The Ultimate Doctor V’s Revenge

9. Valencrest

Vincent almost didn’t attend the ball.

But here he was, dressed in a tailored black tuxedo that screamed aura and confidence.

Crystal lights spilled from tall arched windows. Music floated into the night air, soft and elegant. Valets moved with practiced grace, opening doors for men and women dressed in wealth so effortless it looked natural on them.

Vincent stepped out.

For a brief moment, he felt eyes shift toward him—not mocking, not curious in the way they once had been, but assessing. Measuring.

Good, he thought. Let them wonder.

Vincent moved slowly, deliberately, allowing himself to be introduced by some his uncle’s acquaintances. Some women tilted their heads slightly, wanting to get to know him. They were all curious about him but he wasn't interested.

He observed more than he spoke.

This world was not new to him—but this was the first time he stood in it openly, without fear.

Then he saw her.

Leena stood near the center of the room, her hand looped possessively through Xian's arm. She wore a deep emerald gown that clung to her figure, her hair styled perfectly.

For a second—just one—something stirred inside Vincent.

It wasn’t pain or anger.

He just wondered why she was still dating a jerk like Xian.

Leena noticed him almost immediately. Her smile faltered, eyes narrowing as they locked onto his face. Surprise flickered, then disbelief, then something sharper—irritation.

She leaned closer to Xian Meng, whispering something. Xian followed her gaze, his lips curling into a sneer.

They approached him.

Leena’s eyes traveled over Vincent slowly, deliberately, from his polished shoes to the cut of his jacket. Her lips twisted.

“What are you doing here?” she asked loudly, her voice carrying just enough to draw attention. “I mean… seriously. What is trash like you doing at a place like this?”

Months ago, those words would have crushed him.

Now, Vincent simply looked at her.

He didn’t lower his gaze. He didn’t tense. He felt… amused.

“Good evening, Leena,” he said evenly. “You look… predictable.”

Her eyes flashed. “Excuse me?”

Xian scoffed, tightening his grip on her arm. “Who let you inside here? You probably snuck in,” he said, looking Vincent up and down. “This ball is for elites. Not broke nobodies who don’t know their place.”

Leena lifted her wrist deliberately, the diamonds on her bracelet catching the light. She smiled cruelly. “Do you know how much this costs?” she asked Vincent. “Xian bought it for me. You could work your entire life and never afford something like this.”

Vincent glanced at the bracelet briefly, then back at her face.

“That’s unfortunate,” he said softly. “It suits your taste. Loud and shallow.”

Her breath hitched in outrage.

Xian laughed sharply. “You’re still pretending to have dignity?” He leaned closer, lowering his voice mockingly. “Tell me, did you borrow that suit? Or steal it?”

His eyes suddenly sharpened as he studied Vincent more closely. He frowned. “Wait… I know this brand.”

Recognition dawned on his face, followed by disbelief.

“This tuxedo,” Xian said slowly, loudly, “is from Valencrest. Do you know how rare that is? They released only one piece this year. One. And you expect us to believe someone like you owns it?”

People nearby began to pay attention now. Whispers rippled outward.

Vincent felt none of the old shame rise. He was no longer the broke student they once maltreated.

Instead, he smiled faintly.

“You have a good eye,” he said.

Xian's face darkened. “So you admit it,” he snapped. “You must have stolen it. Or you’re impersonating someone you’re not.”

He raised his hand sharply, signaling security. “Get this thief out of here.”

Two security guards came toward Vincent.

Before they could touch him, several men stepped forward smoothly, positioning themselves between Vincent and the guards.

Their movements were sharp. Controlled. Protective.

“Do not touch our boss,” one of them said calmly, his voice carrying quiet authority.

The room went silent.

Leena’s eyes widened. “Boss…?”

Xian froze. “What nonsense is this?”

Vincent lifted a hand slightly.

“That’s enough,” he said to his men. “Stand down.”

They obeyed instantly, stepping back but remaining alert.

Leena stared at Vincent as if seeing him for the first time. Her mouth opened, then closed. Confusion warred with disbelief on her face.

Before anyone could speak again, a familiar voice cut through the tension.

“Doctor V!”

The governor approached, his face breaking into a broad smile when he saw Vincent. He clasped Vincent’s hands warmly, turning to those around them.

“This man,” the governor said proudly, “saved my child’s life. He is the most remarkable doctor I have ever met.”

Leena went pale.

Xian's expression shattered.

“Please,” the governor continued, “come. I’ve reserved a quieter space for us. There are people eager to meet you.”

Vincent nodded politely. As they walked away, the governor leaned closer. “Would you like me to have them removed?” he asked quietly, glancing back at Leena and Xian Meng.

Vincent didn’t look back.

“No,” he said calmly. “Let them stay.”

A faint cruel smile touched his lips, unseen by anyone else.

“I have something else planned for them.”

Behind him, Leena stood frozen, her bracelet suddenly feeling heavier on her wrist and heart pounded with a fear she didn’t yet understand.

And Vincent walked on, unbothered, already deciding exactly how—and when—he would make them pay.