Divorced Heiress
Chapter 51

The stylists left me alone backstage when they finished their work. I took the time to put on the tight-fitting dress for tonight.

I looked once again at the envelope that Alexander left me before leaving me with that woman. I hadn't dared to look at the photos, but I couldn't stop thinking about how cruel and perverse Rachel was. I put aside the hesitations and checked the content. A discomfort settled in my stomach as I saw the photos one by one. I appeared in all of them, at home, in the car, at Alexander's company, in the Lancaster villa, at the mall, in public and private places. It wasn't some sort of montage, because I remembered every moment of every image. Rachel always had me under surveillance with a hitman, she had me in her sights, with a simple order she could have ended my life. Was she capable of going so far for a man?

But, most importantly, where did she get the money to hire a hitman for such a long time? Despite her wealthy family, she wasn't the kind of person who would throw money away.

After seeing all the images that left me petrified and breathless, I knew what to do for the sake of everyone. Rachel was a danger, and something inside me told me that there was someone sponsoring her twisted plans. I hope I was not wrong. My father's voice echoed throughout the place, the fashion show had come to an end, making way for Leonardo Doinel's appearance on stage. My father greeted everyone present and congratulated the brands of all the collections for such good work. -After four years, Doinel has returned as a special guest to such an important event in the fashion world and we're making a strong comeback. As you know, we were looking for a standout brand for the collaboration with Doinel. We already have the chosen ones, but before that, I want to make an official introduction. Please give a round of applause to the person who will be leading such an important project titled 'First Love, my right-Hand, my vice president.- My father introduced me as he had planned, because he wanted me to debut for the first time wearing one of Doinel's most exclusive garments, what better time than fashion week, and he preferred me to remain calm, without too much pressure from the audience.

I walked out backstage, with my head held high and all eyes on me. I took a deep breath and forced a nearly non-existent smile as I strutted on my heels, just as I had been taught.

The applause didn't take long to come, and they ceased when my father began to describe the wine-colored chiffon piece with hand-Sewn and meticulously distributed diamonds. Among the audience were the Lancasters and Rachel, who looked at me with indifference.

Soon, there were murmurs from people calling me Doinel's lover. My smile widened, and I stopped next to my father, who managed to hear some attacks against me.

-I want to take this opportunity to debunk some rumors that have been circulating on social media, accusing me of being one of 'the many lovers' of Sarah and that's why I have appointed her as Vice President of Doinel.- He paused and took my hand, wearing a wide smile that filled me with confidence and self-assurance. -That position has been waiting for her since the moment she was born. She has proven to have the intelligence, the audacity, and is capable and worthy of this position. You know her as Sarah Petit, but on this occasion, I will introduce her by her true last name. Sarah Doinel, my only daughter and heir to all my fortune.-

The silence that followed my father's words was so profound that the collective gasp of surprise and disbelief from the majority of those present could be heard. My eyes traveled to the three women sitting together on my left, and I had to hold back a laugh when I saw their miserable expressions.

Gina's face turned all shades of red as she looked at me with her mouth wide open. One of her hands held onto Amelia's waist, and with the other hand, she fanned the pale face of the woman who seemed about to faint. Rachel, on the other hand, looked at me incredulously and fearfully, her panicked eyes scanning everywhere, as if looking for someone to escape to.

Oh no, I wasn't going to let them leave at the best part.

A couple of applause opened the way for the rest, including Alexander and Alexis, who applauded enthusiastically, both smiling and not as surprised as the others, as they were the only ones who knew my true identity, otherwise, they would be as shocked as the eldest viper. - Thank you very much to all those present, it is an honor for me to be in charge of such an important company, with which I have always dreamed of being a part of, following in the footsteps of my father, the great Leonardo Doinel. And now that I am a part of it and of a great project, I am pleased to bring you good news. We have not only chosen one brand for collaboration with Doinel, but two. Please applause for Julian from Innova and Alexander from Lancaster Collection. They have done a good job of convincing us that their brands will live up to expectations.- The applause resonated again and my gaze returned to the Lancasters, who seemed to want to disappear with a single snap, they didn't know what to do. - Now, going back to the topic. As most of you know, false news about alleged affairs with my own father Leonardo Doinel and with my cousin Vincent Lefevbre have been spread. - My gaze did not veer away from the three women, as if accusing them without uttering a single word. Amelia's body tensed up even more, Gina whispered something to her mother and tried to get up from her seat, Rachel was a bundle of nerves and looked at me with panic in her eyes before walking quickly towards the exit, but she was stopped by three security guards. The rats try to escape. - I have taken legal measures against those responsible for such defamation against me, but before that, I will show you the evidence that verifies who is behind these fake news. - I said with a sarcastic smile, and the screen behind me lit up.

The images started to pass one by one, while the audio of the paparazzi played, who ended up confessing everything thanks to Joseph's work, confirming that he was hired by the three women to take compromising photos and deliberately take them out of context, regardless of who was involved, they just wanted to ruin my reputation and destroy me by showing me with a messy love life after my divorce from Alexander.

- Soon, the payment receipts with the names of the three women appeared, along with the letter of instructions that the poor man had to follow. When the man's audio ended, the audio that I cunningly recorded when Rachel visited me backstage started playing. A smile appeared on my face when the best part arrived.

- Who were you going to kill if I didn't comply?-

- I... I... No, you're lying Alexander. I could never...-

- Sarah, I leave you the evidence of what we talked about. You can see countless pictures of yourself everywhere you went, Rachel was keeping an eye on you, she hired a hitman to shoot when she gave the order. It took me a while, but I finally did it. Enjoy the fashion show. -

Everyone's astonishment was immense and they immediately started looking at the responsible parties for these actions, especially the woman who was once labeled as Alexander's lover, and now was not far from being a criminal. Gina tried in every way to deny it, shouting that she would never do such a thing, that she came from an important and powerful family just like her mother and had no need to stoop so low. In fact, she sought help from Alexander or Alexis, but none of them moved from their places. The evidence spoke for itself and her mother was already unconscious in a chair, how could she come out clean from this? Her own family no longer believed in them. Rachel wanted to escape the grip of the guards, but it was impossible, especially now that the police officers arrived and handcuffed her wrists behind her back. - It's all false, it's a misunderstanding! I didn't hire anyone! I'm not capable of killing even a fly! Let me go! - Rachel yelled from her place, filled with rage, and I ignored her.

- I have sued them for defamation against me and they better hope that Leonardo Doinel and Vincent Lefevbre do not press charges for defamation. And Rachel is also charged with attempted murder, I hope she finds a good lawyer. You may take them away. - The officers took Rachel and, as best they could, they also took Amelia and a Gina who was crying inconsolably. - It's all false, how can you believe that woman? Don't you know who I am? I'm Gina Lancaster! Don't take pictures of me, you imbecile! What will people from my social circle say? Sarah, you'll pay for this!-

Those women disappeared from my sight and I couldn't feel more satisfied. Sarah Doinel has arrived.