Chapter 9 - The Transformation
While Renata was setting her trap, I was looking in the mirror of the penthouse, unable to recognize the woman staring back at me.
Gone was the faded cotton uniform, the messy bun, and the tired bags under my eyes.
Grant had sent a team of stylists to the penthouse that morning. Now, my hair cascaded in soft, elegant waves down my back. I was wearing a stunning, floor-length midnight blue gown that hugged my curves and moved like liquid silk.
"You look..." Grant paused in the doorway, his breath catching slightly. He was wearing a bespoke black tuxedo, looking every inch the billionaire king. "You look incredibly beautiful, Emma."
A blush crept up my neck. "I feel like an imposter. Grant, are you sure about this? Walking in there... she has the police waiting."
"I want them waiting," Grant said, his eyes flashing with a dangerous, calculating light. "Renata cares about her image more than anything in the world. She thrives on power and perception. Taking her down in private isn't enough. I want her stripped of everything, in front of everyone she's ever tried to impress."
Lily walked into the room, wearing a beautiful silver dress, her burned hair carefully concealed by a stylish velvet headband. She walked straight to me and grabbed my hand.
"Ready?" Lily asked. Her voice was still quiet, a little raspy from disuse, but it was the most beautiful sound I had ever heard.
"I'm ready," I said, squeezing her hand.
We took the private elevator down to the garage, where a sleek black Maybach was waiting. The drive back to the estate felt entirely different than my frantic escape. I wasn't a desperate fugitive fleeing in a beat-up Civic anymore.
I was returning with the king.
May you like
As we pulled up to the estate, Marcus opened the car door. He gave me a rare, wide grin. "Showtime, Ms. Emma."
Grant offered me his arm. I took a deep breath, linked my arm through his, held Lily's hand with my other, and walked up the marble steps toward the ballroom.
