97 Chapter 100
Chapter 100- An Unexpected Champion, A Desperate Ex’s Ultimatum
“Bianca, what do you think you’re doing? I hissed, shifting uncomfortably as Julian settled into the chair beside me.
The woman’s perfectly glossed lips curled into a smirk. “Just making sure old friends reconnect. The seating chart had Julian at this table anyway.”
I shot a look at Clara, who rolled her eyes dramatically. This was clearly Bianca’s manipulation, not any official seating arrangement.
Julian leaned toward me, his cologne – the same one I’d gifted him years ago – invading my space. “Hazel, you look incredible tonight. Can we talk privately after dinner?”
“There’s nothing to discuss.” I replied curtly, keeping my voice low. The last thing I wanted was to create a scene at this prestigious alumni dinner.
Damien, seated on my other side, placed his hand over mine on the table. The gesture wasn’t possessive but supportive – a silent reminder that I wasn’t facing this alone. His thumb traced small circles on my skin, sending a flutter through my stomach that had nothing to do with anxiety.
“Ms. Ashworth,” came a voice from behind us. I turned to see Professor Hammond, the university’s dean of business. “I wonder if I might steal you and Mr. Sterling for a moment? We’re discussing the upcoming faculty gala, and your insights would be
valuable.”
I seized the escape opportunity with relief. ‘Of course, Professor.
As I rose from my seat, Julian grabbed my wrist. “Hazel, please. Five minutes is all I’m asking.”
I pulled my arm free, aware of the curious glances from nearby tables. “Not now,
Julian.”
Damien guided me away with a hand at the small of my back, his touch light but reassuring. As we walked toward a group of university officials huddled near the stage,
Damien leaned close.
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“You can return to the table if you prefer,” he murmured. “This meeting wasn’t entirely planned.”
I looked up at him in surprise. “You arranged this?”
His smile was small but unmistakable. “I saw your discomfort. Consider it a tactical
extraction.”
A wave of gratitude washed over me. “My knight in tailored armor,” I whispered back, earning a quiet chuckle from him.
The meeting with the university officials was surprisingly engaging. They were planning a major fundraising gala for the business school, and Professor Hammond genuinely wanted my input on the fashion–related aspects.
“Ms. Ashworth,” the president of the alumni association said, “we’ve been impressed with your recent collections. Would you consider showcasing some pieces at the gala?”
“I’d be honored,” I replied, pleasantly surprised by the offer.
“Excellent!” Professor Hammond beamed. “And Mr. Sterling, your continued support
means everything to us.”
Damien nodded graciously. “The university has always held a special place for me.
When someone offered a toast to the upcoming gala, I hesitated, not wanting to drink more alcohol with Julian likely waiting to corner me later. Damien noticed my reluctance and smoothly intercepted the champagne flute meant for me, raising it
himself.
“To successful collaborations,” he said, taking the sip I would have had to take.
The gesture was so subtle that only I seemed to notice it. His thoughtfulness made my cheeks warm – he’d seen my discomfort and acted without drawing attention to it.
After twenty minutes of productive discussion, Professor Hammond excused himself for another engagement, and the group gradually dispersed.
“Ready to brave the table again?” Damien asked.
I glanced back to see Julian watching us intently. “Actually, would you mind if we skipped the rest of dinner? I’ve suddenly lost my appetite.”
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“Of course.” Damien checked his watch. “It’s getting late anyway. Would you like a ride home? I can have my driver take you and Clara.”
“That would be perfect, thank you.”
I texted Clara to meet us at the entrance. While waiting, I spotted Julian making his way toward us with determined strides, Bianca trailing behind him with a sour
expression.
“Leaving so soon?” Julian’s voice was tight with barely controlled anger.
“Yes,” I replied simply. “It’s been a long day.”
“We need to talk, Hazel,” he insisted, stepping closer. “About us.”
I couldn’t help but laugh incredulously. “There is no ‘us,‘ Julian. There hasn’t been for a long time.”
“That’s not true and you know it.” His eyes darted nervously to Damien, who stood silently beside me. “We have history. Six years together can’t just disappear.”
