Chapter 3

In an instant, the air around me seemed to freeze.

Faced with the envious stares of the crowd, I remained calm and politely declined:

"I can't accept such a generous gift without reason. Please thank the guest on my behalf."

With that, I grabbed my bag and walked away.

I had only taken two steps when a figure blocked my path.

Julian's face was livid, his eyes burning with rage.

Before he could explode, Chloe’s instigating voice chimed in:

"Oh, Julian, did someone just steal your girl? Wow, I never thought I'd see the day you got humiliated like this."

She looked between Julian and me with a fake smile:

"Tsk, five years of dating meant absolutely nothing. She’s moving on without a second thought. She doesn't love you at all."

"Only you, Julian, would be dumb enough to chase her all the way here."

Julian trembled with rage. He turned and snapped at Chloe:

"Shut up, Chloe! This is none of your business!"

Seeing Julian this angry made Chloe even more thrilled.

"How is it none of my business? Watching you suffer is my favorite hobby. But..."

She shifted the target back to me, trying to completely shatter whatever was left between Julian and me:

"I'm really curious, Sienna. Did you reject Julian because you look down on him, or... did you find a better sugar daddy and throw Julian out like trash?"

With that, Chloe leaned closer to Julian, pretending to comfort him:

"Julian, face it. You’re completely out of the game. She’s hooked a billionaire who can do a blank check buyout. Why would she care about your net worth?"

"Only I have been willing to stick by you all these years."

As expected, Julian was entirely triggered by her mockery.

He glared at me with pure malice:

"Sienna! Tell me! Is she speaking the truth? Have you been playing me this entire time—"

Looking at Julian's face, twisted with jealousy and rage, I laughed.

Five years of love, and this was how little he thought of me.

"Julian," I said, meeting his bloodshot eyes. "Is that really the kind of woman you think I am?"

To him, my refusal to explain was a confession.

Julian’s fists clenched so hard his knuckles turned white. He growled:

"Fine... perfect!"

"How dare you play me like a fool!"

I didn't bother arguing. I turned and walked away.

Julian’s threatening roar echoed behind me:

"Sienna, you’ll pay for this!"

Since that auction, Julian and Chloe’s dynamic changed completely.

They were no longer the "rivals" who bickered constantly. Instead, they started showing up everywhere together. Rumors of their romance flooded the social scene.

Some even made sure these rumors reached my ears:

"Julian finally opened his eyes. He wasted five years on the wrong girl, but his true love was right next to him all along."

I just smiled and ignored it.

Until I had no choice but to attend the 90th anniversary gala of the Sterling family patriarch.

After a few drinks, the host announced the entertainment segment.

To my surprise, Julian dragged Chloe onto the stage and snatched the microphone. He scanned the crowd, his eyes locking onto me with a look of long-awaited vengeance.

Julian took a deep breath and began his performance.

"First, I’d like to wish my great-grandfather a very happy 90th birthday! May he live a long and healthy life!"

He started with the formalities, then abruptly changed his tone.

"And on this wonderful day, in front of all our family and friends, I, Julian Sterling, want to settle some old business and share some incredible news!"

The entire room focused on him.