The lavish corporate party hosted by Lukas, held to launch a new jewelry line, became one of the most talked-about events on this year's social calendar.
That night, elite guests from various industries and social circles gathered at the luxurious venue chosen for the event. Lukas, CEO of the renowned jewelry company, had planned the occasion down to the finest details.
With the theme "The Sparkle of Luxury," the event's decor radiated exclusivity and class. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceiling, fresh flowers were arranged artistically, and diamond-themed ornaments were scattered throughout the room, creating a dazzling atmosphere.
A large stage with golden silk curtains served as the centerpiece, where the new jewelry line would be unveiled.
Elegant guests arrived in stunning evening gowns and glittering jewels. They were welcomed with champagne served gracefully by neatly dressed waiters. A classical orchestra played beautiful music, providing the perfect backdrop for the guests' conversations.
"Congratulations, Mrs. Thalia, on the new jewelry launch."
"Thank you!" Thalia smiled warmly while watching her son give his opening speech onstage, accompanied by her husband.
"Where's the daughter-in-law? She didn't come?"
"Yes, where's Sandra?" they asked mockingly.
"She'll be here. She's just running a bit late," Thalia replied curtly.
"We thought she might be too embarrassed after last time!"
Thalia gave them a thin smile in response to their condescending remarks about her daughter-in-law.
Honestly, Thalia had never been ashamed of Sandra despite the past mishaps. The girl was just inexperienced and still learning how to dress up. Once she adjusted to life in the capital, Thalia believed Sandra would become a truly beautiful woman.
She had actually wanted to help Sandra with her outfit and makeup, but Sandra always declined. Thalia didn't want to be a nagging mother-in-law. She wanted Sandra to feel comfortable being herself.
"Lukas's ex was so elegant and stunning. She's from a family equal to ours. Look, there she is!" One of the women pointed at Kayla, who was clapping for Lukas up front.
Kayla did look like a model. Thalia had nothing against her personally. But her son's fate was tied to Sandra's, and that could not be changed.
Thinking about Sandra's continued absence, Thalia began to panic. Where was she? Was she ashamed because of what happened last time? Thalia suddenly regretted not picking her up earlier.
At the front, Lukas stood in his elegant suit, welcoming guests with a short speech about his company's dedication to beauty and innovation in jewelry.
Then, the golden silk curtain on the stage slowly opened, revealing a stunning collection of new jewelry. Velvet gemstones, high-quality diamonds, and breathtaking designs caught everyone's eyes.
Just then, Sandra entered the ballroom in a stunning and sexy gown. The sound of her heels clicking against the floor drew attention from several guests.
Sandra, who usually wore odd clothes and heavy makeup, now looked incredibly elegant. She was no longer the clown of the event, the target of ridicule.
"Sweetheart!" Thalia rushed to her, eyes glistening with tears. She was relieved that this time, Sandra wasn't the subject of nasty gossip. Finally, her daughter-in-law had dressed up!
"Mom!" Sandra hugged her mother-in-law.
"Oh my God! You look stunning!" Thalia was mesmerized. She felt like she was looking at a completely different person. With the right makeup and styling, Sandra was more beautiful than the models and brand ambassadors her company had ever hired.
"Don't say that, Mom! You're embarrassing me!" Sandra pretended to be modest, though inside she was overjoyed to have captivated everyone.
"Look, my daughter-in-law is here! You were asking about her earlier, weren't you?" Thalia silenced those annoying guests with a proud smile.
"Go on, accompany Lukas up there! Hurry, stand beside your husband!"
From the stage, Emilio—her father-in-law—called out to Sandra using the microphone after getting a signal from his wife. The middle-aged man also seemed to be giving her moral support, remembering how disastrous her appearance had been the last time.
Sandra walked gracefully past the crowd. She became the center of attention. As she made her way forward, she intentionally passed by Kayla, who had been glaring at her from the beginning.
Sandra gave a sly smile and accidentally kicked Kayla, causing the woman's phone to fly from her hand. Just as planned!
"Oh no, I'm so sorry! I'm not used to wearing heels yet!"
"Please forgive Sandra, okay?" Thalia intervened when Kayla looked like she was about to retaliate. She hugged her daughter-in-law and held her hand.
Sandra continued walking with Thalia by her side, leaving Kayla behind with a victorious smile. As she passed Kayla's phone, she deliberately stepped on it with the tip of her stiletto heel. The phone cracked and broke.
Kayla picked it up with a clenched fist. Sandra dared to fight back? To challenge her? It looked like Sandra needed to be taught a lesson.
"You want to challenge me? Just wait and see!"
Now standing next to Lukas, Sandra greeted the guests with confidence. She delivered a fun and lively welcome speech that energized the entire room. If before she had gone unnoticed, now she was met with thunderous applause.
Lukas felt chills watching another strange transformation in Sandra. Since when was she this bold, speaking in front of a crowd?
Since when was she this captivating? Lukas had to admit—Sandra's appearance tonight was stunning. She deserved to be called the star of the evening.
"Thank you for listening to our welcome remarks. Now, let us continue…" Lukas's father resumed the event. Meanwhile, Lukas and Sandra walked down the stage together, appearing close and affectionate.
"Don't zone out! Are you into me now? Mesmerized? Admit it!" Sandra whispered next to her husband's ear.
"Delusional!"
"You didn't even blink!"
"Your confidence is through the roof."
"I am beautiful. That's a fact."
"Lukas!" Kayla's voice called out. She approached, but Lukas instinctively wrapped an arm around Sandra's waist. Not without reason—he was being watched by his mother. If he slipped up, everything would fall apart.
"Go home, Kayla. This isn't the time," he snapped while glancing around.
"She stepped on my phone!" Kayla pointed at Sandra angrily.
"It was an accident," Sandra said coyly, then snuggled up to her husband's arm and gave him a kiss on the cheek—no hesitation. Tonight, she was the winner of the game.
"What are you doing?" Lukas wiped his cheek, annoyed.
"I'll call Mom. I'll tell on you!" Sandra teased playfully.
"She's getting out of control, Lukas! You need to take action!"
"Then divorce me right now if you dare, darling," Sandra replied smugly.
"Watch your filthy mouth!"
"You're the one who needs to watch that dirty tongue! You cheap tramp! Aren't there other men out there? Why chase a married man like this?"
Slap! Kayla hit her hard across the face, leaving Sandra's cheek red and drawing everyone's attention. Sandra's sharp tongue had pushed Kayla over the edge.
"Are you insane?" Lukas yelled, brushing Sandra's cheek with concern. Again, he had a reason—his mother was watching. What would people think if he didn't defend his wife?
Realizing what she'd done, Kayla could only lower her head and run out of the event in shame. Everyone would now see her as the ex who couldn't move on. Sandra had successfully humiliated and degraded her.
"Sandra…" Thalia was about to scold her, but Sandra beat her to it with a dramatic display of sadness. She shed fake tears immediately.
"I'm okay, Mom! Just a small bruise."
"Lukas, I told you not to invite your ex! Look, she caused a scene! Sandra's face is red!" Thalia hugged her daughter-in-law.
"She wasn't satisfied with bringing Kayla to our house. Now she has to bring her to a major event too," Sandra sobbed softly. Her words made her mother-in-law's blood boil. "I'm just a lowly maid's daughter. I don't deserve to stand beside him."
"What? Is that true, Lukas?!"
"What are you talking about, Sandra?" Lukas growled, stunned and annoyed.
"Mom, can I leave early? I need to rest." Sandra quickly ran off, trying to hold in her laughter. She was sure Lukas would be in big trouble tonight. His parents would tear him apart!
Serves him right!