Chapter 6 Gala of reckoning

Kayla’s POV

“It’s past 8 already. Inform the host that I’ll be a bit late,” I said as I adjusted the earring on my right ear.

Maya, my personal assistant, nodded and quickly typed something on her tablet. “Yes, ma’am. Should I tell him you’re just getting back from D.C.?”

I smiled slightly through the mirror. “No need. Just tell him traffic was bad.”

Truthfully, I was exhausted. I had returned from a long business conference in Washington barely two hours ago and hadn’t even rested before diving straight into preparations for tonight’s charity gala. It was one of the biggest annual events in New York, and Brooks Atelier was among the headline sponsors this year.

I took a final look at my reflection. The woman staring back at me no longer looked like the broken wife I once was. My gold gown fit perfectly, elegant and bold. My hair was styled neatly into a bun, and my makeup was soft yet commanding. I looked powerful. Composed. Unreachable.

“Let’s go,” I said, taking my clutch.

The car ride was silent. New York’s lights shimmered outside, and Maya scrolled through her tablet, reviewing tonight’s guest list.

When we arrived at the Grand Regency Hotel, the entrance was buzzing with photographers and press. I stepped out and walked gracefully into the building, ignoring the flash of cameras. My name traveled in murmurs through the crowd.

“Ms. Brooks is here.”

“She’s even more stunning in person.”

“She’s the CEO of Brooks Atelier.”

Inside the grand hall, Maya caught up with me. “The host delayed the announcement of the guests of honour until you arrived. Also, quite a few people have been asking for a moment with you… the chairman of Haverly Holdings, the wife of a senator, and a few media representatives.”

I nodded. “Give me the list.”

After a quick scan, I returned it to her. “I’ll meet the chairman and the senator’s wife. The rest can book appointments.”

When the M.C. announced my arrival, polite applause filled the hall. People approached me, offering handshakes and greetings. I returned each one with a composed smile.

A few men attempted to flirt, their words smooth, their intentions obvious. I handled them with grace but no warmth. The attention was flattering but meaningless.

Maya leaned toward me with a teasing smile. “You could at least pretend to be interested. That actor from earlier almost tripped over himself trying to talk to you.”

“I’m not interested,” I replied calmly, taking a glass of champagne.

“You always say that,” she said lightly. “Don’t tell me you plan to stay single forever.”

“Romance isn’t on my agenda.”

The truth was deeper than that. I wasn’t only uninterested—I was afraid. Falling once had cost me everything. I wasn’t sure I’d survive it again.

Soon, I spotted the host, Mr. Clayborne, the CEO of a top finance company and chairman of the charity organization behind tonight’s event.

“Mr. Clayborne,” I greeted, shaking his hand.

“Ah, Ms. Brooks! I’m so glad you made it. This year’s gala owes its success to your generosity,” he said warmly.

I smiled. “I’m glad to see the turnout looks promising.”

We discussed the donations and progress. Everything was running smoothly. Helping others had become my quiet joy. It reminded me how far I’d come from the woman who once begged for love instead of purpose.

We were still speaking when I heard it—my name, spoken in a deep voice that sent an unexpected chill through me.

“Kayla?”

I froze for a brief moment before turning.

Adrian Ward.

He looked almost the same, maybe more refined, wearing a perfectly tailored suit. For a single heartbeat, memories flashed like lightning—his betrayal, his lies, his words. Then I straightened.

I let myself be shocked for only that moment before I turned and walked away without a word.

I didn’t owe him anything.

I moved through the crowd, starting small talks with other guests, doing everything to avoid him. I refused to give him the satisfaction of seeing me shaken.

When the auction began, I felt relieved. The guests of honour were ushered to the upper section of the hall, overlooking the stage. The auctioneer’s voice filled the air as the first items went up for bid.

A vintage diamond necklace.

A rare painting.

A sculpture from a renowned artist.

I stayed quiet through the early rounds, uninterested. Maya leaned toward me. “You’re not bidding?”

“Not yet. I’m waiting for something worthwhile.”

My eyes drifted to the lower seats. Adrian sat among a group of investors, laughing easily, pretending not to notice me. I knew him well enough to guess he would bid once an art piece came up. He had always loved collecting expensive art.

I waited. One, two, three art items were announced, but Adrian didn’t bid.

A small frown creased my forehead. That wasn’t like him. Maybe he had changed—or maybe I was simply waiting for nothing.

Finally, the auctioneer announced the last item of the night. It was the most expensive—a crystal sculpture, rare and almost priceless. The room went still at the mention of its value.

Without hesitation, I raised my hand.

A few murmurs spread. Another bidder countered. I immediately doubled the offer. The crowd gasped, and whispers grew louder.

When the auctioneer called for another bid, I multiplied the price by five.

A hush fell over the room. Cameras turned toward the upper section. Even the auctioneer seemed stunned.

“Sold to Ms. Kayla Brooks!” he finally announced.

I sat back calmly, my face serene, though I could feel the weight of countless eyes watching me. Slowly, I looked down—and found Adrian’s gaze.

He was staring up at me, disbelief written all over his face.

I met his eyes steadily, my expression unreadable. I knew he could see it clearly now. The woman he had abandoned no longer existed.

I held his gaze for a few more seconds, feeling his shock ripple across the room.

I stared at him back, knowing that my show was only just beginning that night.

"I'm back!"