The Substitute Bride: Doted by My Billionaire Husband by Sumpto Midway

Chapter 19: Fiancé

Monica, a veteran actress, knew she had to salvage the situation and her already tarnished reputation. Swallowing her pride, she took Olive's hand. "Olive, we're so sorry. It really was our fault"

She took the initiative, admitting her mistake. If Olive forgave her, the situation would likely cool down.

Olive saw through Monica's attempt at blackmail. "I'll just leave," she muttered, and honorably departed the party.

Monica froze, watching Olive exit. She was furious and deeply upset.

Exiting the party hall, Olive retrieved her phone, connected to Wi-Fi, and received messages on her chat app.

"Did you ruin the event?" North had sent.

"Yes, I did!" Olive replied.

North and Olive were best friends. When Olive had returned to LA, she'd asked North to monitor Monica's activities. Monica had used connections to purchase the Luminous dress.

Olive glanced at the time. Gabriella's birthday party was ending soon. Unaware of Monica's exact plans, she'd already asked North to replace Monica's order with an imitation. North, one of the hottest actresses in the entertainment industry, featured in both global and national productions. Popular brands eagerly endorsed her; she was Luminous's global model and launched their products annually. Changing Monica's order was easy.

As she prepared to reply, Olive heard footsteps and saw a handsome figure beside her: Derrick Domino. The Domino family was one of LA's four wealthiest. Years ago, the Dominos and the Harts were close friends; Olive had been betrothed to Derrick when her mother was alive.

Derrick wore a beautiful, subtly elegant British-style trench coat. He stopped and stared at her.

Olive put her phone in her bag and continued walking, brushing past him.

But Derrick grabbed her wrist. "Olive, are you pretending not to know me?"

Olive pulled her wrist free. "I have nothing to say to you."

Memories from a decade ago were vivid. Derrick had testified to seeing her push her grandfather. Derrick and Olive had known each other since infancy; they were childhood sweethearts. Olive's mother had been fond of Derrick.

In recent years, Derrick had become a business prodigy. The Domino Corporation monopolized the medical market, rapidly becoming one of LA's four giants.

Derrick glanced at Olive. "Olive, you don't want to talk to me? Who do you want to talk to? Your sick husband in Red Villa?"

"Derrick, do not interfere in my personal life," Olive warned, clutching her bag.

"Olive, I'm your fiancé."

"After you sent me to the orphanage with your testimony?"

Olive couldn't forget the betrayal. Derrick's testimony had drastically altered her life.

Derrick frowned, a sinister curve to his lips. "Olive, why did you marry that sick man in Red Villa? Can he satisfy you?"

Olive slapped him hard. Silence fell.

Clenching her fist, she pointed at him. "Derrick, please respect yourself. Let's keep the good memories we have."

Derrick's expression turned gloomy and cold. "Olive, remember you're no longer a virgin. I don't want second-hand goods."

Olive thought him ridiculous. If he considered her "ragged," what would she call him, with his revolving door of girlfriends?

"By the way, I already have a new fiancée. And you know her, too."

Olive had little interest in his fiancée, but his words sparked a guess.

Gabriella rushed into Derrick's arms. "Derrick, darling! You're here! I thought you wouldn't come"

Derrick wrapped his arms around her waist. "Silly! Why wouldn't I attend your party? I even got you a present."

He produced a small box, revealing a diamond necklace. He placed it on Gabriella's neck. "Do you like it?"

Gabriella's eyes lit up. "Like? I love it! Thank you!" She kissed him.

Patrick and Monica joined them. Patrick smiled flatteringly. "Derrick, Gabriella has been waiting all day for you."

Derrick held Gabriella's hand. "Uncle Patrick, I've already instructed my secretary to invest in Hart Medical. Let me know if you need anything else."

Hart Medical's financial problems were solved.

"Thank you, Derrick," Patrick and Monica chorused.

Monica's face beamed. She looked pointedly at Olive. "Olive, I forgot to introduce you to Derrick. This is Derrick Domino, heir to the Domino Corporation, and now the fiancé of your sister, Gabriella. I'm certain you'll give them your blessings."

It explained Patrick's lavish party for Gabriella.

Olive glared at Derrick, seeing only a lust for revenge.