Trapped in the boss's embrace (by Katrina A) novel Chapter 21

Chapter 21 Charity Party

As dawn broke at six, Beatrice crept through the silent house.

Usually, her father would head out for his morning exercise while her mother would rise early to prepare breakfast. Today was different. Their bedroom door stayed shut–probably because they’d waited up until 2 AM for her to come home. The guilt gnawed at her stomach.

With careful movements, she left a note on the fridge.

After disguising herself and exiting the community, she hailed a taxi and made her way to Violet’s residence.

Violet yanked open the door, her exhausted face marked by deep shadows under her eyes.

“Desmond,” she spat the name like poison, “that fucking bastard is worse than scum!”

Her fists clenched as rage overtook her fatigue. “And don’t get me started on Madeline and his mother–those greedy, manipulative bitches. They can rot in hell for all I care!”

After Beatrice called and told her what had happened last night, Violet was so furious that she had an urge to tear them apart.

While Violet paced the room like a caged tiger, Beatrice maintained an unsettling composure. She slipped off her shoes

Chapter 21 Charity Party

with practiced case, as if it were any other morning.

2/10

“Got anything in your fridge?” Beatrice asked casually, padding toward the kitchen. “I’ll whip us up some breakfast.”

Violet stared at her friend in disbelief. “Breakfast? How can you even think about food right now?”

Beatrice hung up her coat and gently steered her fuming friend to the sofa. “Come on, you need to eat something. We can’t let those jerks mess with our heads–or our appetites. We’ll need our strength to handle this mess.”

Just as Beatrice tried to pull away, Violet caught her wrists, her eyes widening at the red marks that circled them like bracelets.

“Those bastards,” Violet hissed, her grip gentling even as rage darkened her face. “They actually tied you up? God, they weren’t taking any chances, were they? They wanted to make sure you couldn’t get away.”

“Yeah,” Beatrice whispered, a broken smile playing on her lips. “They made sure I couldn’t escape.”

“I get that Madeline’s a snake, but Desmond…” Violet’s voice cracked with emotion. “If he didn’t love you anymore, he could’ve just asked for a divorce like a normal person. How could he be this cruel?

“Eight years together–eight freaking years! And he throws it all away for some woman he’s been seeing for what, six months? God, I don’t even recognize him anymore.”

“He’d do anything to make his new girlfriend happy,” Beatrice said flatly.

“But he used to search everywhere for you! He acted like he was worried sick!” Violet protested.

Beatrice let out a bitter laugh. Worried? Yeah, right.

“Are you aware that he’s going to announce his engagement to Madeline this very night?”

“What the hell!”

Violet glanced back at her in astonishment. “You haven’t divorced yet! Wait…” A dreadful suspicion suddenly dawned on her. “Could he have found out that you tricked him into signing the divorce agreement?”

Beatrice replied, “I’ve considered this possibility.”

“What if this was his plan all along?” Violet asked. “His mother played nice to keep you calm, while he deliberately pushed your buttons until you wanted the divorce. Once the divorce and settlement agreements went through, he’d be free of the marriage without paying you a cent in compensation.

“And if you don’t play along, they’ll use those videos from last night as blackmail. Perfect setup, isn’t it? He gets to run off with Madeline, clean and free.” She shook her head in disgust. “God, I never knew he could be this calculating.”

arity Party

4/10

Beatrice chewed her lower lip, her mind replaying the events like a broken record. Something wasn’t adding up. The way Desmond had acted, the things he’d said… and Madeline’s story -the pieces didn’t quite fit together.

“Violet, I need to ask you for a favor,” Beatrice said.

“Just name it,” Violet shot back, burning with rage. “After what those bastards did to you? I’ll help you take them down, whatever it takes!”

The Peninsula Hotel’s grand hall sparkled at seven PM, transformed for the evening’s charity gala.

Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the crowd below, while delicate classical melodies wafted through the air. The city’s elite moved through the space like perfectly

choreographed dancers, all clutching champagne flutes as they traded gossip and laughs.

The charity party was organized by Mrs. Autumn Belmont.

Half of the affluent and aristocratic families in Cloudia had showed up, especially the Fairfax family, who all came to show their support.

It wasn’t lost on anyone how the Belmonts and Fairfaxes kept gravitating toward each other all evening–clearly, wedding bells were in the air.

Chapter 21 Charity Party.

5/10

Madeline clung to Desmond’s arm as they walked in, her eyes. constantly darting to her phone screen, checking it every few. seconds like she was waiting for something important. What was wrong with those people?

They didn’t pick up the phone, nor did they send her any videos. What was going on?

Did her plan fail?

That was impossible. How could her plan fail when Beatrice had already been tied to their bed. Moreover, if things had gone awry, Beatrice would have come to her a long time ago.

