hapter 25 Evelyn stood on stage , bathed in the soft halo of the spotlight . The trophy in her hand felt heavy - real . The crowd below erupted into thunderous applause . Sitting in the front row , Ryan Hays was grinning ear to ear , clearly even more thrilled than she was . " This award , " Evelyn began , her voice steady , " is for everyone who believed in me . Especially the one person who never once gave up on me . " Her eyes landed on Ryan . The camera panned to him . He rubbed his nose sheepishly , but his eyes gleamed with pride . At the celebration dinner , Evelyn clinked her glass and turned to Claire . " So , " she asked with a half - smile , " do you think Ryan and I make sense together ? " Claire rolled her eyes dramatically . " You've been glued together for three months - and now you ask me ? " Evelyn's cheeks flushed . " I'm serious . " " No kidding , " Claire laughed and threw an arm around her . " My brother's had a thing for you since high school . Now that you're finally together , I'm freaking ecstatic . " Just then , Ryan walked over . Hearing the tail end of that , the tips of his ears turned pink . " Claire ... " Claire burst into laughter and gave Evelyn a little push into his arms . " Alright , alright , I'll leave you lovebirds alone . " Ryan took Evelyn's hand and smiled . " Nervous ? " " A little , " she admitted softly . " I mean ... I've been married before . " " Doesn't matter , " he said , pressing a kiss to her forehead . " This wedding is just for us . No one else matters . " The wedding day dawned bright and golden . Evelyn stood beneath the floral arch , radiant in the gown she'd crafted with her own hands . Ryan , dressed in a perfectly tailored suit , looked at her with trembling hands and joy that barely fit in his chest . " You look beautiful , " Mrs. Hays whispered , tears welling in her eyes as she squeezed Evelyn's hand . " Ryan is so lucky to have you . " Mr. Hays nodded beside her . " You're part of the family now . ' " Evelyn's throat tightened . She hadn't felt this cherished in a very , very long time . Chapter 25 Live Moments , Chamet 96.15 % The music began . She took Mr. Hays's arm and walked slowly , step by step , toward Ryan . Far in the back row of the church , Brandon sat in silence , watching it all unfold . He watched Evelyn's happiness radiate across the room , and something twisted savagely in his chest . He finally understood the pain Evelyn must have felt . Back then , when he'd stood beside Vanessa on that wedding day , had Evelyn been just like him now - hidden in some dark corner , fighting back tears ? Onstage , the couple exchanged rings . Ryan gently slid the band onto her finger , then leaned in for a kiss . The church burst into applause . Brandon's phone buzzed . " Mr. Caldwell , " came the nurse's urgent voice on the other end , " your mother ... she's asking for you . " Brandon tightened his grip on the phone . He looked one last time at Evelyn - laughing , radiant , married . " Evelyn , " he whispered in his heart , Goodbye . He pushed open the hospital room door just as a glass flew past his head and smashed into the wall behind him , shards scattering . " Get out ! " his mother screamed from the bed , her voice hoarse . " I said I don't want you - I want Evelyn ! " In the corner , a nurse named Auntie White stood with a fresh scratch on her arm , eyes wide in relief . " Mr. Caldwell , she's already driven away three caregivers today . Keeps saying no one's as gentle as Miss Evelyn . " Brandon walked slowly to the bedside , his voice low . " Evelyn's not coming back . " His mother stared at him with cloudy eyes . " It's your fault . If you hadn't divorced- " Brandon knelt to gather the pills scattered on the floor , and suddenly laughed - hollow and bitter . " You're right . It's all my fault . " The next day , Brandon stood at the gate of the psychiatric facility , a document in hand . " Would you like to see her ? " the doctor asked , voice low . He shook his head and handed over the papers . " No need . " From inside , Vanessa's voice shrieked through the halls . " Brandon Caldwell ! You'll die alone , Brandon Caldwell ! Do you hear me ?! " Chapter 25 96-15 % Live Mornents . Chamet He didn't flinch . He didn't look back . Curses like that had long since lost their sting . Rain fell lightly on the day of the funeral . Brandon stood alone before the grave , waiting until everyone else had left . Only then did he kneel in the wet earth . Moments before she passed , his mother had clutched his hand and whispered , " My biggest regret in life ... was ruining what you had with Evelyn . " He had replied with only three words : " Too late now . " After the funeral , Brandon returned to the place they once called home . The moment he pushed open the door , for a brief second , he thought he heard her voice : " You're home ? Dinner's almost ready . " But there was nothing . But of course - there was nothing . Just silence . He sank into the couch where they used to cuddle , closed his eyes , and let the tears fall - slow and steady . Chapter 25 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.