Chapter 8 Invading Her World
Kayla’s POV
I grabbed Adrian’s arm before he could say another word and pulled him toward a quiet hallway behind the ballroom. My pulse was hammering in my ears, my heels clicking sharply against the marble floor as I dragged him away from the flashing lights and murmurs.
“What the hell is wrong with you?” I hissed once we were out of sight. “Do you realize what you just did back there?”
He looked unbothered, even smug. “I didn’t mean for it to sound that way. I just… people were asking questions, and—”
“You yelled it across the room, Adrian!” I cut him off, my voice trembling from both rage and humiliation. “You shouted that I was your ex-wife in front of hundreds of people! This was a charity gala, not your personal confession stage!”
He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Kayla, calm down. I didn’t do it to embarrass you. I just wanted to talk. You walked away before I could even say anything.”
I let out a harsh laugh. “You wanted to talk? About what? About how you cheated? About how you believed every lie Vivian told you and threw me out like garbage?”
His jaw tightened. “That’s not fair. You don’t know everything that happened.”
“Oh, I know enough,” I shot back. “I know you chose her. I know you carried her into our bedroom and told me to get out of your house. That’s all I need to remember.”
He stepped closer, his tone lowering. “Kayla, I’m not here to argue about the past. I just—”
“No.” I raised a hand to stop him. “You don’t get to ‘just’ anything. You lost that privilege the day you signed those divorce papers.”
He hesitated, his eyes darting over me as if seeing me properly for the first time. “You’ve changed,” he murmured. “You’re… different. I never thought I’d see you like this.”
“Successful?” I asked sharply. “Independent? Untouchable?”
He blinked. “I didn’t mean—”
“I know exactly what you meant,” I interrupted. “You didn’t expect me to survive without you. You thought I’d crawl somewhere and vanish. But surprise, Adrian… Kayla Brooks doesn’t disappear.”
He tried to speak, but I didn’t let him. “And before you even ask… No, I don’t owe you an explanation about my business, my success, or my life. You lost every right to ask me personal questions when you replaced me with my best friend.”
The sting in my voice made him flinch. For a moment, his arrogance slipped, replaced by something else…guilt, maybe. Or confusion.
“Kayla, listen. There’s more you don’t understand. Vivian—”
“I said I don’t care,” I snapped. “Vivian, you, the both of you…none of it matters to me anymore.”
I turned on my heel and started walking away. His voice followed me down the hallway.
“Kayla, please! Just listen to me for one minute!”
But I didn’t stop. Not once.
By the time I re-entered the main hall, people were still whispering. Every pair of eyes seemed to follow me as I walked past, every smile laced with curiosity and gossip.
Maya rushed over almost immediately, her expression tense. “Kayla,” she whispered, holding out her phone, “you’re trending. It’s everywhere already.”
I glanced at the screen. Social media was flooded with posts…pictures of Adrian and me facing off in the ballroom, captions speculating about our relationship.
‘Kayla Brooks and Ex-Husband Adrian Ward Reunite at Charity Gala…Tension Sparks?’
‘Was This Reunion Planned? Are They Back Together?’
‘Adrian Ward’s Fall and Kayla Brooks’ Rise…Fate or Revenge?’
I clenched my jaw. “People have too much time on their hands.”
“They’re running with all sorts of conspiracy theories,” Maya said. “Some even claim your company was built with his money.”
I exhaled sharply. “I want names. Every blog, every gossip page that posted anything defamatory. Get our legal team on it.”
“Already on it,” Maya said, tapping her phone.
Good. I wasn’t the same woman who used to cry over broken promises. I built myself from nothing, and no online noise would ruin that.
Still, I couldn’t help noticing a pattern in the posts that filled the feeds.
Adrian wasn’t being painted as the heartless ex-husband. Instead, every caption, every trending tag seemed to pity him…the fallen tycoon, the man who lost everything, the ex who watched his wife rise while he crumbled.
I frowned. “Why are they making him look like the victim?”
Maya shrugged. “Maybe because people like redemption stories. Or maybe because his company’s been struggling. The financial press says Ward International isn’t doing too well lately.”
“I don’t care,” I said flatly. “He’s not my problem.”
“Still,” Maya added quietly, “it’s strange that he showed up tonight. Almost like he wanted to be seen with you.”
I shot her a sharp look. “Don’t read into it. Whatever he wants, he won’t get it from me.”
The host’s voice boomed from the stage before she could respond. “Ladies and gentlemen, as we near the end of tonight’s event, let us take a moment to recognize the extraordinary individuals whose generosity made this gala possible…our guests of honour!”
Applause erupted once more. The host’s words became a blur in my ears as he called my name, praising my bid, my company’s achievements, and my contributions to charity. Cameras flashed as I rose and smiled for formality’s sake.
But my mind wasn’t there.
It was still replaying Adrian’s voice in my head. She’s my ex-wife.
I took a steadying breath and focused on the present. I had spent years building this life. He wasn’t going to shake it in one night.
After the final toast and speeches, the select committee members were invited into a private conference room for a follow-up meeting. Maya followed close behind me, helping gather my files as we stepped inside.
The room buzzed with conversation. Glasses clinked, pens scratched on notepads. The top executives of various companies filled the long mahogany table.
The host began outlining plans for the new Interior Designs and Construction Association. It was a visionary move…a nationwide collaboration between design firms, real estate companies, and construction giants.
“Three key members will serve as automatic board leaders,” the host announced. “Kayla Brooks of Brooks Atelier, Mr. Daniel Hayes of Hayes Construction, and Mrs. Evelyn Carter of Apex Properties.”
I nodded politely as my name was called. It was an honour, but one I’d already earned through merit.
The meeting continued. Investors pledged funding. Lawyers discussed bylaws and licensing. It was all going smoothly…until the host cleared his throat and added, “And finally, we’re pleased to announce that the Ward family has agreed to join the association as one of the major investors.”
I froze.
Every muscle in my body went still as the air shifted in the room.
“The Wards,” the host continued, oblivious to my reaction, “have graciously offered a substantial investment and will be represented by none other than Mr. Adrian Ward.”
My head snapped toward the door just as it opened.
And there he was.
Adrian walked in like he owned the place, wearing that same confident smirk that used to make me melt…and now made my stomach twist. His gaze swept over the room, calm and self-assured, until it landed on me.
For a moment, our eyes locked.
He smiled faintly, like this was all some sort of game.
And that was when I realized… Adrian Ward wasn’t done invading my world.