Disowned at the Gala The Heiress Who Took Her Empire Back

I tried everything to make him stay.

The money I'd saved wasn't a fortune, but it was enough to start over somewhere else—enough to make sure he'd never have to struggle.

He blocked me without a word.

For months after, I walked through life in a fog, guilt eating me alive.

I hadn't given Louis the security he needed.

I hadn't been enough to keep him.

But the scene in front of me now? It was a slap across the face.

When Louis spotted me, surprise flickered in his eyes. He dropped his head fast, trying to avoid my stare.

Wilfred wasn't having it. He grabbed Louis by the arm and dragged him right up to me.

"Cousin."

"I've been meaning to tell you about this for a while, but I didn't know how to bring it up. Please don't be mad."

"Louis and I are in love. Real love."

Rage surged through me. My fist was already swinging toward Wilfred's face—

But Louis stepped between us.

"That's enough, Grace!"

"Is this how a big sister acts? You can't just hit him!"

I stood frozen, my voice shaking. "Why... why would you..."

Louis was quiet for a few seconds before he answered. "Because you're the daughter they threw away. Wilfred is the one your parents are proud of. He's the future of this family."

The words hit like a blade, carving out a piece of my heart.

I laughed through the pain.

Love. Family.

None of it meant a damn thing when money was on the table.

Paul started to say something in my defense, but I stopped him. I grabbed his arm and turned to leave.

Words were useless now.

The only thing that mattered was proving them wrong. Whoever climbed higher, shone brighter—that's who'd have the last laugh.

"Cousin."

"Tomorrow's my inauguration banquet. You have to come."

Wilfred caught up to me, holding out an invitation with a smug little smile.

It clicked.

Running into them today wasn't coincidence. Wilfred had planned this. Why else would he have an invitation on him?

"Sure."

"I'll be there."

I took the envelope.

I walked away without looking back, a cold smile forming on my lips. Once we were in the car, I turned to Paul. "I need a favor."

"Relax. Tomorrow's already handled."

He tapped his chest confidently.

We shared a look.

No need to say more. We both knew exactly what the other was thinking.

The next day.

I arrived right on time at the hotel where my father was hosting Wilfred's inauguration banquet.

The guests hadn't shown up yet.

My parents, Wilfred, and Louis all turned to look at me. Their faces went cold in unison.

"Hmph."

"Look at how thoughtful Wilfred is. He actually considers your feelings—even invited you to this banquet."

"And you? All you know how to do is throw jealous fits."

My father's voice was ice.

"Apologize to your father and Wilfred. Do that, and we'll put the past behind us."

"This is your last chance. Don't blow it."

My mother chimed in.

Neither of them seemed the least bit surprised that Louis and Wilfred were together.

So that was it. They'd sabotaged my chance to study abroad on purpose—just so they could push Louis toward Wilfred behind my back.

"Come on, cousin. Family doesn't hold grudges overnight. Just swallow your pride already."

Wilfred's smile dripped with mockery.

Louis was quick to pile on. "Being made VP should've been enough for you. Your parents were acknowledging your abilities. You should be grateful."

I listened to their self-righteous little speeches.

Then I smiled. "Who said I came here for the banquet?"

My parents froze. Then they let out sharp laughs, like I'd lost my mind.

Right on cue, the rumble of cars filled the air outside.

"Let's go."

"Forget that ungrateful girl. Let's greet our guests."

Dad snorted heavily, then led the family toward the entrance.

The city's elite had all arrived.

But they just stood at the door, not stepping inside.

Dad was confused. "What's everyone waiting for? Please, come in!"

No one moved.

"They're waiting for my permission."

I walked slowly to the entrance.