The sudden outcry cut through the girls’ smug, sneering chatter like a knife.
Everyone’s gaze snapped instinctively to the doorway.
There, backlit by the glow of the chandelier, a slender, graceful figure stepped into the room. Her dress was simple, her makeup barely there, but somehow she radiated a quiet brilliance that made the other girls—despite all their careful primping—seem utterly ordinary.
“Anastasia!”
Maggie, Juliet, and the others lit up as if they’d finally spotted their heroine. They hurried over, crowding to her side for support.
The rest of the girls stared at Anastasia, momentarily stunned by her effortless allure. In the next breath, jealousy flashed across their faces.
Helen felt it too—but she recovered quickly. She realized something important: Anastasia had come alone.
So she’d been right after all—Anastasia didn’t dare bring her so-called “boyfriend” with her! Probably because he was her mysterious benefactor, and she was too afraid he’d be recognized.
Grabbing her opportunity, Helen strode forward and raised her voice for the whole room to hear. “Anastasia, where’s this ‘boyfriend’ you’ve been bragging about? Weren’t you going to introduce him to us and prove he’s not your sugar daddy? Where is he?”
“Bet she didn’t dare bring him! Afraid she’d be found out, right?”
The other girls quickly caught on, closing in on Anastasia with sneers and pointed stares.
“Anastasia, is it true what they say? That you’re being kept by some married old man?”
“Just now some of your classmates were saying he’s your husband—is that what you told them? You really go around telling people your sugar daddy is your husband? Oh my god, does his real wife know you’re spreading that story?”
Anastasia barely had a chance to greet Juliet and the others before being swarmed by the barrage. She looked up, her gaze cool and sharp, meeting the eager, malicious faces in front of her. She let out a cold laugh, her words cutting and direct.
She snapped her fingers. “Someone bring me a timer! I want everyone to see—when the party starts, will Ms. Sterling’s ‘boyfriend’ really show up?”
Helen’s eyes gleamed as she practically ran to fetch one.
Moments later, she returned with a massive timer, setting it right in the center of the grand hall for all to see.
There were only ten minutes left until the party officially began.
And just in case Anastasia tried to bolt, Shirley quietly ordered someone to keep a close eye on her.
But Anastasia didn’t look the least bit flustered. Instead, she sauntered over to a seat nearby and settled in, perfectly at ease.
Juliet slipped close and whispered, “Cousin, when exactly is your boyfriend getting here?”
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