“You made it disappear when you canceled our wedding to marry my stepsister,” I reminded him, my voice sharper than intended.
Several heads turned our way. Julian’s face flushed with embarrassment and anger.
Clara appeared at my side, clutching her purse. “Ready to go?”
“Yes,” I said with relief. “Damien’s offered us a ride home.”
As we started to walk away, Julian grabbed my arm, his fingers digging painfully into my skin. “You can’t go with him!” he hissed loudly enough for nearby guests to hear.
I tried to pull away, but his grip tightened. “Let go of me!”
“Don’t forget our divorce decree isn’t final yet,” Julian threatened, his voice rising. “If you go with him now, I’ll appeal tomorrow!”
Something snapped inside me. With a strength born of pure fury, I wrenched my arm from his grasp and shoved him away from me.
“Fine!” I shouted, past caring who heard. “Appeal tomorrow, and I’ll make sure your sister goes to jail tomorrow! Let’s both go all out!”
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A shocked silence fell over the gathered crowd. Julian’s face paled, his eyes widening at the implication of my threat. He knew exactly what I meant – the fraudulent documents Ivy had used to secure her business loan, documents I had evidence of
“You wouldn’t,” he whispered.
“Try me,” I challenged, my voice ice–cold. “I’m not the same woman who let you walk all over her, Julian. Push me, and you’ll find out exactly how far I’m willing to go.”
Damien stepped forward, his presence somehow filling the space between Julian and me. He didn’t touch Julian, didn’t need to his mere proximity was enough to make my ex–husband step back.
“I believe Ms. Ashworth has made her position clear,” Damien said quietly, his controlled tone somehow more intimidating than if he’d shouted. “This conversation is
over.”
Julian’s jaw worked as if he wanted to argue, but the audience of curious onlookers and Damien’s unwavering stare seemed to deflate his courage.
“This isn’t finished,” he muttered before turning away, grabbing a stunned Bianca by the elbow and pulling her along with him.
I stood frozen for a moment, adrenaline coursing through me, my heart pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat.
“Hazel?” Clara’s concerned voice broke through my haze. “Are you okay?”
I took a deep breath, suddenly aware that dozens of eyes were still on me. “I’m fine,” I managed, though my voice shook slightly.
“My car is waiting outside,” Damien said calmly, as if the dramatic scene hadn’t just
unfolded. “Shall we?”
As we walked toward the exit, I felt the weight of stares and whispers following us. My momentary satisfaction at standing up to Julian was rapidly being replaced by embarrassment and anxiety. I’d created exactly the kind of scene I’d hoped to avoid.
Outside in the cool night air Damien’s sleek black car waited at the curb, his driver standing at attention.
“I’m sorry,” I said once we were settled inside, the privacy partition raised. “That was… unprofessional.”
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“Don’t apologize,” Clara said firmly. “Julian was being a complete ass.”
Damien studied me for a moment, his expression unreadable in the dim car lighting. “What did you mean about his sister going to jail?”
I hesitated, unsure how much I wanted to reveal. “It’s… complicated. Let’s just say I have information that could cause serious problems for Ivy and, by extension, Julian.”
“Information you’ve been holding back?” There was no judgment in his tone, just curiosity.
“Insurance,” I clarified. “In case he ever tried something like this.”
Damien nodded slowly. “Smart. Though I hope you won’t need to use it.”
“Me too,” I admitted, suddenly exhausted. “The last thing I want is to get dragged into more drama with Julian and his family.”
The car slid smoothly through the night–time streets as we fell into silence. I gazed out the window, watching the city lights blur past. Despite my fatigue, my mind raced with questions.
Would Julian actually appeal our divorce settlement? Would I really need to follow through on my threat against Ivy? And what must Damien think of me now, after witnessing my very public meltdown?
As if reading my thoughts, Damien’s hand found mine in the darkness between us, his fingers intertwining with mine in a gesture that felt both protective and intimate.
“Whatever happens tomorrow,” he said quietly, “you won’t face it alone.”
I squeezed his hand in silent gratitude, wondering how this man I’d known for such a short time had become my unexpected champion in the ongoing battle with my past.
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