Loved You Once But He's My Forever (Chloe) novel Chapter 332

The group stared at Sadie curiously. "Wait, Sadie, are you truly saying you can't cover tens of thousands?"

"I read in the news that your dad's company handles billion-dollar projects. Didn't you even donate a building? Surely this meal—"

"Who said I can't afford it?" Sadie interrupted firmly. "I'm just worried there'll be too much wine, and no one will finish it." She scrambled to come up with an excuse.

One of her classmates grinned. "Don't worry about that. The guys in our class can handle their drinks. Let's go with a bottle of red wine for each person to start!"

Sadie was momentarily speechless.

At that moment, she must have felt trapped, unable to back out without consequences. The thought of her true identity being exposed and her carefully crafted image as a wealthy heiress crumbling terrified her.

If I hadn't transferred to this university, she might still be living comfortably in her façade. My presence disrupted everything, and now, even tears wouldn't help her situation.

Her identity felt like a precarious secret hanging over her, and the power to reveal it rested entirely in my hands.

As long as I was around, Sadie would live in constant fear.

Meanwhile, her classmates continued to lavish her with praise. Most of them came from modest backgrounds, so a bottle of wine worth tens of thousands was an extravagance.

The boys weren't the only ones enjoying it; even the girls joined in.

Yael raised his glass toward me with a friendly smile. "Welcome to our class, Zoey."

Remembering that this body couldn't handle alcohol well, I took a tiny sip. "Thank you, but I'm not great with alcohol. Sorry."

"That's okay," Yael said, understanding.

Unlike his classmates, he didn't fawn over Sadie. His focus was entirely on me.

Earlier, I had wondered if he treated everyone this warmly. But now, I was certain—he had his sights set on me.

It didn't feel like love at first sight. To me, it seemed more like something premeditated. Did he already know who I was?

"Zoey, my birthday is in a few days," Yael said, his tone casual yet hopeful. "I'm hosting a party at my place, and I've invited our classmates. Will you be free to come?"

"Sure," I replied. "Send me the address. I'll be there."

That was a perfect opportunity to meet Whitney.

Yael's face lit up with excitement. "Really? Great! I'll be looking forward to it."

"Hmm."

After dinner, someone suggested heading to a bar for the next round. Sadie, who had just finished settling the bill, visibly paled at the suggestion.

The dinner cost over 700,000, and Sadie quickly declined the bar invitation, claiming she had a prior engagement.

Otherwise, she would have been expected to cover the next round as well.

Right then, a sleek black SUV pulled up to the curb. The window rolled down, and I felt a piercing gaze land on me.

"Mrs. Bolton, we meet again," Taylor said, his tone casual.

Yael blinked in surprise. "Taylor, do you know her?"

Taylor stepped out of the car and smirked. "Of course. She's the wife of the Bolton Group's CEO. It's only natural."

Yael turned to me, his expression a mix of shock and sadness. "You're married?"

I smiled slightly. "Yes, I am. I didn't realize you were Taylor's brother."

"You're so young," Yael muttered, disbelief coloring his voice. "How can you get married?"

Just then, Carter's car arrived. I smiled politely. "My husband's here. Goodbye."

The car door opened, revealing Carter seated in his wheelchair. His cold gaze swept over Yael, radiating an unmistakable air of authority.

"Carter."

He extended his hand, and I instinctively placed mine in his. With a firm pull, he lifted me onto his lap.

As the car door closed, he tilted my head toward him and kissed me fiercely, his actions a clear message to the Carlyn brothers watching.