Chapter 2

Chloe sat on the edge of my bed, smiling like a literal angel.

"Scarlett, just help me out this once," she pleaded, blinking her watery, innocent eyes. "The Sterling family is hosting a gala to choose Julian's fiancée. I need someone to go with me—to balance things out. You get it, right?"

I leaned against my headboard, staying dead silent.

I knew her little game all too well.

Since we were kids, she had been the golden girl of the Upper East Side. Pure, elegant, and generous.

And me? I had these feline, bedroom eyes, pale skin that practically oozed a dangerous charm, and a body so curvy that no outfit could fully hide it. I was her perfect contrast.

With me standing next to her, she looked like a saint.

The snobby elite wives privately called me a "born homewrecker," whispering that I was only good for being a rich man's plaything.

When Chloe first heard those rumors, she cried, hugged me, and said she was so sorry. Then, she turned around and made sure those exact words spread to every single gossip blog in high society.

"Scarlett, are you still mad at me?" She reached out to grab my hand.

I pulled away, dodging her touch. "Why should I go?"

"Because..." She bit her lip, her eyes pooling with tears as if she were about to break down. "Because I'm begging you. Mom and Dad said if we don't land this opportunity, our family is completely ruined. Just do it for the family, please."

Here we go again.

Looking at her tear-streaked, pitiful face, I remembered how she had cried and begged me ten years ago.

She had asked for the necklace my late mother left me, saying she just wanted to wear it once and promised to return it. The very next day, I saw that exact necklace on her best friend’s neck.

When I confronted her, she casually said she had lost it at a party.

But my mother’s dying words were for me to protect that necklace with my life.

"Fine. I’ll go," I said flatly.

Chloe instantly threw her arms around me. "I knew you were the best, Scarlett!"

As she turned to leave, I heard her pick up her phone in the hallway. "Mom, she agreed... