"Yes, just wait for your downfall, Raphael."
As expected, the thugs came for me five days later, but I was more than prepared.
I had always known Victor kept a watchful eye on me. Anticipating Raphael’s next move, I reached out to him before returning to Paris, requesting protection.
He agreed instantly, delighted that I was finally allowing him to spoil me again.
When the thugs arrived, they never even got the chance to lay a hand on me. Instead, they were swiftly subdued, their fear making them easy to break.
Under pressure, they confessed everything—their orders, Raphael’s involvement, every disgusting detail.
And just like that, the trap was set. The hunters had become the hunted. That time, it was my turn to play the game.
Two days later, as I arrived at the banquet with Raphael, instead of a warm welcome, I was met with sneers and condescending glances.
"Why did our rival's daughter come to such an important event?" Raphael's mother scoffed, looking me up and down with barely concealed disdain.
Raphael’s grip on my hand tightened. "Mom, I told you to be nice to my girlfriend."
She simply snorted, turning away as if I were nothing more than an unpleasant stain on the evening.
His father remained silent, but the cold, measuring look he gave me was enough to tell me what he thought. I was unwelcome.
But I did not care, since I disliked them too.
Before Raphael could say anything else, the mood shifted.
Colette arrived with her parents, and suddenly, the ice in Raphael’s mother’s eyes melted into warmth.
Her lips stretched into an eager smile, and without hesitation, she pulled Raphael’s hand away from mine.
"My daughter-in-law has arrived," she cooed, leading him toward Colette. "Let’s go greet her properly."
"Mom, wait…."
I did not let him finish. I refused to stand there like a fool, clinging onto someone whose own family was parading another woman in front of him.
"I'm going to get some lemonade," I said flatly, slipping my hand from his grasp before walking away.
Raphael hesitated, looking torn, but in the end, he let go and followed his parents toward Colette.
I inhaled sharply, keeping my head high. I despised being underestimated, being dismissed so easily.
If they thought I was weak, they were wrong. I would show them that I was perfectly fine without Raphael by my side.