I Married My Ex's Billionaire Father
Chapter 226: A Testament To Their Years Of Scheming

Chapter 226: A Testament To Their Years Of Scheming

The air in Brooke’s lavishly decorated dressing room crackled with anticipation. Today was her birthday, a day she had been eagerly awaiting, a day that held the promise of long-awaited rewards. The room was a whirlwind of activity, with stylists flitting about, adjusting her hair and makeup, while Lottie, came in to oversee the final preparations with a meticulous and critical eye, scolding anyone who made a mistake in her eyes.

"Could you give me a moment alone with Brooke please?" She demanded and everyone filed out of the room, leaving the two women alone.

Brooke, her reflection shimmering back at her from the ornate vanity mirror, could barely contain her excitement. Everything was perfect. The party, organized posthumously by her late mother, Mara, was shaping up to be a spectacular affair. The venue was a dazzling display of opulence, at the most exclusive hotel in the city, the guest list was a who’s who of the city’s elite, and even a renowned fashion designer had been commissioned to create her stunning ensemble. Everything was simply perfect!

"Oh, Lottie, everything is just... perfect!" Brooke exclaimed, her voice bubbling with delight. "Mara did not spare even a single thing, I wonder how she did all that."

Lottie, her eyes brimming with a mixture of pride, smiled warmly at her daughter. "I never really new where Mara came from, but you could just tell she had class." she said, her voice content at what she perceived to be her achievement. Today at last was the last installment of Mara’s gifts to Brooke and Lottie expected that this one would outclass everything which had been given in the past.

A stylist adjusted the delicate lace of Brooke’s dress, and Brooke turned to her mother, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "And the present?" she asked, her voice hushed with excitement. "Do you think it’s... what we have been hoping for?"

Lottie’s smile widened, a hint of mischief in her eyes. "I have a feeling it is going to be very... lucrative," she said, her voice laced with a knowing tone. "Mara definitely kept a lot of secrets. I would not be surprised if she has left you a substantial share of some huge company, and perhaps... a house, or a few luxury cars, you could be a proper heiress."

Brooke’s breath hitched. The thought of inheriting such wealth, of finally having the life she had always dreamed of, sent a thrill through her veins. She imagined herself surrounded by luxury, living a life of privilege and indulgence.

"Oh, Lottie," she breathed, her eyes shining with anticipation. "This is going to be... everything."

Lottie’s smile faltered slightly, a shadow of sadness crossing her features. She reached for a crystal flute filled with champagne, her hand trembling slightly.

"If only your father were here to see this with us," she said, her voice laced with a hint of melancholy. "He would have been so proud."

Brooke’s expression softened. She knew how much Lottie missed Edward, how much she longed for him to share in their triumphs. She reached out and took her hand, squeezing it gently.

"He is here in spirit, Lottie," she said, her voice soft and comforting. "He is watching over us and happy for us."

Lottie nodded, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. She raised her champagne flute, her hand still trembling slightly.

"To us," she said, her voice thick with emotion. "To our long-awaited victory."

Brooke raised her own flute, her eyes shining with triumph. "To us," she echoed, her voice filled with determination. "And to everything that you have worked for finally bearing fruit."

They clinked their glasses, the delicate crystal ringing out in the quiet room. The champagne bubbled and fizzed, a symbol of their celebration, a testament to their years of scheming and deception.

Lottie’s expression turned serious, her eyes locking with Brooke’s. "You know, darling," she said, her voice low and conspiratorial, "in all of this... all the schemes, the lies, the... everything... the sweetest part of it all is that it comes to you. My heart rejoices that you, and not Lyse, would get what Mara left behind."

Brooke nodded, her expression hardening. She understood the sacrifices Lottie had made, the risks she had taken. She knew that their lives had been built on a foundation of lies, a carefully constructed facade designed to deceive and manipulate.

"I know, Lottie," she said, her voice firm. "And I am grateful. I will never forget what you and dad have done for me."

Lottie’s eyes softened. She reached out and cupped Brooke’s face in her hands, her touch gentle and loving.

"You are my daughter, Brooke," she said, her voice filled with emotion. "I would do anything for you. Anything to make sure you have the life which you deserve."

Brooke’s eyes glistened with tears. She leaned into her mother’s touch, her heart filled with a mixture of love and guilt. She knew that their actions had been morally questionable, that they had wronged Lyse, the rightful heir to Mara’s fortune. But she also knew that she could not change the past. She could only focus on the future, on building a life of wealth and privilege, a life that would justify the sacrifices her parents had made.

"Thank you, Lottie," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion. "Thank you for everything."

Lottie smiled, her eyes filled with pride. "Now, darling," she said, her voice regaining its usual cheerfulness, "let’s get you ready for your party. You’re going to shine tonight. You are going to show everyone what you’re made of."

Brooke nodded, her excitement returning. She was ready to face the world, to claim her rightful place among the elite. She was ready to celebrate her birthday, to revel in her newfound wealth and status. She was ready to live the life she had always dreamed of.

The stylists resumed their work, their hands moving with practiced precision. The air in the dressing room was filled with the sounds of laughter and chatter, the anticipation building with each passing moment. Brooke’s party was about to begin, and she was ready to make it a night to remember. A night that would mark the culmination of their years of scheming, a night that would solidify their victory, a night that would forever change their lives