Chapter 278

No.1

The pink diamond on Elisa's finger was a supernova. It caught the light and threw it back,a blinding flash that seemed to burn itself directly onto August's retinas.

Thorne rose to his feet. He placed a possessive hand on Elisa's waist, drawing her to his side as he accepted the congratulations of the stunned but ecstatic crowd.

August could not tolerate it. He shoved a chair out of his way and strode across the few feet of carpet that separated them, his body radiating a palpable,violent rage.

The celebratory noise died down as people sensed the impending confrontation.

"What do you think you're doing, Elisa?" August's voice was a low, dangerous growl, each word forced through clenched teeth. His eyes were locked on the ring, a look of furious, betrayed disbelief on his face.

No.2

"Do you have any idea what you've just done?Have you forgotten who you are?" he hissed, his words a veiled threat, a reminder of her still-legal status as

his wife.

Elisa met his gaze without flinching. A small, cold smile of victory played on her lips.

"My identity?" she asked, her voice cool and clear."I am Elisa. And now, I am Mr. Thorne's fiancée."

She deliberately lifted her left hand, pretending to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. The movement was slow, calculated, designed to make the massive diamond flash directly in his line of sight.

No.3

"As for any other unpleasant, outdated identities,"she continued, her voice dropping so only the three of them could hear, "I'm sure the judge's final order will sweep them into the trash where they belong."

August's face turned a dark, mottled red. A vein pulsed in his temple. He lunged, his hand shooting out to grab her wrist, to rip the ring from her finger.

Before he could make contact, Thorne's hand shot out, clamping around August's forearm like a vice.The strength in his grip was shocking.

"Mr. Chambers," Thorne's voice was quiet, but it carried an absolute, non-negotiable threat. "Show some respect. To my fiancée."

The two men stood frozen, a tableau of raw,

No.4

masculine aggression in the center of the ballroom.The air crackled with tension.

The standoff was broken by Alastair, who ambled over with two glasses of champagne, his face a mask of cheerful innocence.

"August, my friend, don't be so dramatic," he said,pressing one of the glasses into August's rigid hand. "I know you're upset that our Elisa stole the show from your... what is she? A medical consultant?"

Alastair loaded the words "medical consultant" with so much sarcasm it was practically dripping. He was tearing Allena's carefully constructed identity to shreds in front of everyone.

Allena, who had been standing nearby in a state of shock, flinched. "Alastair! You go too far!"

No.5

Alastair put a hand to his chest in mock horror. "Oh,I am so sorry, Miss Mills. I completely forgot. You were about to propose yourself, weren't you? What a shame." He let out a theatrical sigh. "Well, don't worry.I hear Cartier has an excellent return policy.Just make sure you have the receipt."

A few stifled snorts of laughter broke out from the nearby tables. Allena's face went from pale to crimson. Humiliating tears welled in her eyes.

The public mockery was the final straw for August.He slammed the champagne flute down on a nearby table with a crash.

"Enough," he snarled. "We're leaving."He threw the words at Allena without looking at her, then turned and stalked toward the ballroom doors, his back rigid with defeat.

He didn't wait for her. He practically fled, his retreat a clear admission of his utter humiliation.

No.6

Allena shot Elisa a look of pure, venomous hatred,then gathered her ridiculous dress and scurried after him.

Elisa watched them go, the tension finally draining from her shoulders. She let out a long, slow breath.

"Well done, Elisa," Alastair said, raising his glass to her in a toast.

Thorne looked down at her, a rare hint of approval in his dark eyes. "This was only the opening move,"he said quietly. "Are you ready for the war?"