They Called Me a Gold Digger, So I Dethroned Them All Chapter 10

In early spring, the top–floor ballroom of Vellmont Financial Center blazed with lights.

Tonight marked the official launch of Arkwright Group’s Northern Energy Expansion Project, drawing Vellmont’s most influential figures.

I entered the grand ballroom on Stellan’s arm, wearing a deep ocean–blue couture gown adorned

with intricate embroidery.

Around my neck was the very same vintage Cartier emerald necklace that had sold for an astonishing $4.3 million.

The magnificent gemstones caught the light, sparkling with breathtaking brilliance.

Every camera and every pair of eyes in the room turned toward us.

The same socialites and wealthy society women who’d once mocked me behind my back for being shallow and called me a gold digger were now all smiles, practically competing for a chance to greet

me.
“Ms. Wetherell, you look absolutely stunning tonight! I can’t imagine anyone else who could pull

off emeralds like those.”

“Ms. Wetherell, our Vellmont Women’s Philanthropic Foundation is holding its board chair election next week. We’d be honored if you could join us and offer your guidance.”

I held my champagne glass with the effortless composure of someone who belonged at the very top.

“You’re all too kind. Once we finalize the project agreements, I’m sure we’ll have plenty of opportunities to work together.”

In a shadowy corner of the ballroom stood Hollis, looking utterly defeated in an old, rented suit.

Redgrave Industries had collapsed following a financial investigation. The man who’d once been the golden heir of Vellmont’s elite was now a penniless disgrace everyone went out of their way to

avoid.

Maisie had been placed under investigation for her suspected misuse of charitable development

funds and had already been sent back to her hometown.

Hollis stared at me, standing in the spotlight. His hand trembled violently around his wineglass, his

eyes turning red.

Yet he no longer even had the standing to approach me for a conversation.

Tobin moved closer to Hollis, his face deathly pale, and pleaded in a low voice.

“Hollis, please. Go talk to Ms. Wetherell. Beg her to help us. The Kersey family is on the verge of

bankruptcy because of what happened to yours…”

Hollis shook his head bitterly, tears falling silently into his wineglass.

“There’s no getting her back. When she walked away, she didn’t even look back once.

A spotlight illuminated the stage at the center of the ballroom.

Stellan took my hand and slowly led me up to the podium.

Standing before the microphone, he swept his deep gaze across the crowd before finally settling on

me. His voice was firm yet gentle.
“Thank you all for joining us tonight to celebrate this milestone for Arkwright Group.”

“Besides announcing the launch of our multibillion–dollar energy project, I have something

personal I’d like to share.”

The entire ballroom held its breath.

Stellan took a dazzling pink diamond ring from inside his jacket and lowered himself onto one knee

before the assembled elite of Vellmont.

“Ms. Blythe Wetherell isn’t just Arkwright Group’s most important business partner. She’s also the one and only love of my life.”

“Blythe, will you stand beside me and build an empire together?”

Thunderous applause and cheers erupted throughout the ballroom.

I looked at the man before me, someone who truly had the power to support every one of my

ambitions, and a proud, radiant smile spread across my face.

I extended my hand and let him slide the enormous pink diamond onto my finger.

“I will, Mr. Arkwright.”

Then I turned, looking down from the stage at the countless faces gazing up at me.

I’d been a show–off for as long as I could remember. And if I was going to show off, I was going all

out.

Now, with my own two hands, I’d finally turned myself into the real thing.

A queen at the very top.

Stellan rose to his feet and wrapped me tightly in his arms, whispering in my ear.

“Hollis is watching from the crowd, Ms. Wetherell. How’s that for showing off?”

I tilted my head back, gazing at the thousands of brilliant lights sparkling overhead, and laughed

softly.

“Think bigger, Mr. Arkwright. This is just the beginning.”