Antonio: Vengeance in Disguise

Chapter 8

Within seconds, Cynthia strutted out holding a stunning outfit draped over her arm.

“I had this tailored just for you,” she said, beaming like she’d just won an award.

Antonio eyed the outfit. The tux was sharp. Jet-black with subtle gold embroidery, paired with a crisp white shirt and polished black dress shoes.

“Tonight, you’re coming with me to the Bellagio Group’s charity gala,”

Antonio raised an eyebrow, smiling.

“You know these events aren’t really my scene.”

And he wasn’t wrong. This wasn’t just any party. It was THE party.

The Bellagio Group’s events were where the city’s elite gathered. Getting an invite was like being handed a golden ticket.

Antonio didn’t care for the spotlight. Especially not the blinding kind that came with a red carpet and paparazzi.

“Come on,” Cynthia pleaded, eyes wide. “Just be my plus one, pretty please?”

Antonio sighed. Cynthia was like a little sister to him. He could never say no when she turned on the charm.

Against his better judgment, he gave her a nod and reached for the tux.

When he stepped in front of the mirror, even he had to admit - damn, he looked good.

The tailored tux hugged his broad shoulders perfectly, accentuating his sharp features and his undeniable aura of authority.

His dark hair was neatly styled, and the golden embroidery shimmered under the light, making him look like a man born for power.

Cynthia practically lit up beside him.

“You look gorgeous,” she said, eyes wide with pride.

Antonio ran a hand through his freshly styled hair with a half-smile.

“A jacket and jeans suit me better.”

They left the company and stepped into a luxury car which headed to Celestine Hall, one of the most extravagant event venues in Gelrith City. The hall was renowned for hosting the grandest social events, and tonight was no exception.

The event was meticulously organized by Bellagio Group’s Elite Events Department, the company’s specialized division that handled luxury functions.

The hall was adorned with glittering chandeliers, red carpets, and golden floral arrangements that screamed wealth and prestige.

As their car pulled up, the flashing lights of paparazzi cameras filled the air. Reporters eagerly surrounded the entrance, capturing the arrivals of the city’s elite.

Just as Antonio was about to step out, his eyes caught sight of another luxury car arriving in front of them.

The doors opened, and a stunning woman stepped out.

The crowd gasped.

The woman was Elaine, Antonio's ex-wife.

She was breathtakingly beautiful, dressed in an off-shoulder crimson gown that hugged her figure perfectly. Her long, flowing hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her red lips curved into a practiced, elegant smile.

The cameras flashed wildly, capturing every angle of her dazzling appearance.

Most of the guests were already aware of Elaine's divorce, as she had publicly announced it on her social media shortly after signing the divorce papers.

“Did you see the post? It’s all over Insta—#ElaineUnchained. Divorce confirmed just hours ago!”

"Oh, really? I can see she is now finally free and glowing!"

Shortly after, another figure stepped out beside Elaine—tall, confident, with a smug smile playing on his lips.

It was Harry Gibson.

The moment people recognized him, the atmosphere shifted instantly. The murmurs turned into a roar of excitement.

“Harry Gibson! That’s him!”

“The man who’s about to seal the deal with Bellagio Group!”

Laughter rippled through the crowd. The rumours were already everywhere that Harry was just about to seal a deal with Bellagio Group.

"Look who’s by his side… Elaine Greene. I mean, look at them! Power couple goals!”

“Elaine really upgraded, huh? From that loser to this?”

And just as the cheering reached its peak, another car pulled up behind them.

The door opened, and Antonio stepped out.

There was a brief silence before it was quickly drowned out by murmurs—this time, not of admiration.

“Wait a second… is that…?”

“Oh my god. That’s her ex-husband.”

“No way. He had the nerve to show his face here?”

“Unbelievable. What’s he even doing here? Looking for scraps?”

“Maybe he’s working tonight—probably valet or something.”

“No, no. He’s dressed too well for that. Maybe they hired him to pour champagne.”

“Ha! Whatever it is, it’s definitely beneath everyone else here.”

The mocking grew louder, more pointed with laughter echoing.

“I’ll bet he came to see what real success looks like. Must hurt watching someone else shine in his place.”

“He’s probably hoping someone will pity-invite him inside. Poor guy.”

Antonio heard most of the gossip but he didn’t flinch. He calmly adjusted his cufflinks and took in the scene with cool detachment, his expression unreadable.

Then, his gaze locked onto a pair of familiar faces. It was Elaine and Harry.

Their smiles faded in an instant.

The confident glimmer in their eyes flickered into confusion… then disbelief.

Elaine blinked as if her mind was playing tricks on her. She leaned closer to Harry, whispering in his ear, “What the hell is that loser doing here?”

But even as she said it, something deeper twisted in her chest.

She saw the confidence in Antonio’s eyes, the dignified poise in his step. And then—Cynthia.

When Antonio turned to the car behind him and extended his hand, a tall, elegant woman stepped out, and the world seemed to pause for Elaine.

Cynthia stepped out with grace, placing her hand in his. Her heels clicked softly against the pavement as she emerged, her elegant presence turning heads.

Gasps echoed through the gathering.

“Who’s that with him?”

“She’s gorgeous…”

“Wait—isn’t that Cynthia Morris, the CEO of Bellagio Group?”

Murmurs into her ears, Elaine’s heart pounded.

What the hell?

Antonio, that loser…is with…Cynthia Morris?

The incredible female CEO of Bellagio Group?