Chapter 3 Seven Years Later

AMELIA'S POV

I stood in front of the large window in my office as I stared out at the breathtaking view of Los Angeles. The pretty cloudy sky stretched out before me and I smiled when I realized how far I had come.

Seven years.

It's been seven years since Bryan Montgomery tossed me aside like I was nothing. Seven years since I walked out of that penthouse with my heart shattered in pieces. Seven years since I got kidnapped and almost got killed.

Seven years since I vowed never to let a man have that kind of power over me again.

And now?

Now, I am one of the most powerful women in the business world.

I chuckled softly when I remembered what had happened that day. The Montgomery family must have seen me as a pest who needed to be gotten rid of so they sent men to get rid of me. However, someone had saved me instead.

He offered to help me rebuild my life if I could act as his pretend girlfriend for three years. Things had gone as planned and he took me with him abroad.

Using the opportunity, I started a small, simple consulting firm, but my business strategies and sharp skills had turned it into a multi-million-dollar empire.

My company, which was one of the biggest companies in the United States, Carter Enterprises, had risen from nothing. It was built with my willpower, intelligence, sleepless nights, and dedication to be better than I was seven years ago.

And I had done it all without Bryan Montgomery. It gave me the best thrill of my life. I didn't expect to see him again but I hoped that he could see me now. To see that I was no longer the weak Amelia he tossed away.

My phone suddenly buzzed and it pulled me out of my thoughts. I turned away from the window as I grabbed it to see that it was a text from Sophia.

The text message read: "Limo's downstairs. The gala starts in an hour. And don't even THINK about ditching it or running away. I would kick your ass."

I rolled my eyes in feigned annoyance as a small smile formed on my lips. I had met Sophie when I moved abroad and she had been my rock through all the madness I went through. She was my best friend, business partner, and my occasional therapist.

"I'll be down in ten minutes," I replied quickly before sending a winky emoji with the text as I turned to check my reflection in the mirror.

The black evening gown hugged my curves perfectly and the high slit exposed just enough skin to call for attention to me.

I brushed my long dark hair with my hands as they moved with the wind in waves, and the diamond earrings on my ears which were my own designs, sparkled under the light.

I took a look at the woman staring in front of me and the only thing that exuded from me was:

Power. Success. Independence.

I had successfully rebuilt myself into a woman that no one could try to destroy. And tonight, I would walk into that gala and remind the world who exactly I was.

********

The moment I stepped into the grand ballroom, I could see heads turning in my presence. The venue was packed with the rich, classy, and wealthy. There were business gurus, celebrities, and politicians.

It felt so good to be stared at in admiration, not in contempt. I felt like a force that no one could take down.

"You look like a billion dollars," Sophie said with a smirk as she walked in with me and I grinned at her, the compliment making my head spin.

"Good. Because that's what I'm worth." I replied with a wink and she laughed in response as she punched my shoulder gently.

"That's the spirit, baby girl." She chuckled in response as we made our way through the crowd and exchanged pleasantries with rich investors.

The best thing about today was that I had just secured and signed a major deal with a European technology firm, and tonight was all about celebrating my success.

I smiled sweetly at everyone who approached me, but I was getting bored of the constant work talks, so I excused myself and headed for the bar.

"A glass of champagne, please," I said to the bartender and he nodded before placing a glass on the table. However, the moment I reached for the glass, I froze.

I could feel someone watching me. I could feel his eyes boring holes into my back and it felt familiar. It was too damn familiar.

I took a sip of my champagne as I turned slowly and just as I thought, it was him. He stood there with his eyes fixed on me like a predator after his prey.

Bryan Montgomery.

He stood tall as always, looking all-powerful and devastatingly handsome in his tailored black suit. My breath hitched for a second but I forced that feeling back into the box.

I raised a brow at him with an unreadable expression and his piercing blue eyes locked onto mine like he couldn't tear his eyes off me.

I could have sworn that I saw something like regret flicker through his eyes as he stared at me but it was too late for any of that. I don't care what he feels, I don't even care about him.

"Hey, baby girl." I heard someone call me from behind and I turned to look at the man standing behind me with a smile on his face.

Ethan Blake.

He was the one who saved me that night. He gave me a chance to prove myself. He was the man who had been there when Bryan had destroyed me. The man who had stood by my side even when she was pregnant and alone.

His hand slipped through my waist, and a small smirk danced on my lips, and I could see Bryan's jaw clenching in anger. He suddenly started to walk towards us and I froze in place.

Ethan noticed my nervousness so before Bryan could make it to my side, he suddenly pulled me closer and kissed me softly.