I Became the Billionaire's Fake Lover to Get My Revenge
Chapter 66: Keeping the Enemy Close

Chapter 66: Keeping the Enemy Close

The vineyard William had purchased for Anna was a breathtakingly beautiful estate nestled in an equally enchanting location.

Situated just forty minutes south of the city’s outskirts, the Sunset Rose Vineyard sprawled across a sea of emerald green, with rows of meticulously maintained grapevines and pockets of serene charm.

There was a designated area for wine tastings, complete with rustic wooden tables set beneath the dappled shade of tall, leafy trees—perfect for casual drinks with friends or an intimate, unforgettable wine date.

Originally, Anna had planned to hold the celebration at one of the elegant venues suggested by Amelie Bennett. But William had insisted they host it at the vineyard itself, determined to immerse the guests in the full, authentic experience of wine-making—from vine to glass—while sampling the estate’s finest blends right on site.

I agreed to that... but in the end, he didn’t even come.

Anna sighed softly, masking her disappointment behind another practiced smile as she welcomed a new wave of guests arriving at the venue.

William had, indeed, left just before the event began, claiming an urgent matter demanded his attention. But Anna knew him too well now to accept that excuse at face value.

Whatever he was doing, she had no doubt he was lurking somewhere nearby—watching her from the shadows, waiting for the perfect moment to appear and leave her breathless all over again.

I don’t mind his unexpected appearances—especially since they usually rescue me from uncomfortable situations—but still... I wish he’d just stay by my side. Because when he’s near, I feel so much braver, so much more sure of myself.

Just as that thought crossed her mind, Anna could almost hear William’s voice echo from the depths of her memory—quiet, firm, and unmistakably his."You have to do it for you, Anna. No one else."

He’s right, she sighed inwardly, pressing her fingertips to her forehead. I’m doing this to avenge myself. For once... it’s about me.

"Chloe!" Gabriel’s voice broke through her thoughts as he waved from across the crowd, weaving his way toward her through the sea of mingling guests.

"God, finally," Anna breathed out in relief, reaching up to give his shoulder a friendly pat. "I was starting to feel like a hostess at a retirement reunion. I’ve been greeting so many ’old’ new faces, I’m just glad to finally talk to someone I actually know."

She laughed, a soft, genuine sound that Gabriel matched with an amused grin of his own.

"It is quite the gathering," he agreed, looking around at the buzzing vineyard grounds. "So many new faces... I already got a few phone numbers from women I’ve never even seen before. A few more hours and I might leave here with a bride!"

They both laughed again, though Anna found the remark far funnier than he seemed to.

"I could say the same," she quipped, nudging him playfully in the ribs.

Gabriel’s eyes widened dramatically, and his voice dipped to a surprisingly cold tone. "Don’t you dare call anyone back," he warned, half-serious. "They’re all scumbags. I haven’t seen a single man here who deserves your time."

The intensity in his voice caught Anna off guard. For a fleeting second, she almost believed he meant it. But then a soft smile tugged at her lips, breaking through the tension and forcing a quiet chuckle from her throat.

"Honestly," she said, her voice gentler now, "it feels nice to be out like this. It’s almost like I’ve been transported back in time... before Robert and I got engaged."

Anna smiled faintly, the expression tinged with bitterness as she tucked a loose strand of blonde hair behind her ear.

"I used to be quite the social butterfly back in the day... But after Robert and I got engaged, things started to change. Gradually, I stopped going out altogether—until I couldn’t attend a single event anymore."

It was a quiet, somber confession, yet speaking the words aloud felt strangely liberating. As if, piece by piece, she was shedding the remnants of a life that no longer belonged to her.

Those days were behind her now. And once her revenge was complete, maybe—just maybe—she could finally begin living her life on her own terms.

"Now that is a tragic look for the hostess of such a dazzling party," Gabriel teased, forcing a smile as he placed his warm hands gently on her shoulders. "Come on. Let’s go get some wine. You own this vineyard, and yet you’re probably the only person here who hasn’t tasted its signature selection."

"You’re right," Anna said with a small laugh, nodding in agreement. "And I’ve only heard amazing things about the local rosé!"

They turned toward the wine tasting area, ready to steal a moment for themselves, when Gabriel suddenly froze mid-step. His expression faltered, paling slightly.

"What’s wrong?" Anna asked, her brow creasing.

Gabriel groaned under his breath and subtly turned his face away."It’s her—that overly persistent woman who keeps telling me how sexy my French accent sounds," he muttered. "She’s definitely had more wine than she can handle, and now she won’t stop following me around."

"Whoa!" Anna gasped, giggling as she gave his shoulder a playful slap. "Well, you’ve only got yourself to blame, Gab. You are pretty easy on the eyes!"

Gabriel pulled a face in mockery of her excitement, then sighed and shook his head with exaggerated disappointment.

"I’m afraid I’ll have to leave you for now," he said with a dramatic groan. "I’ll go find someone who actually knows her and ask them to take her home."

"Good idea," Anna nodded with a grateful smile. "I’ll be around when you get back."

As soon as Gabriel disappeared into the crowd, a familiar pang of loneliness settled over her once again.

She stood still for a moment, eyes scanning the partygoers, yet none of their faces offered comfort. There was no reason for the tension coiling inside her, and yet, it lingered—a quiet unease she couldn’t shake.

The invitations were sent to the entire Hyde family, but of course, it makes perfect sense that only Marienne would show up. Now that they know I was the one who destroyed Susanne’s reputation, neither her parents nor her brother would want to be anywhere near me—at least not this soon.

But Marienne... She’s different. She would come, if only to try and turn the tables. To keep her enemy close.

And right now, that enemy... is me.

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