# Chapter 15: The Pouring of Revenge
Across the Atlantic, Ingrid Ferguson was blissfully unaware, gambling away her family's money in Germany while a storm raged back home. The news of her stealing the Ferguson family jewels had gone viral, shredding her reputation to pieces. When she finally returned to Mediania, the elite women who once welcomed her into their circles now looked at her with undisguised contempt.
The irony was almost too bitter to swallow. The one who had set this whole catastrophe in motion was none other than Nicole—the very girl the Fergusons had callously kicked out of their family.
So when Ingrid spotted Nicole sitting in that upscale restaurant, all the rage and humiliation came flooding back. Her jaw clenched, her eyes blazing with fury. This was the woman who had always been beneath her—the unknown nobody she had trampled over without a second thought. And now Nicole had the audacity to sit here, looking elegant and unbothered?
Ingrid stormed off to find the restaurant manager, her heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. The manager rushed over, sensing trouble brewing. In a restaurant where every guest had a reservation and every patron wielded influence, he knew he had to tread carefully.
"Ms. Ferguson, I'm really sorry for the inconvenience..."
But Ingrid wasn't interested in apologies. Her eyes were fixed on Nicole like a predator eyeing prey. "She's affecting my mood for dinner. Get her out of here! We're your VIP customers!"
The manager turned to follow her command—and froze. There, standing beside Nicole, was Grant Stanton, his handsome face now dark with displeasure. And next to him stood Nicole herself, her long wavy hair cascading down her back, her eyes sparkling with quiet confidence. She looked nothing like the meek girl the Fergusons had once tormented. She looked regal, untouchable, and completely unbothered by Ingrid's outburst.
The manager quickly composed himself, bowing respectfully. "Welcome, Mr. Stanton. Your table is ready. This way, please."
Ingrid's face twisted with confusion and rage. She studied Grant Stanton for a moment—there was no denying he was impressive. But when she saw how protectively he stood beside Nicole, her fury ignited anew. "Hey! Did you not hear me? Get them out of here!"
Quinn, never one to miss a chance to humiliate Nicole, chimed in with a sneer. "Yeah, she should take a look at herself in the mirror! How dare she come here? Nicole, do you think you can be arrogant with us after finding yourself a sugar daddy? A woman who's kicked out of the Ferguson family doesn't have the right to show up here!"
Grant's laugh was cold, cutting through the tension like a blade. His oppressive aura filled the space around them. "Kicked out of the Ferguson family? Your ability to twist a story is impressive. When did the Fergusons become so shameless?"
His words were laced with barely contained fury. What kind of life had Nicole endured with these people? The thought made his blood boil.
Quinn's face flushed red with humiliation. She turned to the manager, her voice shrill. "What are you still doing standing here? I don't want to see them!"
The manager's expression hardened. His voice was final. "Mrs. Ferguson, Ms. Ferguson, Mr. Stanton is a major shareholder of this restaurant. So if you don't want to see them, you may leave."
Quinn and Ingrid stood there, stunned into silence. Their faces cycled through shock, anger, and humiliation. Nicole let out a soft chuckle, her gaze clear and utterly indifferent.
She turned to Grant. "Ignore them. It's just a meal—there's no need for this impasse. I have something to say to the two of them. You go in and wait for me."
Grant looked reluctant, his protective instincts screaming at him to stay. But he saw something in Nicole's eyes—a quiet strength, a steel resolve. She was not the same woman anymore. She could handle this.
With a slight nod, he turned and walked inside. Astonishingly obedient.
Now left alone with Quinn and Ingrid, Nicole faced them without fear. Ingrid sat down, crossing her arms with a cold snort. "At least you're still self-aware. Our family won't care who your new sugar daddy is. My brother has never once fancied you. I can make you vanish from Atlanta in a minute!"
Nicole looked down and smiled—a dangerous, knowing smile. Her eyes were ice. "Then... what do you want?"
Ingrid's lips curled with cruel satisfaction. "How about this... pour me a glass of wine and apologize. I'm sure you're used to serving others like this. Didn't you do this often when you were staying with us? Serve me well, and I'll let you off the hook this once."
She raised her eyebrows, waiting for Nicole to bow before her like the old days.
Nicole laughed—a sound that sent a chill down Ingrid's spine. She walked over, picked up the decanter, and poured a glass of wine with practiced elegance. She held it out.
Ingrid reached for it, a smirk of disdain on her lips.
But before her fingers could touch the glass, she felt an icy shock run through her.
Every drop of wine—every single drop—poured directly onto Ingrid's head. Before she could scream or even stand, Nicole's hands pressed firmly on her shoulders, shoving her back into her seat. Nicole leaned in close, her voice a whisper that cut like a blade.
"Ms. Ferguson, remember this. I was the one who brought up the divorce. I'm the one who doesn't want anything to do with your family. If you dare bend the truth again, I'll show you which one of us will vanish from Atlanta."
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## Reader's Impressions & Star Rating
This chapter was pure catharsis. Watching Nicole finally stand up to the Fergusons—who have treated her like dirt for so long—was deeply satisfying. The scene where she poured wine over Ingrid's head was perfectly executed: poetic, dramatic, and well-deserved. Grant's quiet support and the manager's reveal that he's a major shareholder added an extra layer of sweet revenge. The contrast between the old Nicole (meek, subservient) and the new Nicole (confident, unapologetic) is beautifully drawn.
**⭐ Rating: 4.7 / 5 Stars**
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## Next Chapter Prediction
Nicole has just thrown down the gauntlet. Ingrid will likely retaliate—perhaps by spreading rumors, going to the media, or involving her brother Eric. Meanwhile, Grant's protective nature and growing admiration for Nicole may push him to dig deeper into her past with the Fergusons. Expect a confrontation with Eric Ferguson, who will be forced to choose between his sister's lies and the truth about the woman he let go.