Chapter 3

Tonight was the Armstrong family gathering, a high-profile event attended by everyone who was anyone in elite circles.

I wore a crisp, sleek black blazer dress and walked into the banquet hall with clean efficiency.

The moment I stepped inside, I became the focal point of the room.

Keegan wore a tailored bespoke suit, and wrapped around his arm was Reyna, dressed in a white gown and styled like a delicate white flower.

When Reyna saw me approach, she immediately shrank into Keegan’s chest like a startled fawn.

"Karla, please don't misunderstand. Marissa said Keegan needed someone to accompany him for social obligations tonight, so I... I didn't mean to take your place."

The surrounding socialites and executives immediately began sizing the three of us up, whispers breaking out in waves.

Keegan pulled Reyna tighter by the waist, raising his chin slightly as he looked at me provocatively.

"Karla, tonight is an important occasion. Since you insisted yesterday that you were quitting, Reyna will be my date tonight."

In the past, seeing him bring another woman to a family banquet would have had me crying secretly in the lounge or rushing forward to tear into Reyna.

Now, I found it entirely laughable.

I picked up a glass of red wine from a waiter’s tray.

"Mr. Armstrong overthinks it," I raised my voice, ensuring everyone around us could hear clearly. "Ms. Goodwin being able to step into my role is something I couldn't be happier about."

Reyna froze, and Keegan’s brow instantly furrowed. "Karla, what game are you playing now?"

I ignored him, turned gracefully, and raised my wine glass toward all the gathered guests.

"Dear friends, taking advantage of tonight’s gathering, I would like to make an announcement."

"The marriage and cooperation agreement between Mr. Armstrong and me has just over twenty days remaining before expiration."

"Effective today, I am officially handing over the image position of 'Mrs. Armstrong' along with its daily operational affairs to Ms. Goodwin."

"This includes the Armstrong family foundation's public relations, the annual charity gala preparations, and Mr. Armstrong’s personal lifestyle care."

The moment these words were spoken, the entire banquet hall exploded into chatter.

"What? Mrs. Armstrong is getting a divorce?"

"My goodness, she’s publicly handing over the title of the pampered lady of the house to his true love?"

"This Mr. Armstrong is so ungrateful. Karla handled so many messes for him over the years..."

Reyna’s face turned pale and red in turns. She had dreamed of sitting in the position of Mrs. Armstrong, but certainly not through this humiliating manner of being "packaged and gifted by her predecessor."

Furious, Keegan took a large stride forward and yanked my wrist, causing the red wine in my glass to slosh violently.

"Karla, what crazy spell are you under!" Keegan growled softly, an uncontrollable rage flickering in his eyes. "What kind of nonsensical lies are you telling in front of all these people?"

"Am I telling lies?" I looked at him coldly and forcefully pulled my hand back.

"Ms. Goodwin is wearing haute couture while holding your arm, and Marissa publicly praised her as her future daughter-in-law. Mr. Armstrong, isn't this what you've dreamed of all along?"

In full view of all the cameras and guests, I took Reyna’s hand and placed it directly into Keegan’s palm.

"Let everyone here tonight be our witness that Mr. Armstrong and Ms. Goodwin are a match made in heaven. Once the timer runs out, I will never bother Mr. Armstrong again."

Watching the flash of panic and shock cross Keegan’s eyes, I turned gracefully and left the banquet hall without looking back once.