Could it be that they had killed her during the rape, and now they were in hiding, too terrified to show up?

Madeline pouted, feeling disappointed.

If Beatrice were dead, it would be boring. It would be more fun to see her contract AIDS and suffer a miserable life worse than death.

Just then, Autumn glided over. “Madeline, darling, there are some people I’d love you to meet.”

As she steered Madeline away from the crowd, her voice dropped to a whisper. “Well? Did you get her to sign the agreement?”

Madeline hesitated for a split second before squaring her

shoulders. “Don’t worry. You’ll have the papers on your desk

6/10

Chapter 1 Charity Party

first thing tomorrow.”

“That’s great. Madeline, you’re the best.” Autumn beamed with joy.

“It was nothing special, just a little trick,” Madeline replied with a practiced smile. “I’m glad I could help, Mrs. Belmont.”

“Please,” Autumn touched her arm warmly, “we’re practically family now. Just Autumn is fine.”

“Autumn it is, then,” Madeline’s smile widened.

Their eyes met in shared conspiracy, both women wearing identical grins.

Since that bitch is dead now, the compensation agreement is no longer necessary, Madeline thought.

After socializing with a few friends, Desmond took a brief leave and headed towards the balcony to get some fresh air.

He lit a cigarette and picked up his phone to make a call while taking puffs. “Is she still at her parents‘ place? She hasn’t stepped out of the house? Alright, got it.”

With a frown on his face, he ended the call, quickly finished his cigarette, and then made his way back to the hall.

“Desmond, darling, come look at these,” Madeline purred, pressing herself against his arm. She flipped through the auction brochure with manicured fingers.

J/15

“The pink diamonds from Mrs. Smith are absolutely divine–so unique. Oh, and Mrs. Nelson’s ring…” She kept prattling on, her voice dripping with honey as she pointed out piece after piece.

“They are both good.” Desmond, who wasn’t interested in these items, merely cast a cursory glance at the brochure.

His gaze wandered from the photo album, but something caught his eye, making him do a double–take. Those pink diamonds… where had he seen them before? The familiarity nagged at him.”

“Show me the brochure.”

“Okay.” Madeline readily handed him the brochure, thinking that Desmond was going to give her some advice.

Desmond turned to the page about the set of pink diamonds.

The longer he stared at it, the more deeper his frown became.

He couldn’t possibly be wrong. This was the complete set of pink diamonds that he had personally ordered from Isoria on their wedding anniversary last year. There was but one such set in existence globally.

How did it become Lynn Smith’s?

Desmond couldn’t help but think of the empty lockers in the dressing

room.

“We have the same taste. I am fond of this set of pink diamonds,

Chapter 21 Charity Party

too. Mrs. Smith is so old that it’s not suitable for her at all,” Madeline commented, completely unaware of his gloomy expression.

Desmond couldn’t take the brochure to question Lynn on such an occasion. He took a picture and sent it to Beatrice, only to find that she had blocked him.

He tried to call her, but his call was blocked as well.

The sense of unease kept growing and spreading. “I’ve got to go. There’s something I need to take care of.”

“What?” Madeline was taken aback. In an instant, she hurriedly grabbed his arm, exclaiming, “You can’t leave. Tonight is very important to us.”

“Why is it important?” Desmond frowned in confusion.

Just then, Autumn, the host of today’s charity party, stepped onto the stage to deliver a speech. “Before the charity auction commences, I have something to say,” she declared, exchanging glances with Madeline’s mother, Jane Fairfax, in the audience.

Then, with a tone brimming with particular excitement, she went on, “My son, Desmond Belmont, will be getting engaged to Madeline Fairfax. To celebrate this special occasion, I plan to bid on the

most exquisite piece of jewelry here tonight as my gift to my future daughter–in–law.”

Warm applause of congratulations resounded, filling the air with a sense of celebration.

Chapter 21 Charity Party

All eyes were focused on Desmond and Madeline, and the chorus of blessings grew louder and more enthusiastic.

The Fairfax family and the Belmont family were delighted.

Madeline was so thrilled that she almost burst into tears.

9/10

Only Desmond was perplexed, his head buzzing. When did his mother say he was going to get engaged to Madeline? This was ridiculous!

At the entrance, a woman stood, adorned in a dark red tulle dress that trailed gracefully behind her. Raven hair spilled over her shoulders in perfect waves, while her expertly applied makeup enhanced her natural beauty with an almost ethereal coolness.

She was tall and slender, with an exquisitely curved figure. Each elegant step made the hem of her tulle dress swirl, while dark red ribbons around her wrists fluttered like a crimson mist unfurling around her.

She was so breathtakingly beautiful that all the ladies in the room paled in comparison.

However, she exuded a murderous aura.

“Beatrice!”