An Arrogant Billionaire Challenged Me to Dance, Unaware of My True Identity — Part 2

Previously: When an arrogant heir offered a waitress fifty thousand dollars to dance at his engagement party, he expected a cheap laugh—until she stepped onto the floor and completely shattered his world.

A Ghost from the Past

The shockwave that rippled through the ballroom was palpable. Alex stared at Chloe, his eyes tracing the elegant lines of her red satin gown—a gown that cost more than a year of a waitress's salary. It was a relic from her past life, the one luxury she had refused to sell when everything else was repossessed. Sarah’s amused expression curdled into a mask of pure jealousy as she realized Chloe was completely outshining her on her own engagement night.

"What is the meaning of this?" Sarah hissed, grabbing Alex's arm. "Alex, tell security to throw this imposter out!"

Before Alex could find his voice, a commotion at the entrance drew everyone’s attention. Marcus Sterling, the powerful patriarch of the family, entered the hall flanked by his legal advisors. He had been delayed in meetings, but his triumphant smile vanished the moment his eyes landed on the woman in the red dress.

Marcus stopped dead in his tracks, his face turning a sickly shade of gray. He didn't see a catering waitress; he saw the spitting image of Richard Vance, his former business partner whom he had ruthlessly ruined years ago to build the Sterling empire. He knew that Chloe was Richard's daughter, and her sudden appearance in this specific gown was no accident.

"Chloe Vance..." Marcus whispered, his voice trembling with a mixture of fear and rage. "What are you doing in my house?"

Alex looked between his father and Chloe, utterly bewildered. "Dad? You know her? She's just a waitress I made a bet with."

"Silence, you fool!" Marcus roared, turning on his son. He then turned back to Chloe, stepping closer. "Whatever you think you are doing, it ends tonight. You have nothing. Your father died a bankrupt man."

Chloe smiled, a cold, calculating expression. "My father died because you stole his life's work, Marcus. But he didn't leave me with nothing. He left me with his personal safe. And I finally found the key." She reached into her clutch and pulled out a small silver flash drive, holding it up for the entire room to see.