The boy took one look at me and scrunched up his face in disgust.
“You’re ugly! Not even a little bit as pretty as my mom.”
Then he turned back to Brent, tugging at his sleeve.
“Daddy, you promised me a big gift for my 10th birthday. What is it?”
Brent’s lips twitched at his rudeness, but he still answered patiently, “It’s already prepared. But you need to mind your manners—this is Aunt Camryn. Say hello.”
The boy immediately lifted his chin, glaring at me defiantly.
“I know who you are. You’re that shameless woman who stole my dad. We don’t like you. Go away!”
Brent froze, caught off guard. He was just about to scold him when Shalane stepped in with a gentle laugh.
“Brent, he’s just a kid. He doesn’t mean it. Don’t be too harsh. He barely gets to see you—of course, he’d feel upset.”
Brent’s face tightened with guilt. He crouched down, smoothing the boy’s hair.
“Galvin, be good. Daddy will spend more time with you from now on, okay?”
Then, as if to prove his words, he stood up and clapped his hands. Immediately, a line of servants approached, each carrying a carefully wrapped gift.
“Shalane, this is the villa I bought for you and the kids. This time, don’t go back to London.”
With a flourish, he lifted the first red silk cover—a property deed.
Then the second—a Rolls-Royce Cullinan key and registration.
And finally, the third—a custom-made, no-limit black card.
I had never seen Brent this thoughtful before. From jewelry to cars to their favorite meals—every little detail, accounted for.
What was supposed to be a birthday party had turned into a damn luxury showcase.
Brent, still smiling at Shalane and the kids, nodded at the lawyer beside him.
The lawyer picked up the mic and cleared his throat.
“On behalf of Mr. Brent Ceppetelli, I hereby announce the following agreement: 40% of Ceppetelli Co.’s shares will be gifted to Galvin and Devin Ceppetelli. Additionally, 10% of Ceppetelli Co.’s shares will be granted to Miss Shalane Shepley. This agreement has been notarized and is effective immediately.”
The whole room went silent.
Fifty percent of Ceppetelli Co.—that’s billions of dollars in assets!
Then, all at once, the guests erupted in congratulations, swarming around Shalane.
I just stood there and laughed.
What a joke!
I gave this company 20 years of my life! And not once did Brent ever mention giving me shares.