Isabelle’a POV

Ever since the accident, Julian had been pushing my wheelchair through the manor, playing the part of the perfect fiancé.

But I could already feel the shift.

He kept dropping hints—how noble he was for staying, how my little hobby had made our lives so inconvenient. He was laying the groundwork.

As if, when he finally walked away, I’d be the one to blame.

Classic gaslighting.

If I didn’t already know the truth about him and Vivienne, I might’ve believed it.

And behind my back? I’d seen him sneaking into Vivienne’s room more times than I could count. They weren’t even trying to hide it anymore. Sometimes, Sebastian joined them too.

I thought I’d be sadder than I was. Turns out, my heart had hardened more than I realized.

To keep their affair from raising others’ suspicion, I even calmly told the maids to avoid Vivienne’s room.

I wanted to save the reveal—make it a proper surprise at my party.

A fitting end to a life of being gaslit, betrayed, and lied to.

…

My birthday finally arrived.

That evening, just as I finished getting ready in my room—

“Are you ready?” Julian’s voice came from outside. “I’m here to wheel you to your party.”

“You go ahead,” I replied calmly. “I’ll be five minutes behind. My bodyguard can wheel me over.”

I leaned in close to the mirror, swiping the final coat of mascara across my lashes. Smoky eyes, blood-red lips. A sleek black dress that hugged every curve. I’d even curled my hair.

I looked like vengeance in heels.

“Showtime, Bella,” I whispered to my reflection. “Every torture. Every humiliation. Every bit of pain ends tonight. From now on, they’ll get what they gave—maybe more. You’ve got this.”

When my guard wheeled me into the ballroom, every head turned.

Father, seated not far, looked up sharply, worry etched across his face. I gave a small shake of my head, a quiet glance that said: I’m fine. I’ve got this.

Only then did he ease back into his seat.

Halfway to the stage, Julian stepped in. “Should we announce the engagement now?” he asked with a grin. “Or wait until the end?”

I smiled. Said nothing. And wheeled right past him.

“Thank you all for coming to my party tonight.” I let the words settle. “As you know, turning twenty-five in the Vale family is a significant milestone. A few days ago, my father asked me a question—whether I wanted to inherit his seat as Don or not.”

The room fell silent.

Vivienne stood not far from the stage, draped in gold, glowing as if she were the star of the evening. When she caught my glance, she smiled.

I smiled back, then turned to face the crowd.

“Sorry,” I said, voice calm. “There was a little accident, and my dear fiancé and stepsister decided I needed more rest. So they put me in this wheelchair.”

“But since I’m announcing something important tonight, I thought it only polite to stand. To share my answer here, in front of my family and friends.”

Slowly, I rose from the wheelchair.

Vivienne went still, her face frozen in shock.

Julian stared, unreadable. Sebastian, too.

“My answer is—”

I paused, lifting a glass from the nearest tray.

“Yes. I will inherit the Don’s seat.”

The moment the words left my mouth, panic flashed across Julian’s face. He rushed toward the stage, gripping my arm. “What about our engagement?”

“What about it?” I smiled, calmly brushing his hand off. “Actually, since my stepsister and my fiancé have shown me so much… care these past few days, I figured it’s only fair to return the favor.”

I gave the signal.

The lights dimmed. The screen lit up.

Footage from the villa flickered into focus—Vivienne, Julian, and Sebastian tangled in bed. Soon, Vivienne’s moans echoed through the speakers, shameless and loud.

The crowd gasped.

Vivienne froze. Her face drained of color. Then she lunged toward the DJ, frantically trying to shut it down.

But it was too late.

Everyone had seen. Everyone had heard.

Julian stood beside me, stunned. Sebastian just stared, mouth slightly open, as if he couldn’t believe I’d actually done it.

The real fun had only just begun.

I smiled, took a sip of champagne, and leaned into the mic.

“Happy birthday to me,” I said. “And I hope you all enjoy a wonderful night at my party tonight.”