Chapter 400
“Exactly! Even a dog wouldn’t want her p>
Who did Caitlin think she was, anyway? She hadn’t even finished high school, barely understood the basics of chemistry, and yet she dared to brag like that? It was laughable-absolutely ridiculous.
Ann’s eyes glittered with sarcasm, though she kept up the pretense of being the perfect big sister. “Vanessa, Lily, Mabel, don’t say that. What if, by some miracle, my little sister really does manage to pull it off p>
Vanessa snorted. “If that country bumpkin could figure it out, then maybe she wouldn’t have to keep taking your things all the time p>
Honestly, even they girls from the best families, with the best education-would never dare to claim they could do anything like that. And Caitlin? Please.
“Ann, she only dares to steal from you because you’re too nice. But tonight, we’re all here! There’s no way we’re going to let her get away with it again p>
“That’s right. Tonight, you’ve got us on your side p>
“Ann, do you know when Mr. Quinten’s arriving p>
Mr. Quinten was the only one who could prove Ann’s innocence. Only when he arrived could Ann truly put Caitlin in her place.
“He’s still on his flight right now,” Ann replied. “He’s supposed to land around seven p>
Lily hooked her arm through Ann’s and grinned. “Oh, Ann, I heard from my brother that Mr. Quinten even bought a rare diamond just for you as a birthday present. Spent ten million euros on it, too p>
“Seriously?” Miranda and Vanessa gasped, eyes wide.
A gem like that was practically a legend-impossible to find, impossible to buy.
Anyone else, even with twice the money, wouldn’t have been able to get their hands on it. But Mr. Quinten could.
Lily nodded emphatically. “Of course it’s true! Ann saved his life, after all—she’s his hero p>
Ann’s face shone with pride, though she tried her best to look nonchalant. “Honestly, I don’t really care whether it’s some legendary diamond or just a pearl. To me, they’re all the same p>
“Ann, you’re always so gracious. That diamond would have anyone else jumping for joy! If it were Caitlin, she’d be showing it off all over town. But you? You don’t even bat an eye p>
Six o’clock arrived in no time.
The party officially began.
Right on cue, Ann opened her live stream.
Everyone had been waiting for this moment. The second she went live, ten thousand viewers rushed in—and the numbers kept climbing.
Ann stood before the camera, lips curved in a perfect smile. “Good evening, everyone! It’s Victoria here-Ann p>
[Yes! It’s Victoria herself! There’s hope for us now p>
[Victoria looks so gorgeous tonight p>
[Finally, the real heiress appears. So this is what true elegance looks like p>
[Where’s Freya? Is she here yet p>
[Victoria, turn the camera so we can see the thief p>
Seeing that comment, Ann’s voice
stayed gentle as she explained, “Sorry, everyone. My sister hasn’t arrived yet. But don’t worry-maybe she’s just been held up. Let’s give her a little more time p>
[I can’t believe this. The party’s already started and Freya’s still missing? Is she too scared to show up p>
[I bet she chickened out. With Mr. Quinten coming tonight, there’s no way that fraud-who only knows how to steal-would dare face Ann in public p>
[What a coward p>
It wasn’t just the live chat. The whole ballroom was buzzing with curiosity.
“Where’s Freya? Still not here p>
“Haha, I’m sure she’s too embarrassed to show her face p>
“If I were her, I wouldn’t dare show up either p>
The chatter continued, a low hum of speculation and judgment.
Ann smiled as she listened, then stepped up to the microphone. “Hello, everyone. I’m Ann. Thank you all for taking time out of your busy lives to join my birthday celebration p>
She turned to the crowd and offered a deep, graceful bow.
Applause rippled through the ballroom.
Ann went on, “Although my sister, Freya, seems to have gotten cold feet and decided not to come tonight and doesn’t dare face me
and MD Quinten directly-in my will always be my sister will always be
heart
My one and only. “Thope, after
tonight, we can all let the past go.
She’s still young, and everyone
makes mistakes p>
to
Her words were so dignified, so magnanimous, that the entire room was left in
awe.
“Miss Templeton is truly kind p>
“She can still forgive Freya after all this? She’s such a class act p>
The live chat lit up with praise.
[Victoria is honestly too good for this world p>
[Freya doesn’t deserve a sister like her p>
Just then-
Bang!
The heavy ballroom doors swung open.
“Sorry, everyone. I’m late p>
The voice rang out before anyone could see who it was. Then, a slim, striking figure strode in from the entrance. Even though the light cast her face in shadow the sheer force of her presence was impossible to ignore.