Goodbye Forever Ex-Husband (by Ammund) novel Chapter 185

Chapter 185

OLIVIA’S POV

I stepped out of the bathroom, feeling the soft weight of the gown settle perfectly against my skin. My gaze shifted immediately to the three of them, waiting for a reaction.

But instead of words, all I saw were their stunned expressions–eyes widened, lips slightly parted. It felt like the entire room had paused for a moment,

air held between us.

“Well?” I asked, breaking the silence. My voice seemed to pull them back to life.

Antonia blinked quickly, and Clara stepped closer, her face lighting up. “This is the most beautiful dress I’ve seen you wear, ma’am,” she breathed out. “In all my years working for you.”

A small smile tugged at my lips. Praise wasn’t new to me, but something about the way they said it made my chest feel a little lighter. Still, I turned to the mirror and studied my reflection carefully. “Hmm,” I murmured, turning slightly from side to side. “I feel like it’s a bit too tight, don’t you think?”

“No,” Antonia said immediately, her voice warm but firm. “It’s perfect. It hugs your figure in just the right way. It shows power, but still keeps its grace. K makes a statement without being loud.”

I paused, letting that sink in, then nodded slowly. “Well… I guess you’re right.”

A spark of excitement fluttered through me at the thought of walking into that auction hall, I could already imagine the eyes turning to look, the whispers that would follow, and the message it would send: Olivia Blake is not someone you overlook.

As I admired the way the fabric shimmered under the light, Clara stepped closer behind me. Her reflection met mine in the mirror. “Sorry to ask this, ma’am, but… are you sure it’s okay to go to the auction when Adrian Westwood is going to be there? Even with all your security… is it safe?”

I let out a slow breath. The mention of his name brought an old, familiar tightness to my chest, but I kept my gaze steady. “I’ve thought about that too, Clara,” I admitted, my voice calm but edged with determination. “It might not be safe. But I’m not the same woman I was five years ago. If he tries anything… he’ll learn quickly I’m not to be underestimated. And I’m getting that car today, no matter what.”

Clara hesitated, worry still clouding her eyes. “I know the car is important, ma’am, but there are other factors you should consider.”

I turned fully to face her, a slight frown pulling at my brows. “Like what?”

She straightened her posture, her tone careful but unwavering. “Well, for starters, you–planned to come here and leave within a week, all without your father finding out. And we all know the auction is going to be broadcasted everywhere–news, social media, everywhere. If your father sees it, or if someone posts a picture of you winning the car, he’ll know you came to New York secretly.”

Her words hit me harder than I expected. Why didn’t I think of that? My mind had been so consumed by the plan, by the revenge and the auction itself, that I overlooked the most obvious risk. I drew in a shaky breath, my eyes flickering away for a moment as I bit my fingernail lightly. “You’re right,” I whispered, almost to myself.

“I gave it a hard thought yesterday,” Clara continued gently, stepping closer, “but I also came up with a small solution–a solution that would take care of

both sides at once.”

My gaze snapped back to her, curiosity pushing aside the worry. “And what’s that?” I asked.

She nodded once and walked over to the corner of the room where her bag was kept. The quiet rustle of fabric and zippers was the only sound for a moment. Then she turned back, holding something close to her chest. I couldn’t see it clearly at first; her fingers hid most of it.

She stepped forward, the corners of her lips curving into a faint, knowing smile, and then she handed it to me.

A mask.

I held it in my hand, feeling the smooth, cool material under my fingertips. It wasn’t an ordinary mask either–it was red velvet with delicate gold embroidery swirling at the edges. Subtle, elegant, but mysterious enough to draw attention while still hiding my identity.

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Chapter 185

I stared at it for a moment longer. It was such a simple idea, yet so clever.

“Where did you get this?” I asked Clara, still turning the mask over in my hand, feeling its smooth surface against my fingars

“When you and Mr. Damien went out yesterday, I went to get it from a store nearby,” she said, her voice calm and matter of fact, though there was a liart of pride in her eyes.

I looked up at her, a spark of genuine appreciation lighting in my chest. “This would shield my face at the auction–from both the cameras and Adrian This is brilliant, Clara.” I stretched my hand toward her, palm open for a handshake.

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