see you all later," Claudia added.

"I made a mistake inviting you to the party Harlow, you should not attend. In fact, do not leave your room till everything’s over. Stay with Mr Eagle and everything will be fine. A nobody should always know their place in the society. Isn’t that right step sister?" Claudia asked with a smile and Harlow nodded immediately.

She smiled in satisfaction and walked out of the room.

The maid threw a dress at Harlow, "Make sure you don’t steal anything from Miss Claudia. You’ll be skinned alive if you dare." She warned and walked away. Harlow smiled staring at the dress given.

Never in her life has she seen the color green as ugly before...

It was an ugly green plain dress. It looked more like a maid’s dress. Her sister wanted her to dress like the maid today. She shook her head, if only they knew what plan she had for them.

Claudia arrived in the hall with her mother Elisa as they greeted the guest that arrived. She thought this event would be the worst but on the contrary. It was the best.

No one acted like she had stolen Alanis from her sister or she was doing something wrong. They all treated her normally, with so much love and respect.

After welcoming the guest, both the Hamiltons and Blackwoods sat at a table to discuss the marriage plans. Alanis’s eyes have been moving across the room from time to time looking for the girl that has been in his thoughts for a while now, but he couldn’t find her anywhere.

Since the auction, he had been worried at how Frank dragged her from the hall. He wanted to intervene, but his grandmother stopped him. She was not here today, else she would have gone to look for Harlow herself.

After finalizing the marriage plans, Alanis and Claudia were about to announce their engagement when the double doors of the hall opened and a familiar girl in green dress fell through...