Chapter 7 Past Unveiled
Kayla’s POV
Applause filled the air the moment the auction ended. People began crowding around me, their faces bright with admiration and curiosity.
“Miss Brooks, that was quite the bid,” one man said, shaking his head. “Five times the starting price? You must really love art.”
I smiled politely. “I love making an impact.”
Another woman added, “You’ve always been known for your generosity, but this? You just set a new record.”
The host himself approached, looking both amazed and amused. “Miss Brooks, you do know that money goes into charity and not the cooperation’s account, right?”
I gave him a knowing smile. “Of course. Every dollar was worth it.”
He chuckled, muttering something about how people like me made these events worthwhile, before being pulled away by other guests.
When he left, Maya came up beside me, still looking half shocked, half proud. “You really didn’t have to go that far,” she said.
I sipped from my champagne glass. “Brooks Atelier makes twice that amount before noon, Maya. It’s fine.”
She laughed softly. “You just made every person in that hall either fall in love with you or envy you.”
“That’s not my concern,” I said, scanning the room. “It’s for the cause, and for the message.”
“What message?”
“That I don’t lose anymore.”
Before Maya could respond, the music changed. The host announced the beginning of the after-party, and the ballroom transformed. The lights dimmed, the soft hum of conversation turned into laughter, and people began dancing.
I was about to head to the refreshment table when I noticed him.
Adrian.
Standing near the bar in a dark tuxedo, holding a glass of whiskey, his gaze locked straight on me. The same man who once made me believe love was forever. The same man who shattered me into pieces and handed the remains to another woman.
I refused to look away. Instead, I straightened my posture and turned toward the dance floor. My eyes caught the famous actor from earlier—the one who had practically begged Maya to introduce him to me. He was watching me again, smiling like I was the most interesting person in the room.
Fine. Let him be my shield tonight.
“Hi,” I greeted, walking toward him with a graceful smile. “You never got your chance to talk to me earlier.”
He blinked in surprise, then grinned. “Well, I wasn’t sure if I stood a chance.”
“You do now,” I said lightly.
He offered his hand, and I took it. The moment we stepped onto the dance floor, all eyes turned. His hand rested respectfully on my waist as we moved to the soft melody.
“I’ve followed your work for years,” he said. “You’re remarkable, Miss Brooks. Youngest CEO to make the top ten list. I admire your strength.”
I gave a small laugh. “Strength comes from pain. You just have to decide not to drown in it.”
His brows furrowed slightly, as if he wanted to ask more, but I quickly looked away. Over his shoulder, I caught sight of Adrian still standing where I’d left him—his jaw tight, his stare unrelenting.
Good. Let him watch.
“Miss Brooks,” Maya’s voice cut in from nearby. “I’m sorry to interrupt, but some of the guests who requested a word with you are waiting.”
“Of course,” I said, stepping away from the actor with a polite nod. “Thank you for the dance.”
“The pleasure was mine,” he said, bowing slightly.
I followed Maya into one of the smaller rooms beside the hall. Inside, a nervous young woman stood clutching a portfolio. She looked barely in her twenties, trembling as she greeted me.
“Miss Brooks,” she said quickly. “I—I’ve admired your designs for years. I brought some of mine… I was hoping for feedback. Maybe even a chance to work at Brooks Atelier.”
I gestured for her to sit. “Show me.”
She opened her folder, revealing several sketches. They were raw, imperfect, but full of promise. I flipped through them carefully, noting her sense of space and contrast.
“You’ve got talent,” I said finally. “Work more on balance and flow. You’re not ready for the main design team yet, but I’ll tell HR to expect your application. You’ll hear from us.”
Her eyes widened. “R-Really?”
“Yes. And don’t let rejection ever stop you. I built everything I have from nothing but a dream and a broken heart.”
Tears filled her eyes as she thanked me repeatedly before leaving the room.
Maya smiled as she watched her go. “You always say you’re not good with emotions, but somehow, you make people believe again.”
I gave a short laugh. “Maybe because I know what it’s like to lose faith.”
When I stepped back into the main hall, the lights had dimmed further, and the music had changed to something slower, richer. People were dancing, laughing, and drinking.
And Adrian was waiting.
He was standing in my path this time, like he had been planning it.
“Kayla,” he said, his voice low but steady.
I froze for half a heartbeat, then smiled politely. “Mr. Ward.”
“Don’t do that,” he said. “Don’t pretend you don’t know me.”
“I don’t pretend,” I replied calmly, extending my hand. “It’s called professionalism. Nice to see you again.”
He didn’t take my hand. His eyes roamed my face, searching for something familiar. “You look different.”
“Success does that.”
I turned to walk away, but his hand caught my wrist—not harshly, but firm enough to stop me.
“Kayla, wait. We need to talk.”
“I don’t think we do.”
“Please, I—”
Before he could finish, I pulled my hand free. The room had quieted a little, several heads already turning in curiosity.
“I have nothing to say to you, Mr Adrian. Not now. Not ever.”
He looked desperate, frustrated, like a man whose pride had just cracked. “You think you can just walk away after everything? After what we—”
“After what you did?” I cut in sharply. “Yes. I can.”
That should have been the end of it. I started to turn again when his voice rose above the music.
“She’s my ex-wife!”
The entire hall went silent.
Dozens of faces turned toward us. Conversations stopped. Someone gasped. And then the flashes began—phones lifted, cameras pointed, whispers spreading like wildfire.
My blood turned cold as I stood there, every eye in the room on me.
Adrian Ward had just dragged my past right back into the spotlight.