Love In Disguise: Rebirth of the Heiress
Chapter 96

Chapter 96: Chapter 96

The dress was a deep emerald green that shimmered faintly under the light, hugging my figure perfectly and flowing out at the bottom in delicate waves of fabric.

The neckline was elegant, a soft sweetheart cut that balanced modesty with allure, and the sleeves were off-the-shoulder, leaving my collarbones exposed.

My hair was styled simply, loose waves cascading over one shoulder, with just enough makeup to enhance my features.

Lucian had disappeared somewhere in the house, leaving me to step outside alone. The evening air was colder than I expected, carrying the faint scent of dew and flowers.

Jason was leaning against his car, phone pressed to his ear. His shirt was unbuttoned at the top, revealing just a hint of his chest. The suit was dark, perfectly tailored as always, but there was a casualness to his posture that made him look both disheveled and annoyingly handsome.

The moment he saw me, he froze mid-sentence, his lips parting slightly. He quickly hung up the phone, slipping it into his pocket.

"Beautiful," he mumbled, almost like it was an involuntary reflex.

I couldn’t help but chuckle. "You flatter me, Jason."

He blinked, seeming to realize what he’d said. Clearing his throat, he stepped forward and opened the car door for me. "It’s not flattery if it’s true."

"Thank you," I said, sliding into the passenger seat.

As he closed the door and walked around to the driver’s side, I glanced at him again. "You clean up well, too," I said with a small smile.

Jason smirked, adjusting his cuffs as he got in. "It’s an everyday look, Kiara."

I blushed a bit, "Just a wpt the compliment Jason."

He chuckled, he swerved the car with one hand.

The veins in his hands, popping as he did.

The car ride was smooth, the hum of the engine filling the comfortable silence between us. After a few minutes, Jason handed me a sleek envelope.

"What’s this?" I asked, opening it carefully.

"Tickets to Joselle’s big modeling event," he said. "Front row seats."

I raised an eyebrow. "You’re really going all out."

Jason shrugged, his eyes fixed on the road. "If we’re going to hit her where it hurts, we need to be thorough. This event is critical for her career. A lot of big names will be there. Investors, sponsors, the works."

"And what’s the plan?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

Jason smirked, his blue eyes glinting mischievously. "Simple. We’re going to expose her for the fraud she is. There’s a charity she’s tied to, right? The one she uses to polish her image."

I nodded slowly. "Yeah, the one where she claims to donate millions but barely contributes anything?"

"Exactly," Jason said. "I have proof of her siphoning funds or not delivering what she promised. Once we have that, we leak it during the event. Publicly."

"That could ruin her," I said, a mix of excitement and apprehension bubbling inside me.

"That’s the point," Jason replied, his tone sharp. "She’s climbed over enough people to get where she is. It’s time she gets knocked down a peg."

I glanced at him, taking in the intensity of his expression. "You’ve really thought this through."

Jason glanced at me, his smirk softening into something more genuine. "When it comes to revenge, Kiara, you don’t leave anything to chance."

I nodded, a small smile tugging at my lips. "Well, let’s make sure this plan is flawless. No loose ends."

He grinned, the mischievous spark returning to his eyes. "That’s what I like to hear."

****

The car rolled to a smooth stop in front of the grand venue. Bright lights illuminated the red carpet, where photographers and reporters swarmed like bees around every arriving car. My heart sank at the sight of the chaos.

Jason stepped out first, his expression calm and confident as he straightened his jacket. Then, to my horror, he extended his hand toward me, waiting.

"Ready?" he asked, his voice low but laced with amusement.

"Not even a little," I muttered under my breath before placing my hand in his.

As soon as I stepped out, flashes went off in every direction. Camera shutters clicked incessantly, and questions flew through the air like darts.

"Jason! Who’s the woman with you?"

"Is this your new girlfriend?"

"Miss, can we get your name?"

I plastered on the most gracious smile I could muster, silently cursing Jason for dragging me into this circus. He leaned closer, his voice just loud enough for me to hear. "Smile and wave, Kiara. You’re killing it."

Fighting the urge to stomp on his foot, I did as he said. I looped my arm through his, clinging to him like my life depended on it. Cameras zoomed in, and whispers filled the air.

Jason, of course, was completely unbothered. His smirk was as charming as ever, his movements effortless. He guided me down the carpet with practiced ease, pausing just enough for photos but never lingering too long.

The whispers grew louder as we passed.

"Who is she?"

"She’s stunning."

"Isn’t that Jason Lincoln Cole? He never brings anyone."

By the time we reached the entrance, my cheeks ached from smiling. Inside, the noise was a little less overwhelming, though the grandeur of the venue was just as suffocating.

"Kiara," Jason said, his tone light but teasing, "I don’t think blood is flowing through my arm right now."

I gasped, instantly loosening my grip. "Oh my God, I’m so sorry—"

Before I could pull away, his hand shot up to keep mine in place. He grinned, leaning close. "Relax, I’m kidding. You’re doing great."

I narrowed my eyes at him but couldn’t help the small smile that crept onto my face.

He led me to our seats, right in the front row. The perfect spot to see and be seen. As we sat down, he leaned toward me, his breath warm against my ear.

"Stay sharp. We’re here to make an impression," he whispered, his tone more serious now.

I nodded, the gravity of his words settling over me. "Got it."

He gave me a small, approving nod before turning his attention to the stage.

I took the opportunity to excuse myself. "I’ll be right back."

Jason’s eyes flicked to mine, searching. "Don’t take too long."

I smiled briefly before slipping away, weaving through the crowd as I headed toward my target. The man I needed to talk to was exactly where Jason said he’d be, sipping champagne and surveying the room like a hawk. I pulled a crisp envelope from my clutch, handed it to him discreetly, and offered a knowing smile.

He nodded, tucking the envelope into his jacket. "Pleasure doing business with you," he murmured.

"Likewise," I replied, turning on my heel and making my way back.

The trip to the bathroom was meant to be a quick detour. My nerves needed calming, and washing my hands seemed like a harmless enough way to collect myself. But as I entered the lavish restroom, my reflection barely registered before the sharp click of heels behind me made me pause.

"Well, well, if it isn’t the home wrecker herself," Joselle’s voice cut through the quiet like a blade.

I turned to see her leaning against the vanity, her arms crossed, her eyes narrowed into slits.

I raised an eyebrow, unfazed. "Joselle," I greeted coolly, grabbing a paper towel to dry my hands.