Stolen By My Billionaire Brother-In-Law-Chapter 23: Sweet Surprise

Rivana’s heart pounded in her chest, confusion and fear mingling together. Sweat beaded on her forehead and tears trickled down her cheeks as she tried to make sense of the nightmare. With trembling fingers, she opened the latch of the pocket watch. The familiar mist swirled inside before the timer appeared:

[1 Year 363 days]

Her heart skipped a beat, dread gripping her tightly. The timer meant she had only until her second marriage anniversary. But why had her baby appeared in her dreams? Did she miss him that much?

"Mommy..." The faint call echoed in her mind, making her heart clench. She shook her head, trying to hold her emotions at bay. Alan was barely six months old; there was no way he could call her out. It must have just been a dream, she tried to convince herself. Her eyes returned to the pocket watch and she gripped it tightly, her mind racing with doubts and uncertainties.

After a few moments, Rivana decided to accept it for now. Walking to the dressing table, she took out her notepad. If she really had just two more years, then she needed to write down what she needed to do to make the most of this opportunity.

Taking out a pen, she started to write:

1. Crush Viktor to Crumbles.

Yes, that had been her wish during her last breath too. For playing with her life, she wanted to ensure he was trampled completely with no chance of return. Next, she thought about Rubina. Identifying if she was blind or not was crucial. So she wrote:

2. Reveal Rubina’s true colors. Bring her down.

Rivana continued jotting down a few more names before thinking about her company. She couldn’t just leave it like that. She needed to find a talent and shape it perfectly to take the CEO position. Shadow was her baby, and she couldn’t watch it fall after her death. She wrote this down and a few more items before Azrael flashed into her mind.

The first thought that flashed was maintaining distance between them. It would be better for him. She couldn’t build any relationship with him, only to leave him alone after two years. The memory of the 15-year-old Azrael came to her mind, the way he had lost himself after his mother’s death. Her heart ached recalling those painful memories, and she made up her mind. Yes, it was better to behave like strangers than resurface those old memories only to end up getting hurt.

Rivana sighed out loud, looking at the list. Her eyes then stared at the pocket watch before she picked it up, her heart filled with bitterness. She was grateful for the opportunity at least and wouldn’t let it go to waste.

Locking the watch, she placed it in the drawer. Closing her notepad, she placed it aside before going and lying on the bed. All the thoughts kept her mind busy again, before tiredness slowly drifted her to sleep, this time in a peaceful slumber.

———

The next day, Rivana woke up late, past noon, and found that both Callum and Azrael had left early. They were currently handling the Dynar main headquarters from the sub-branch here, making their work twice as demanding. She spent the whole day relaxing, trying to clear her mind of the previous night’s turmoil.

Just as she started to unwind, Butler George came in with a designer. She was shocked at first, but when informed that Azrael had arranged everything, her heart warmed. It also ached, feeling that these gestures would only bring them closer, something she had just last night sworn to avoid.

"Yes, this would suit the occasion better, Ma’am." The designer and her team agreed as they picked out a suit. It was a cropped jacket with a black collar, buttons, and sleeves. The style was distinctly Korean, featuring long wide-leg pants and matching heels with a delicate pearl design.

As the team worked, Rivana got ready, putting on light makeup and styling her hair into a sleek ponytail. Once all set, she looked at herself in the mirror, wearing a smile—her biggest weapon for tonight. She took a deep breath before walking downstairs.

In the hall, a young lady clad in all black was already waiting for her. Butler George introduced her, "This is Ashley, your bodyguard from today."

Ashley greeted her with a bow. "The car is ready, Ma’am." She said with a small smile.

Rivana took another deep breath and nodded before they walked out. George took out his phone and informed Callum that Rivana had left for the showtime.

By the time they reached Gleaira Hotel, where the press conference was held, they saw a line of reporters blocked at the entrance to check their identity. The car pulled to the secret entryway, and Ashley escorted Rivana to the banquet hall.

"Rivana!" Alexander was the first to greet her with a warm smile, something she had never seen on the old man’s face. She knew very well it was all because of her husband.

Rivana exchanged a few words with him before her eyes fell on the arrangements. Seats were placed for all the shareholders in the corner, while the center part was left for the media, with the other corner reserved for the management staff who were checking the screen and lights.

"Oh, look who showed up." A familiar voice came from behind, and Rivana turned around, a scowl appearing on her lips. 𝘧𝓇ℯℯ𝑤ℯ𝘣𝓃ℴ𝓋𝑒𝑙.𝑐𝘰𝑚

It was Rafaelo Faye, her elder brother, clad in a bold red suit. As he walked closer, Ashley quickly stepped forward, raising a hand to stop him from getting too close to Rivana.

"You even hired a cheap bodyguard?" Rafaelo drawled with a smirk. "Good, you might need one after getting kicked out."

"Cheap?" Ashley scoffed at the word. She was being paid millions for this job, more than this moron could ever imagine.

Alexander noticed him and quickly rushed over. "Where is your father?" he asked worriedly. If Emmerich didn’t show up, that devil might send him straight to hell.

"Oh, don’t worry. He will join us soon," Rafaelo replied. Turning to Rivana, he added, "After all, he couldn’t miss his sweet daughter getting tarnished. I mean, you deserve it for challenging and going against his order."

Rivana decided to ignore him and turned around, but Rafaelo caught her hand. Ashley tried to intervene, but Rivana stopped her, knowing exactly how to handle this jerk.

"Once you are kicked out, don’t worry, lil sis. I will take you as my assistant," he said, reaching closer. "I need someone capable by my side."

Rivana simply smiled in response. Stepping closer, she raised her knee and kicked him in the groin.

Rafaelo groaned out loud, stumbling back. Ashley snorted while Alexander pressed his lips together. "How dare you, whore?!" he grumbled, but Ashley stepped in between, ready to kick him again.

From behind, Rivana looked at him and replied, "Even Shadow is looking for someone capable of the cleaner job, brother." When Rafaelo’s brows furrowed, she added, "Considering how good you are at licking father’s shoes clean, you might fit well. Right, Mr. Brown?"

Alexander didn’t comment but simply smiled, making Rafaelo fume in frustration.

"I think the shock has made you go mad. You are getting kicked out today, Rivana. Shadow is no longer yours," he hissed, but Rivana’s calm expression made him frown.

"Oh, really?" Rivana mused. "Let’s wait and watch," she added before turning around to leave. Rafaelo stared at her back, fear running through his spine. What did she mean?