Chapter 4

Those words cut me like a knife. Selena heard them too. She didn't say a word in my defense; instead, the corner of her mouth curved into a pleased smile.

I turned to face Selena directly, emphasizing each word: "Miss Hayes, I have no interest in Ethan."

I allowed a slight smile. "My birthday is the day after tomorrow. I'm planning a birthday party and simply picking out a dress I like."

"What?" Her voice suddenly shot up. "A birthday party? When did you say you were having a birthday party? How come I don't know about it?"

I picked up my shopping bag and turned to walk out of the store. Selena, behind me, completely panicked. She knew that if this birthday party happened, all the prominent families would be there, and Ethan would definitely come.

Then, Ethan would find out she had lied to him. Thinking of Ethan's ruthless methods, Selena was instantly terrified. I heard her ragged breathing behind me, and in my peripheral vision, I caught her pale face, a mocking smile playing on my lips.

"Chloe," Selena hurried to catch up. "What's wrong with you? You never liked these things before. Didn't you say parties were too much trouble? Didn't you say you hated socializing? Why suddenly..."

I stared at her and slowly said, "Why are you so anxious about me having a party?"

Selena instantly stiffened. Seeing my half-smile, a surge of anger rose within her. She stomped her foot, her voice forceful. "No, I don't agree to you having one."

She took a step forward, grabbing my wrist, and spoke rapidly. "If you suddenly have a birthday party now, they'll think all your past low-key behavior was an act. You have to understand, everything you do represents the Hayes family's reputation. Your dad just handed the company over to you to manage; if you're so high-profile now, you'll be embarrassing him."

"And, you've rejected so many invitations before, saying you dislike socializing. Now you're suddenly throwing your own party, what will people think? They'll think you used to look down on them, deliberately put on airs, and now that they're doing well, you're trying to butter them up."

"Chloe, I'm doing this for your own good."

I lowered my eyes, looking at her hand gripping my wrist. Her nails were manicured; I had paid for that last month. The ring on her finger was a birthday gift I'd given her last year. The watch on her wrist was a limited edition my mom brought back from Switzerland; she said she liked it, so I took it off and gave it to her.

Everything on her, from head to toe, was mine. And she was using this hand, adorned with my possessions, to stop me from reclaiming what was rightfully mine.

I scoffed and said calmly, "Oh, but I've already sent out the invitations."

"What?" Selena gasped, her voice trembling. "Who did you send them to?"

I feigned thoughtfulness. "The Brooks family was the first, and then the Stone family... I'll help you test Ethan to see if he's a good match for you. And the Harrison family..."

Seeing Selena looking on the verge of collapsing, I directly pulled open the car door and got in.

Selena was absent-minded all day. That night, as I lay in bed, I heard a phone conversation coming from the next room.

"Baby, I heard you're having a birthday party. Why didn't you tell me beforehand?"

Selena's voice was feigned calm. "I thought you'd be back next week anyway, so it wasn't a big deal. Honey, you don't need to come."

"How can I not?" Ethan's tone was serious. "How could I miss your birthday? I've already bought my flight ticket. I'll be there right on time on the day of the party."

Selena's heart tightened. Just as she was about to try and dissuade him, Ethan hung up.

"No," she murmured to herself. "I can't just sit here and wait for disaster. This party has to be mine."

I scoffed.

Can't sit here and wait for disaster? I'd like to see what kind of trouble you can stir up.