CHAPTER 22 Damien's POV Genevieve's words hung in the air , her voice coated with just the right amount of confidence and conviction . My mother's lips pursed , deep in thought , while my father simply watched me , unreadable . I could already see the wheels turning in their heads . Then Genevieve delivered the next blow . " The only reason Damien hasn't finalized the divorce yet is because he's making sure Celeste doesn't walk away with more than she deserves , " she said smoothly , her tone almost matter - of - fact . " He's ensuring that every asset , every cent , remains right where it belongs - within the Vaughn family . " I was astonished , to say the least . And quite impressed . My mother's expression shifted , her disapproval easing into something more contemplative . " Is that true , Damien ? " she asked , tilting her head . " You're making sure the damage she caused is contained ? " I didn't answer immediately . Because the truth was - I hadn't even thought about it . I should have . That's what I had done in the past , securing assets , preventing leaks , eliminating vulnerabilities . But this wasn't about money , was it ? It was about something else entirely . Something I wasn't ready to admit . Still , Genevieve's well - placed words were working . My mother nodded , as if convincing herself . " That woman was a huge mistake from the start , " she murmured . It's about time you saw the truth . " She turned to my father , her tone sharper now . " I think , after the divorce , it would be the perfect opportunity for us to present him with someone more suitable . " Нет eyes shifted toward Genevieve and I knew exactly where this was going . For my mother , Genevieve had always been the perfect match the poised , polished woman from an elite , wealthy family . A woman of status and influence . Someone worthy of the Vaughn name . Celeste , on the other hand ? She had nothing . No prestigious bloodline . No legacy to claim . Just an upbringing in an orphanage that my mother considered a stain on her record . My mother's lips curved in something close to amusement as she turned back to me . " You know , Genevieve was always a shining example , " she mused , her voice sickeningly sweet . " Even in that orphanage , she carried herself with grace , with dignity - so different from the other children . " Her expression darkened . " So different from Celeste She wrinkled her nose with disgust ' That girl was wild . Undisciplined . A reckless little thing who never knew her place . " A jolt of pain lanced through me at her words . Celeste had been nothing like that that . But my mother would never see that . In her eyes , Celeste would never be good enough " And let's not forget , " she continued , " how Genevieve saved Viv Lancaster , the wife of Evermark Group's chairman during their camping trip ! It solidified her place among the elite . A woman of true character . " +15 BONUS That story had been told time and time again - a supposed ' miracle ' that had reshaped Genevieve's life . According to her , she had been on a charity camping trip when she stumbled upon an accident . A woman had fallen from a hiking path , injured and unconscious , Genevieve , always the kindhearted soul , had stayed with her , calling for help , tending to her wounds , never leaving her side . The woman ? The wife of Nathaniel Lancaster , chairman of Evermark Group . Genevieve's kindness had earned her a reward beyond anyone's imagination . After the incident , she began visiting the Lancaster family more and more until one day , she was officially introduced to the world as their long - lost daughter ! The media went wild . A missing heiress , lost for years , unknowingly rescuing her own mother ? It was the kind of fairytale headline tabloids Isalivated over .. My mother's voice droned on , filled with thinly veiled contempt . " Genevieve has always been graceful , patient … loyal . " She sighed , shaking her head as if burdened by disappointment . " Unlike your wife . " My jaw tensed , but I said nothing . I knew this script by heart . And even though I did agree with her at some point about Genevieve , what she was saying about Celeste was totally wrong Celeste , why have you chosen to leave me ? For some reason , I can't stop thinking about you . I only want to be with you right now . No one else . My mother sighed , her patience thinning . " Damien , are you even listening ? " Before I could respond , she waved a dismissive hand and stood , exasperation evident in every movement . " Fine . Do as you please . But don't forget your actions affect this family . I will not allow you to drag our name through the mud over some delusional woman . " She stormed out , heels clicking sharply against the floor . My father gave me a last warning look before following her . Genevieve turned to me then , tilting her head in a show of careful concern . " You shouldn't let this stress you out . " Her voice was gentle and sympathetic . " You're carrying so much weight on your shoulders already . " I said nothing . She hesitated , then leaned in , her voice softer now . " Damien , I know you . You're a logical man . You don't make decisions based on emotion , and yet … " She exhaled , watching me closely . " You're letting Celeste cloud your judgment . " I stiffened , my fingers twitching against my thigh . Genevieve took that as an invitation to continue . " Think about it , " she murmured . " What's truly best for you ? You're the Vaughn heir - this isn't just about what you want . The company , the shareholders , the public , this scandal has consequences . Ending the marriage now puts it all behind you . " She paused , letting the words settle before moving on to her next argument " And Celeste .. " She sighed , as if reluctant to say it . " You've always been the one holding her up . She may not see it now , but without you , she's nothing Maybe .. maybe losing her status as your wife is the only way she'll finally understand just how valuable you are . " Genevieve paused , watching me closely , gauging my reaction . +25 BONUS " I don't mean to interfere , " she then murmured , her tone concerned , " but … I can't help but notice that redness on your cheek . " Her gaze flickered to my face , as if only just acknowledging it . "It must still hurt , huh ? " I did not react . But in reality , the pain was within me . I couldn't get that image of Celeste slapping me out of my head . She sighed, shaking her head , like a disappointed teacher dealing with an unruly student . " Celeste is completely irrational Even after everything you've tolerated , everything you've done for her , she still did this to you ! " She leaned back slightly , crossing one leg over the other . " Doesn't that tell you something ? " I was silent , thinking hard about everything she'd said . But then , that fire in my heart still wouldn't die despite all the logic . " I don't want to leave her , " I said firmly 1 The air between us suddenly tensed . Genevieve's expression faltered , just for a second . But she recovered quickly , offering me another small , patient smile . Then. she let out a soft sigh . But Damien She reached out , lightly touching my wrist . " Celeste is the one insisting on the divorce . " Her lips parted slightly , her eyes wide with feigned sympathy . " What can you do ? " My heart clenched . She was right . Discover our latest featured short drama reel. Watch now and enjoy the story!