Chapter 108

Elena's POV

I froze when Richard picked up my phone from the nightstand. He'd never shown interest in my personal communications before, but tonight, his expression was unreadable as he unlocked the screen—how did he know my passcode?—and began scrolling through my messages.

My heart pounded against my ribs when his thumb stopped, his eyes narrowing at something on the screen. "Morgan is in Moonhaven? What does she want with you?" he asked, voice deceptively calm.

"Just chatting casually," I answered, trying to keep my voice steady. Sweat beaded along my hairline. It was actually Jason's message—I had saved his name as Morgan to avoid him discovering it and causing unnecessary arguments.

"What are you two planning to do? She's even asking you to choose a dress. What exactly are you hiding from me?" His tone sharpened as he turned the screen toward me, displaying the conversation where Jason had been discussing dress options.

"She needs to attend a banquet and requires an escort," I lied, hating how easily the falsehood rolled off my tongue. "You know how these social events are—no one wants to go alone."

Richard's expression darkened. "You're a mother of three children now, Elena. You should be more selective about the friends you keep." His fingers moved across my phone screen, doing something I couldn't quite see before he tossed it back onto the bed beside me.

I picked up my phone, checking to see what he might have done, but everything looked normal.

"It's late, you should sleep," he said, preparing to leave.

I put my phone down. "Did you come to my room because you're hungry? Do you want me to cook something for you?"

He stiffened slightly before answering. "No, I came to check on the children."

"The children? They're not staying with me tonight, they're sleeping in their own rooms."

He didn't respond to that. He just took long strides toward the door.

"Will you be attending Kelly's birthday party?" I kept my tone casual.

Richard was removing his watch, his back to me. "No," he said flatly. "You'd better stay away from that event too."

I couldn't help the bitter laugh that escaped my lips. Who should I believe?

He turned to face me. "What? You want to go?"

"No, I don't!" I shook my head.

"Good. For events like that, you'd better not get involved. Avoid trouble. Just stay home with the children."

I didn't know if he was genuinely concerned for me or if, as Jason had suggested, he would be attending with Victoria and was worried I might see them.

I sighed, deciding not to dwell on it.

---

Three days later, I stood in the foyer of Highland Estate, adjusting my casual outfit—jeans and a simple blouse—nothing that would raise suspicion.

"I'm heading out to get some things for the children," I told Anna, who barely looked up from her dusting.

"Of course, Mrs. Blackwood. Will you be back for dinner?"

"I'm not sure. Don't wait for me," I replied, hurrying outside before anyone could question me further.

A sleek blue sports car was waiting just beyond the estate gates. Jason sat behind the wheel, sunglasses hiding his eyes despite the overcast day. When I slid into the passenger seat, he frowned.

"You're late," he said, pulling away from the curb with a speed that pushed me back against the leather seat.

"I had to make sure no one would follow me." I glanced nervously at the side mirror.

Jason laughed. "Sneaking around your own husband? How deliciously scandalous, Elena."

"Ex-husband," I corrected automatically, though the term felt hollow.

"Whatever." Jason accelerated. "I'll take you to get makeup and a dress later."

"I need makeup too?"

"Of course. My mother has invited the mayor's daughter tonight—some vapid little socialite she wants to parade around. I need you to outshine her."

I raised an eyebrow. "I can hardly compete with young people. I'm already a mother."

"Please." Jason glanced at me with an appreciative smirk. "Don't you ever look in the mirror? You're more beautiful than most young women."

"Richard is a blind fool for letting you go," he continued.

I smiled, appreciating his compliment. But I still lacked confidence.

---

The preparation room was a flurry of activity when we arrived. Three stylists descended upon me immediately, whisking me into a chair before a well-lit mirror. They began working on my hair and makeup.

For two hours, I surrendered to their expertise, watching as they transformed me into an elegant woman I barely recognized.

When they finally turned me toward the full-length mirror, I gasped. The woman staring back at me looked like she belonged on a magazine cover.

"You could make any female celebrity in our entertainment industry pale in comparison," the head stylist said proudly.

Jason stood in the doorway, momentarily speechless as he took in my transformation. "Damn," he finally managed. "Richard really is blind." The thought that crossed his face was transparent.

But the final touch—the gown—made me uncomfortable. The strapless midnight blue creation hugged every curve before flaring dramatically at the knees. It was stunning, but far too formal, too attention-seeking.

"This is too much," I protested, tugging at the bodice. "I feel like I'm dressed for the Oscars, not a birthday party."

Jason dismissed my concern with a wave. "It's perfect. My mom's parties are legendary for their extravagance."

"Fine," I said, straightening my shoulders. "Let's get this over with."

---

Victoria's POV

After returning from abroad, I had carefully dressed up and arrived at the party venue with Emily.

"Do you think Richard will come?" I asked.

"It doesn't matter whether he comes or not," she answered briefly, "what matters is that his father invited you. That's enough. As long as you show up, everyone will know you're recognized. Do you understand?"

I smiled, holding the expensive birthday gift in my hand.

"But I wonder if Elena will show up today," Emily mused.

"She will," I said with certainty.

"What exactly are you planning?" Emily raised an eyebrow.

"You know Kelly has arranged for her son Jason to attend with the mayor's daughter tonight, right? Their families are pushing for a political alliance," I said, tapping my purse with my perfectly manicured nails. "Jason wants to reject this match. He needs someone to act as a shield—and Elena is his perfect cover."

Emily gave an approving smile. "Excellent. If that's the case, then our plan today can be implemented perfectly."

I laughed softly. "Everything that needed to be arranged has been taken care of. I'll make sure Richard sees exactly what kind of woman she is. After tonight, she will never be able to set foot in Highland Estate again."