The Spiteful Bride, Marry to Rival's Son-Chapter 108

THE FUTURE OF THE CONSTRUCTION WORLD

Mia stood in front of the mirror, as they adjusted the last part of her dress. For a second, she didn’t recognize the reflection staring back at her.

The gown was everything. Luxurious. Bold. Feminine.

It was a deep emerald green, made from soft velvet that clung perfectly to her body without trying too hard. The strapless neckline curved into a sweetheart shape, showing off her collarbones and shoulders in the most flattering way. The dress hugged her figure down to her knees before flaring out into a dramatic fishtail that trailed softly behind her.

The details were even more stunning up close.... delicate hand embroidery ran along the fabric like vines, and the design was studded with tiny beads and shimmering stones that caught the light whenever she moved.

Attached to the back was a removable train made of light tulle and silk. It flowed like a cape and added that extra drama for when she needed to make an entrance.... or give a speech. She could clip it on or off as she liked. Right now, she planned to wear it all the way to the big reveal.

Her makeup was flawless but not overdone.... her lips were painted in a soft nude pink, her hair was pulled into a sleek low bun at the nape of her neck, with a loose wave falling slightly on one side to frame her face.

Around her neck sat the diamond necklace Stefan had picked out. It wasn’t loud, but it sparkled gently against her skin, sitting just at her collarbone..... simple and elegant.

Her heels peeked out from beneath the dress when she held up the dress.... silver stilettos with little crystals on the straps. Even her small clutch bag matched her look....a silver mesh purse with an emerald clasp.

Everything about her appearance today had been thought out.

And though she had plenty of dresses she’d picked herself, she’d chosen this one. Because Stefan had gotten it for her.

She gave herself one final look in the mirror and exhaled slowly.

Today wasn’t just a launch. It was a moment. Some people were going to have the taste of their own medicine.

And she was going to walk into it looking.... and feeling like the woman she’d fought to become.

Elena had gone with Mose to avoid any suspicion.

Stefan stood by the window, adjusting the cuffs of his shirt with quiet precision.

Unlike most events where he’d just throw on something expensive and call it a day, today felt different.

He wore the blazer Mia had gifted him..... a rich charcoal black piece with a sleek finish, tailored to perfection. It fit like it was made just for him, hugging his broad shoulders and tapering at the waist. Simple, yet bold. Just like him.

Underneath, he paired it with a crisp white shirt, the top two buttons undone.... because he hated ties and refused to wear one unless he was forced to. His black dress pants were sharp, neatly pressed, and fell cleanly over polished leather shoes.

No chains, just a silver watch on his wrist. Also a gift from Mia.

His hair was styled effortlessly, slicked back but not too much, giving him that rugged but refined edge. His light beard was trimmed to perfection, accentuating the sharp line of his jaw.

When he stepped out of the room and saw Mia waiting, everything slowed.

His eyes swept over her from head to toe. For a second, the world just... stopped. She was breathtaking. He couldn’t form a word for a full ten seconds. Then he slowly let out a low breath.

"Damn," he said under his breath, walking toward her. "Are you sure I’m allowed to stand beside you looking like this?"

Mia rolled her eyes, but her blush betrayed her. "Don’t flatter me please"

He wasn’t flattering her, but he didn’t correct her. "You wore the dress," he said, voice low, more of a statement than a question.

She let out a small smile. "And you wore the blazer."

He walked over, stopping right in front of her. His eyes still staring at her like he wanted to devour her. "You’re beautiful, Mia." 𝐟𝕣𝕖𝐞𝐰𝕖𝚋𝐧𝗼𝚟𝐞𝕝.𝗰𝐨𝐦

"And you’re handsome husband."

He didn’t say anything. Just held her hands as they existed the penthouse.

The grand hall was already filled by the time Mia and Stefan arrived.

The room shimmered under soft golden lights, the air rich with hushed conversation, clinking glasses, and subtle tension. Every major name in business, both from Manhattan and beyond, had shown up. CEOs, investors, media execs, board members... it was a full house. No one wanted to miss this event.

Mia stepped out of the car first, her gown catching the light like it was made of stardust and secrets. Stefan followed beside her, his presence quiet but commanding.

The walk into the building was slow and deliberate. Heads turned. Conversations paused. Eyes followed their every move.

People where whispering that, they were just trying to keep up an invitation. That they might even be divorced. A marriage that didn’t last up to a month.

People scoffed behind them. When they passed.

Inside the hall, seats had been pre-arranged.... every name carefully placed. Mia had insisted on that. She wanted it structured. Like a Symbol of power.

She wanted Samuel to feel important, just like the way he made her feel on her birthday.

And most importantly, she had personally chosen where she and Stefan would sit. Right beside Samuel and Jeremiah.

As they made their way down the aisle, Mia’s eyes swept across the faces already seated. So many fake smiles. So many whispers. She spotted familiar ones.... allies, traitors, vultures dressed in silk and suits.

