The Rebirth of My Dead Billionaire Wife

Chapter 256

The gallery was alive with energy, filled with the hum of conversations, the clink of champagne glasses, and the soft strains of music playing in the background. Avery Kane Deveraux stood near the centerpiece of the exhibit—a stunning portrait of herself glowing with confidence—laughing with a group of guests who had come to admire Ryan Hayes’s work.

Ryan stood by her side, his arm casually resting on her waist. He looked proud, relaxed even, as the evening unfolded exactly as he had hoped.

Until it didn’t.

The glass doors to the gallery swung open with a loud bang, silencing the room. A figure stormed in, her high heels clicking against the polished floor with purpose. Ji-Yeon.

Her dark, sleek hair framed a face twisted with anger, and her designer dress clung to her frame as if she’d dressed for a war rather than an art event. She carried a large glass bottle of water in one hand, and her expression made it clear she wasn’t there to admire the art.

Avery stiffened, her eyes locking onto Ji-Yeon. “What is she doing here?”

Ryan turned sharply, his hazel eyes narrowing at the sight of his ex. “I have no idea, but it’s not going to be good.”

Ji-Yeon walked straight toward the centerpiece of the exhibit, the painting of Avery, her steps deliberate and full of fury. The crowd parted around her like the Red Sea, whispers breaking out as guests exchanged confused glances.

“Ji-Yeon,” Ryan called out, stepping forward. “What are you doing here? You’re not invited.”

Ji-Yeon’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Oh, I know I’m not invited. But I couldn’t miss this little celebration of yours. It’s so… cute.”

“Leave,” Ryan said firmly, his voice low but commanding.

“Not before I make my point,” Ji-Yeon snapped.

Avery stepped closer to Ryan, her heart pounding. “Ryan, she’s holding something.”

Before anyone could react, Ji-Yeon uncapped the bottle in her hand and hurled the contents at the painting.

The water splashed against the canvas, streaking the vibrant colors and distorting Avery’s glowing image. Gasps filled the room as onlookers stood frozen in shock.

“Are you insane?” Ryan shouted, rushing forward to shield the rest of the paintings.

“Insane?” Ji-Yeon laughed bitterly. “Oh, I’m not the one playing house with some girl while pretending you’re a saint, Ryan. You think you’re better than me now?”

Avery felt a surge of anger rise in her chest, stepping forward despite Ryan’s attempt to stop her. “What is your problem, Ji-Yeon? You’ve made your point. You don’t like me. We get it. Now leave before you embarrass yourself even more.”

“Embarrass myself?” Ji-Yeon scoffed, her voice rising. “You’re the embarrassment, Avery. Do you think you’re special just because Ryan painted a few pictures of you? Let me tell you something—you’re just a phase. And phases don’t last.”

Ryan moved between the two women, his voice firm and resolute. “That’s enough, Ji-Yeon. You’re out of control. You need to leave before this gets worse.”

“Worse?” Ji-Yeon spat, glaring at him. “It can’t get worse, Ryan. You made it worse when you chose her over me.”

“This isn’t about you,” Ryan shot back. “It never was. You’re the one who ended things, remember? You didn’t want the life I wanted, and that’s fine. But you don’t get to come here and ruin something that matters to me—something that matters to Avery.”

The mention of Avery seemed to enrage Ji-Yeon further. “You think she’s better than me?” she hissed.

“Yes,” Ryan said without hesitation. “Avery is better in every way. She’s kind, intelligent, and doesn’t stoop to this level. Now get out.”

At that moment, the gallery’s security staff approached, their presence finally breaking the tension. One of the guards gently placed a hand on Ji-Yeon’s shoulder.

“Ma’am, we’re going to have to ask you to leave,” he said firmly.

Ji-Yeon jerked her shoulder away, her eyes flashing. “Don’t touch me!”

The commotion had already drawn the attention of the police officer stationed nearby for security. He stepped forward, his tone calm but authoritative. “Ma’am, you’ve caused damage to private property and are creating a disturbance. You need to leave now or face the consequences.”

Ji-Yeon laughed bitterly, but the bravado in her eyes flickered. “Fine. You all deserve each other.”

She turned to leave, but not before sneering at Avery one last time. “Enjoy it while it lasts, sweetheart. Nothing this perfect ever does.”