Brandon sat slumped in a shadowy corner of the bar , three empty whiskey bottles standing like silent witnesses before him . " One more , " he rasped , tapping the counter with a trembling hand . The bartender hesitated . " Sir , you've had ... " " One more ! " Brandon barked , his voice harsh and broken , drawing glances from nearby patrons . With a sigh , the bartender poured him half a glass . " Last one . ' Brandon didn't respond . He downed it in one gulp , the liquor searing down his throat like fire . His stomach churned violently , but he just sat there , hollow - eyed and numb . " ... Evelyn . " Her name left his lips like a dying man's prayer . Suddenly , a sharp pain twisted through his gut . He doubled over , cold sweat soaking through his shirt . " Sir ? Sir ! " The bartender's voice was panicked . " Are you okay ? " Brandon waved him off and tried to stand , but his legs buckled beneath him . He collapsed to the floor and vomited - red . Blood and alcohol splattered across the tiles . People screamed . " Call an ambulance ! Hurry ! " As someone helped him up , his blurry vision caught a familiar silhouette by the door - Evelyn , frowning , arms crossed . " Evelyn ... " He reached for her , but his hand closed on empty air . Just another illusion . He laughed at himself bitterly and let the EMTs lift him onto the gurney . Three days later , Brandon was discharged from the hospital . The doctor warned him - one more drink could kill him . But he said nothing , pulled on his coat , and headed straight to the most luxurious bridal boutique in the city center . " Show me your finest gowns , " he said , tossing a black card onto the counter . " Have the models try them all . " The manager , startled , scrambled to accommodate him . Chapter 23 " King or Clown Move asidet i show you my own ! Brandon sat in the VIP lounge , expression unreadable , as model after model walked out draped in exquisite silk , lace , and beads . His frown only deepened . " Next . " " No , not that one . " " Wrong silhouette . " " This isn't her style ! " At last , he shot to his feet and flipped the table in front of him . " None of them are her ! " he shouted . " Not one damn dress like hers ! " The room froze . The manager stepped forward , wary . " Sir ... may I ask ... who exactly are you referring to ? " " Evelyn Parker ! " Brandon's voice cracked , eyes bloodshot . " The gowns she designs have a soul . These- these are trash ! " He stormed toward the door , but the moment he pushed it open , he stopped dead . Across the street , Evelyn was walking side by side with Ryan Hays , coffee cups in hand , laughing at something Ryan'd said . Brandon felt like the world stopped turning . " Evelyn ! " He ran across the street , heedless of the traffic . Evelyn heard his voice and turned , her smile vanishing instantly . " Brandon ? " He came to a breathless stop in front of her . " I - I saw your design . It's ... it's beautiful . " She didn't look at him . " Thanks . Now get out of the way . " Brandon stepped in front of her . " That wedding , it wasn't what I wanted ! It was all Vanessa and my mother -I never wanted to marry her ! " " That's not my problem , " Evelyn said flatly , tugging Ryan forward . Brandon caught her wrist . " Just look at me look what I've become . " His voice trembled . He was unshaven , disheveled , a ghost of the man he used to be . Chapter 23 88.46 % " King or Clown : Move aside ! I'll show you my crown ! Evelyn yanked her hand free , disgust in her eyes , voice like steel . " You became this because you chose to . " The words hit Brandon like a knife to the chest . He stood frozen as she walked away with Ryan . The crosswalk light turned red . Evelyn and Ryan stepped off the curb . Brandon watched her retreating figure and let out a broken laugh . " Yeah ... I deserve this . " Then - Screech . A sports car barreled through the intersection - straight at Evelyn . " EVELYN!! " Brandon didn't think . He lunged forward , shoving her out of the way . CRASH ! Tires screeched . His body flew through the air and landed hard on the pavement . Evelyn tumbled to the sidewalk , stunned , watching in horror as Brandon lay crumpled in a pool of blood . He lifted his head with effort , lips twitching into a faint smile . " You're okay ... That's all that matters . " Then darkness closed in . Evelyn sat outside the OR , her hands still stained with Brandon's blood . They wouldn't stop shaking . Ryan handed her a cup of hot water . " The doctors are doing everything they can . ' She didn't take it . She just stared at the doors to the OR , her voice raw . " Why ... why did he do that ? " Ryan didn't answer . He gently rested a hand on her shoulder . Evelyn closed her eyes . Tears slipped silently down her cheeks . She hated him - for the lies , the betrayals , the cowardice . Chapter 23 89.46 % " King or Clown : Move aside ! I'll show you my crown ! But when he threw himself in front of that car , then broken and bleeding , something inside her clenched hard and refused to let go . The surgery light finally clicked off . A doctor emerged . " He's stable ... for now . We'll need close observation . " Evelyn nodded , her eyes drifting toward the recovery room ... where Brandon lay , unconscious and pale against the sheets . So still . Title: Secrets Unveiled: A Billionaire's Glow-Up Journey from Housewife to CEO Embark on a riveting tale where a woman conceals her billionaire status to play the role of a devoted housewife, quietly supporting her husband for six years. However, her life takes a dramatic turn when his ambiguous relationship with another woman pushes her to make a life-altering decision. Delve into the themes of empowerment, modern relationships, and the pursuit of self-discovery as our protagonist navigates the complexities of love, betrayal, and revenge. Witness her transformation from a subdued wife to a fierce CEO on a mission to reclaim her independence and rewrite her own destiny. This captivating blend of drama, inspiration, and empowerment sets this novel apart, offering readers a unique perspective on resilience and reinvention. Discover the gripping narrative that promises a journey of growth and empowerment. Available to read online at CrushReel for those seeking a story that transcends boundaries and captivates the soul.