But what made her lift a brow... and nearly laugh.... was seeing Samuel already seated.

He was sitting with Cassandra and Ethan, all dressed like this was their victory to celebrate. Mia blinked twice just to make sure she wasn’t seeing things.

The same Samuel who prided himself on arriving whenever he pleased... who claimed no one could command his time.... was sitting there, like a student waiting for roll call.

They didn’t just come on time.... they came early. She’d expected almost everyone to come on time, but not Samuel.... most especially not Jeremiah too.

Oh, how the tables have turned.

She gave Stefan a knowing glance. He didn’t say anything, just smirked slightly, his hand resting at the small of her back, guiding her forward like he always did.... like she was his center, and the world could burn around them for all he cared.

Jeremiah was seated just two chairs away, with Annabelle beside him.... dressed head to toe in arrogance and designer perfume.

Mia’s jaw tightened. She didn’t hate many people. But if ever there was someone she’d drag across a ballroom by her expensive extensions, it was Annabelle.

She took a deep breath, steadying herself.

Not today, Mia. Today is not for pettiness. Today is for power.

Stefan’s hand gave a soft reassuring squeeze at her back. He knew. She didn’t have to say a word.

They reached their table. Her name in elegant calligraphy. His too. It was close enough to their enemies to feel the heat, but not so close that it gave away their intent. She wanted to see their faces clearly when their names are called.

They sat. Calm and composed. But inside, Mia felt that rising thrill.... that quiet storm that only came when something big was about to happen.

Samuel looked over at her briefly and gave her a nod.... forced and smug. She returned it with a smile so sweet it could curdle milk.

Jeremiah didn’t look at her at all. Coward. Probably thought ignoring her would strip her of her power.

Annabelle glanced once, then looked away just as fast, like Mia’s presence was too much to handle.

Good, Mia thought. It should be.

She crossed her legs slowly, letting the gown’s dramatic tail fan slightly to the side. Stefan leaned in close and whispered just loud enough for her to hear, "Comfortable?"

She gave a soft smile. "Very."

The lights dimmed just slightly, and a spotlight moved to the center of the stage.

A tall man in a sharp black suit walked onto the platform, holding a sleek microphone. His voice carried with practiced ease, the kind that made you lean in without even realizing.

"Ladies and gentlemen," he began, flashing a rehearsed smile, "thank you all for being here today. It’s not every day we witness the birth of something... legendary."

A soft murmur rippled through the crowd, a mix of curiosity and quiet anticipation.

"This event," he continued, "is more than a launch. It’s a moment. A mark in time. The kind you’ll look back on and say, ’I was there when it all began.’"

He gave a brief chuckle, clearly enjoying the attention.... then gestured behind him to the massive screen hidden behind a shimmering black curtains.

"Now, I know you’re all wondering what this is about," he added. "Truth is, I don’t even know myself. I was simply hired to present, and given strict instructions not to open this....." he held up a sleek, black envelope "until the moment came."

The room grew still. So still, you could hear the clicking of cameras, the shuffling of expensive shoes, the tension tightening like a bowstring.

Just then, a figure stepped onto the stage.

Dressed head to toe in black.... from the boots to the gloves.... and wearing a smooth, expressionless mask. Like a ninja. Silent. Precise.

He handed the announcer the envelope with a little bow before vanishing the way he came.... quick, clean, ghost-like.

Whispers erupted across the room.

"What the hell was that?"

"Was that part of the show?"

But the announcer remained calm. He held the envelope up, turning slowly so everyone could see.

"And now... the moment you’ve all been waiting for."

He slipped a finger under the seal. "Ladies and gentlemen, the future of the construction world"

That last sentence rang loud.

A few people in the audience gasped, eyes darting around. Some leaned in to whisper theories. The media shifted forward, cameras blinking rapidly.

But one person didn’t find it amusing.

Samuel Meyer.

He stiffened in his seat.

The future of construction? That was his title. His crown. His empire. That line wasn’t just a sentence.... it was a provocation.

Stefan caught the shift in Samuel’s face. His jaw clenched. His eyes narrowed. Mia, who was sitting beside Stefan, didn’t even try to hide her smile.

Jeremiah looked tense too... his wife whispering something in his ear that made his lips tighten further.

The man opened the envelope. Everyone watched with complete concentration.

The announcer’s expression froze. His eyes widened slightly.... In a dramatic way, enough to spark a more wave of curiosity through the audience.

He looked up, meeting the sea of eager, hungry faces.

And said absolutely nothing. He just stood there, silent. Even the cameras paused.

"What is it?" someone whispered loudly from the back.

Mia crossed her legs slowly, lips curved into a knowing smile. Stefan’s fingers drummed against his thigh, calm... deadly calm.

Jeremiah leaned slightly forward. Samuel’s breath grew shallow.

What was in that envelope?

The silence stretched. The audience, now completely hooked, didn’t even blink.

Whatever was about to happen... was going to change everything.