THE BILLIONAIRE'S VENGEFUL WIFE RETURNS

The room buzzed with excitement as Alanis and Claudia prepared to announce their engagement. Guests leaned forward in anticipation, champagne glasses in hand, while the Blackwoods stood proudly at the forefront.

Everyone praised the couple, they looked so wonderful together. Alanis, the heir to the Hamilton’s empire, and Claudia Blackwood, the golden child of the Blackwood family.

Claudia, radiant in her gown, could already envision the applause, the congratulations, and the headlines about her perfect union. Her father’s approving nod from the side only amplified her confidence.

This is what Frank wanted, to deviate the people’s attention from whatever the media portrayed him to be and focus on his daughter’s marriage. Since there was no Harlow to use anymore, he would use Claudia’s marriage as a distraction.

"Our daughter looks so beautiful Frank," Elisa said and he nodded. Claudia was indeed very beautiful with bright green eyes just like Harlow’s. She looked so happy, the happiest she’s seen in years.

"I’m sure Claudia would make the best bride," Garth said. Left for Garth, she would never want her son to be married to any of the Blackwood’s girls, but they needed their money. They needed the money to start their family business again. Alanis was doing good, but Claudia’s inheritance will go a long way.

"I want to use this medium to thank everyone for honoring our invitation. We..."

The grand double doors at the end of the hall creaked open, drawing all eyes. A cold gust swept into the room, extinguishing the warm energy. Murmurs rippled through the crowd as the heavy doors swung wide, revealing a shocking sight.

A young woman, dressed in a striking green gown, staggered into view. Her once-pristine attire was now dirt-streaked and crumpled, her hair disheveled and her face pale yet defiant.

Harlow.

She fell forward, catching herself on her hands. She tried to stand but fell back on the floor. The murmurs continued in the hall, Claudia, Elisa, Frank, and Garth all frowned at the scene before them.

Elisa recalled telling her stepdaughter countless times not to cause any trouble for her sister today, but look at it now.

"What is she doing?" Claudia murmured clenching her fist so tight that her fingers dug dip into her skin.

Alanis who was standing next to his fiance rushed towards Harlow immediately. In his past life, he had let her suffer from bullying from his family and hers, but not in this life. He will never let anyone bully her Harlow ever again. Harlow has suffered so much to be abused this way.

"Harlow, are you alright?" He squatted to her level his voice filled with worry. The weak woman on the floor didn’t hesitate to hold him, her moist green eyes staring right into his, "Alanis." She called in a whisper, her vulnerability striking a chord deep within him.

"I’m here Harlow, I’m here for you." He said pulling her close. Harlow gripped his suit. "Alanis," she murmured again, clutching his lapel as though he was the only anchor in a sea of chaos. Her voice cracked as she continued,

"Hubby, please take me out of here." Tears fell from the corners of her eyes. Alanis didn’t waste any more time as he carried in his arms.

"Harlow Blackwood, why can’t you just accept that Alanis and I are together now? You’re divorced. Stop making a spectacle of yourself!" Claudia’s heels clicked loudly on the marble floor as she approached, her perfectly styled hair and gleaming gown only amplifying her air of superiority.

"Something’s wrong with her, we need to take her to a hospital." Alanis worried voice echoed as he turned to his fiance.

The people in the room looked amongst themselves. While some frowned at his action, others were eager to know what was happening.

"Isn’t he engaged to Claudia?"

"Is that his first wife?"

"Are they not divorced?" Was the question that kept flying around. Claudia frowned at their words.

"You can leave her the maids will watch over her, we have an engagement party to complete. This isn’t about her." Claudia said nonchalantly. This is supposed to be her night, why does Harlow keep stealing everything away from her?

"I’ll take her to the hospital myself," Alanis said calmly annoying the woman before him.

Claudia’s composure finally snapped. "She’s manipulating you, Alanis!" she exclaimed, her voice rising. "Can’t you see that? She’s always been good at playing the victim."

Alanis shot her a look so cold it could freeze fire. "The engagement is off, don’t forget this victim is still my wife." His words struck like a whip, leaving Claudia visibly shaken.

Without another word, Alanis turned and began walking toward the exit, carrying Harlow as though she were the most precious thing in the world.

Claudia has never felt more humiliated before. This is outrageous, it is barbaric, Alanis couldn’t be picking Harlow over her.

Over everything she offered him...

Her fingers clenched into fists at her sides as her anger simmered beneath the surface. Then, as if to taunt her, Harlow’s eyes fluttered open, locking onto Claudia’s. For a moment, Harlow looked weak and vulnerable, but then a slow, sinister smile curled her lips. A smile only Claudia could see. It was a silent, victorious declaration, one that sent Claudia’s fury boiling over.

The murmurs in the hall grew louder as the double doors swung open. The icy winter air swept in.

Claudia’s nails dug into her palms. This would be all over the headlines tomorrow. Once again, society would mock her, whispering about how the great Claudia Blackwood had been humiliated and abandoned at her engagement party. And all thanks to Harlow.

She should have known everything she did today has been pretense.

.

.

Outside, Alanis carefully placed Harlow into the plush leather seat of his car, his movements gentle as if she were made of glass. "Drive," he ordered his chauffeur, his voice firm. The car pulled away from the Blackwood estate.

For a few moments, Harlow remained still, her eyes closed, her body limp. Then, as they passed through the estate gates, she suddenly sat up straight, her movements fluid and unbothered. novelbuddy.cσ๓

Alanis blinked, caught off guard. "Do you feel better now?" he asked, his tone laced with concern. His hand instinctively reached for her forehead, his touch hesitant. Caring for someone like this was unfamiliar territory for him. He had spent years detached, indifferent to others’ needs. Yet, for Harlow, he was willing to try. Willing to learn what it meant to love, to protect.

But Harlow simply stared at him, her green eyes sharp and calculating. The man before her looked different. He has dyed his black hair brown, he changed his cologne, the brand of suit he wears.

Did he do all that because she said she hated it?

Who was this Alanis really and what did he want from her?

"I was never sick, Mr. Hamilton," she said, her voice steady. "But thank you for the rescue. I needed to get away from my father."

Her words left Alanis momentarily speechless. His brows furrowed as he processed her admission.

"This is my stop," Harlow added casually, gesturing toward the side of the road. But before she could move, Alanis shifted, his arm shooting out to block her exit. In an instant, her back was pressed firmly against the car door, the cool leather biting into her skin.

He leaned in, eyes narrowed, head tilting to the side as he watched her like his prey. "Are you playing games with me, woman?" His voice was low, deep, and dangerous, with a sharp edge that sent a shiver down her spine.