Luna’s POV

Morning light spilled into the penthouse suite, warmer and sharper than I remembered, as if the city itself had finally stopped suffocating me and decided to breathe in sync with me. And for the first time, I woke up late, and not going to be a maid.

As I was tying my hair, the door suddenly opened.

"Hey, sis! How was your sleep?" Lucas, my brother, asked.

Last night, my father and brother cried when they saw me. It wasn't gentle, grieving tears, but raw, and furious ones. The kind that could burn holes through the people who hurt me. They had been ready to rip Vincent and my in-laws apart. But I told them no. Not this time. Because this fight was mine, and so would be the ending.

“I’m fine.” I smiled as he pulled me into a hug that still smelled faintly of his cologne.

"Here's your gown for the party tonight." he said.

It was a red silk gown draped dramatically over his arms like it belonged on a royal runway. For the first time after two years, I will finally wear a gown like this.

“I hope that asshole ex-husband of yours chokes on regret tonight.” He said it so casually, like he was discussing the weather.

I laughed softly, the sound more out of habit than humor. “Lucas, enough. I don’t care about them anymore. Tonight, I’m just letting them taste their own medicine.”

“That’s my sister.” He beamed, and for a moment, I saw the boy who used to defend me in the schoolyard.

Tonight was the beginning of my everything. My father’s gala, his official welcome-home for me, was more than just a party, it was a statement. The guest list was a weapon, each name deliberately chosen. Vincent, Veronica, Vanessa. They would all be here. They would all see.

After Lucas left, I took a shower and headed to my office because our dad wanted to talk to our partners. And before I open the door, I was caught surprised.

LUNA KINSLEY PARKER – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

The gold letters on the door gleamed in the light. I smiled.

Parker. The name I’d given up for a man who never once truly chose me. The name I took back with both hands. My father’s voice echoed in my head.

Never let anyone clip your wings, Luna.

I had once. For Vincent. But not anymore. Because tonight, they would meet the real me.

“Wow! You look gorgeous!” Lucas reappeared, smirking.

He looked like he’d stepped straight out of a fashion spread, wearing a black wool tuxedo, crisp white shirt, and a silk bow tie.

“You, too.” I grinned.

“So, are you ready? Damien’s waiting downstairs.”

My brows lifted. Damien. My childhood friend. The one who had been oceans away for years, now a CEO himself. I hadn’t expected him home. I finally became so excited.

“Let’s go.” I said, and meant it.

The red silk gown slid over me like a promise, hugging every line. The slit whispered danger with every step. I didn’t just look elegant. I also felt untouchable.

The Parker ballroom glowed under crystal chandeliers, gold light spilling over couture gowns and sharp suits. Waiters glided past with champagne flutes, laughter twined with the clink of glass, and roses perfumed the air. Everyone knew how the Parkers are rich, we're not just rich, but damn rich.

Damien’s hand rested at the small of my back. His presence was so calm but solid. He leaned down and murmured something that made me laugh. A sound that felt startlingly light, but changed when I saw him.

Vincent.

He wore a deep navy tuxedo that reeked of old money and arrogance, his posture straight enough to spear clouds. Veronica shimmered in silver, Vanessa in emerald, their diamonds catching the light like weaponry. But I was more surprised, Clarisse wasn't with them.

They spotted me instantly. Veronica’s smile slipped like a mask cracking. Vanessa smirked slowly and deliberately before leaning to whisper in Vincent’s ear. His gaze snapped to mine and didn’t waver.

For a heartbeat, there was only the silent clash between us. Then his lips curled.

“Well, well.” he drawled, stepping forward.

“Didn’t know you’d moved on so quickly, Luna. Or should I say… traded up?” His eyes flicked to Damien, sharp with appraisal.

“Guess the grieving widow phase didn’t last long.” Veronica purred.

“Oh, wait… you weren’t even married anymore. My mistake.” she added.

Vanessa’s laugh sliced the air. “And here I thought you’d be too embarrassed to show your face in public after… well, everything. But I see you’ve found another rich man to leech off of.”

It was intense, but I was more delighted hearing he signed our divorce papers.

Damien tensed beside me, but I caught his wrist with a small shake of my head. I shook my head and asked him to leave. He has no choice.

I tilted my chin and let a faint smile play at my lips.

“Oh, I wouldn’t call it moving on.” I said, voice smooth enough to slice glass. “More like… coming home.”

Their eyes flickered, just for a second.

"W-What?" Veronica scoffed.

“Nothing. Just enjoy the evening.” I murmured, stepping away.

But Vincent was quick and held my arm, sharp enough to bruise.

“Do you think you can make me jealous with all… this?” His gaze swept the ballroom like it was just a backdrop for his ego.

Before I could answer, Veronica and Vanessa flanked me.

“You will not get away from us again, maid. Still married or not, because tonight, you’ll come back and start cleaning our house again.” Veronica sneered.

I gave a faint smile, making them uncomfortable.

“You don’t know what you’re doing. Careful… you might regret it.”

They laughed, sharp and mocking, but before another word could leave their lips...

“Good evening, ladies and gentlemen.” Relief surged through me at the sound of my father’s voice.

The trio stiffened, and focused in front like everyone else.

“Tonight, I will introduce my daughter,” my father continued, every syllable like a gavel. “Not everyone knows her, but she is a renowned pianist… a licensed pilot… an award-winning actress. And now—”

The room went silent.

"Daughter? I didn't know he had a daughter." even Vincent didn't know about my existence.

“…the new CEO of Parker Crown Holdings." my dad continued.

Gasps filled the room. They weren't expecting him to give the CEO position to his daughter, which was me.

"And please do welcome, my only daughter, Luna Kinsley Parker.”

Applause erupted like thunder. Cameras flashed, and whispers rippled. The spotlight snapped to me, blinding, burning, and I smiled.

Vincent’s jaw went slack. His face turned the shade of wet paper. His mother blinked like she’d misheard. And Vanessa’s wine glass rattled in her hand until red spilled over her perfect nails.

I let my smile sharpen, slow and deliberate.

“See? Told you.”

I winked, and walked away, leaving the taste of their downfall behind me.