Chapter 65: Chapter 65 Champagne Before the Fall

Jade’s POV

The dress was laid out on the bed like it belonged in a dream. It was like I was living in a dream.

For a long moment, I just stood there staring at it, my fingers curling slightly at my sides as something warm fluttered in my chest, something warm, something, undeniably beautiful. A soft, flowing gown in a deep wine shade, fitted gently at the waist before cascading down in elegant folds. The fabric looked like it would move with me, like it had been chosen not just to be worn, but to be felt.

They picked this for me.

That thought alone made my lips curve into a smile I couldn’t suppress.

I slipped into the gown carefully, the fabric gliding over my skin like it already knew me. It hugged me just enough to make me feel confident without feeling exposed. When I turned toward the mirror, I barely recognized the woman looking back at me, not because she was unfamiliar, but because she looked... happy.

Really happy.

I lifted my hands to my hair, styling it slowly, deliberately. I didn’t want anything too complicated, just soft waves, framing my face, falling over my shoulders in a way that felt natural. After that, I reached for my heels, slipping them on one at a time, feeling myself straighten as I stood taller.

A little makeup. Nothing heavy. Just enough to brighten my eyes, a soft glow on my skin, a touch of color on my lips.

When I was done, I stared at myself again.

I looked... beautiful.

And this time, I didn’t second guess it

“What are you boys planning?” I murmured to my reflection, laughing softly as I shook my head.

A knock sounded at the door.

“Yes?” I called.

The door opened and a staff member stepped in, offering a polite bow. “Good morning, Miss Jade. Please follow me.”

My heart skipped. “Now?”

“Yes.”

I grabbed my clutch, gave the mirror one last glance, and followed him out of the suite. My curiosity grew with every step. We passed through the resort, then outside, where a sleek black car waited.

The driver opened the door for me, and I slid inside, smoothing my dress as I settled in.

“Where are we going?” I asked, unable to help myself.

The driver smiled through the rearview mirror. “I’m afraid that’s a surprise, ma’am. I’ve been instructed not to say.”

I leaned back with a huff, smiling despite myself. “Of course.”

The drive was smooth and quiet. My thoughts raced the entire way, every possible scenario playing in my head. Dinner? A private event? Something extravagant? Something silly?

The car slowed, then stopped.

When the door opened, sunlight spilled in, and so did my breath.

Ronan.

Ryder. 𝕗𝕣𝐞𝐞𝘄𝐞𝚋𝚗𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗹.𝚌𝕠𝚖

Renzo.

They stood there waiting for me, dressed in immaculate tuxedos, looking so devastatingly handsome it felt unfair. For a second, I just stared, stunned by the sight of them. Clean lines, sharp tailoring, confidence rolling off them like heat.

They were unreal.

And they were mine.

Renzo stepped forward first, extending his hand. “Careful.”

I placed my hand in his, letting him help me out of the car.

“What’s going on?” I asked, still trying to catch up.

Ryder smirked. “Follow us, milady.”

“We planned some things for you today,” Ronan added, his eyes soft as they lingered on me.

They led me forward, and that’s when I saw it.

The yacht.

Large, luxurious, gleaming white against the blue of the sea. Flowers lined the deck, petals scattered along the floor like something out of a fantasy. Music hummed softly in the background, elegant and light.

I gasped. “You didn’t.”

“Oh, we did,” Ryder said proudly.

They helped me onboard, hands steady, attentive, careful with every step. Ronan popped open a bottle of champagne with a flourish, laughter following the sound as bubbles spilled over.

“To Jade,” Renzo said, raising a glass.

I laughed as I took one. “To you three,” I replied.

The yacht pulled away, gliding smoothly over the water. The breeze teased my hair as music grew livelier. At some point, Ryder pulled me into a dance, spinning me around as Renzo clapped along and Ronan laughed, joining in.

We danced.

We laughed.

We talked about nothing and everything.

Ronan showed me the view from the front of the yacht. Ryder told terrible jokes. Renzo pretended to be offended when I teased him.

For hours, it felt like nothing else in the world existed.

Like this moment could stretch on forever.

Eventually, the yacht docked again. As we stepped off, still glowing from laughter and champagne, I noticed the resort manager waiting nearby.

His expression was... wrong.

Solemn. Heavy.

“What’s going on?” Ronan asked immediately.

The manager hesitated, then looked at me.

“I just got off a call from Alpha Ashford,” he said carefully. “Your mother is dead, Jade.”

The world stopped.

Everything, sound, movement, air, vanished in an instant.

Dead? My mum?