Chapter 399
Gordon never would have guessed that Farrell and Caitlin actually had a childhood engagement—at least in words, if not on paper.
Well, that explains it.
No wonder Farrell had been so persistent with Caitlin.
Gordon narrowed his eyes, a cold glint flickering in their depths.
Time slipped by quickly.
Before anyone knew it, Ann’s birthday had arrived.
Amanda had spared no effort, inviting nearly every notable family in the city. On top of that, Ann was now a major influencer on TikTok, and after that mysterious “back view” photo went viral, tonight’s guest list was longer than ever.
Even though the party hadn’t officially started yet, the grand hall was already buzzing with people.
Ann stood at the center of it all, a vision in her violet evening gown, the undisputed star of the night-she looked like the heroine of a prime-time drama.
She was draped in jewelry worth millions: dazzling diamonds and exquisite emeralds shimmered under the lights, casting rainbow reflections. The effect was breathtaking; Ann practically glowed.
“Oh my god, Ann, are those the Valerium royal earrings?” Miranda’s eyes went straight to the necklace at Ann’s throat, clearly recognizing its pedigree. “I’ve only ever seen them in the papers p>
Ann smiled demurely, feigning indifference as she touched her earring. “Oh, these? I think so. They’re pretty old-can’t even remember where they came from, honestly p>
She knew exactly how to play her audience: the less she cared, the more everyone else envied her.
That’s human nature.
After all, the things Ann dismissed so casually were treasures everyone else could only dream of.
Miranda looked at Ann, her eyes full of longing. Then she leaned in: “So, when are you going live to set the record straight p>
“Let’s wait until the party kicks off. No rush.” Ann’s lips curled in a sly little smile.
The party was set to begin at 6 p.m. sharp.
It was only 5:30 now.
Miranda nodded and glanced around. “By the way, where’s that country cousin of yours? Still not here p>
“Not yet.” Ann shook her head.
Miranda’s eyes narrowed, her expression turning sour. “I’ve never met anyone as shameless as her. That viral photo was clearly you, but she had the nerve to claim it was her! She even posted on Twitter that she wouldn’t apologize p>
“So disgusting p>
“Mabel, keep your voice down,” Ann chided gently, playing the part of the gracious older sister. “What if someone overhears? I know she pretended to be me, but she’s still my cousin p>
Anyone watching would’ve thought Ann was the very picture of kindness.
“No need to whisper, everyone’s already heard about it.” A new voice joined the conversation.
Ann looked up to see a young woman approaching in a champagne-colored gown.
That was Vanessa Cooper, the youngest daughter of the Cooper family.
Standing beside her was Lily Wolfe, heir to Wolfe Group, her hair cropped fashionably short.
Lily nodded, grinning. “She’s right,
Ann. We’ve all heard. You treat her
like family, but clearly she doesn’t see you the same way I’ve never seen a little sister so brazen about? stealing from her own blood p>
Caitlin’s reputation was in the gutter among the city’s elite.
After all, the whole mess had blown up online. It was one thing to handle family squabbles in private, but once it hit the trending lists-especially with Mr. Quinten stepping in to vouch for Ann Caitlin became a laughingstock both in society and on social media.
Ann glanced at the group and sighed, sounding weary. “Don’t be too harsh. She just got here from the countryside. She’s probably just insecure and looking for approval in all the wrong ways p>
She paused, then added, “Honestly, I don’t blame her. As long as she apologizes to me on the livestream tonight, I’m willing to let it go p>
Vanessa snorted. “Looking for approval? And she chooses underhanded tricks like that? Someone like her shouldn’t even dream of inheriting Gonzales Holdings p>
“Vanessa’s right,” Lily chimed in, as if remembering something. She grabbed Ann’s sleeve. “Oh! Ann, I heard Caitlin signed some kind of bet with Gonzales Holdings’ board, is that true p>
Ann nodded slightly. “It’s true p>
Lily’s eyes widened. “She actually dared p>
Miranda and Vanessa both leaned in, curiosity piqued. “What kind of agreement?
What’s the bet? What did that country girl wager with the board p>
Ann lowered her voice. “It’s not exactly a state secret, but don’t go spreading it around p>
All three nodded eagerly.
“Promise, Ann. Our lips are sealed,” Vanessa said, patting her chest.
Ann finally spoke. “She signed a
ет
performance agreement with the board. In short, she promised to develop a star product for Gonzales Holdings within six months and
successfully launch it onto the
international market p>
The girls stared at her for a moment in stunned silence then burst out laughing.
“Hahahaha p>
“She must be insane. The only thing she’s ever done is steal from others, and
now she thinks she can pull this off p>
“Six months? She couldn’t do it in a lifetime p>
“A country bumpkin like her thinks she can invent a blockbuster product? Please. Whatever she comes up with, not even a stray dog would want it p>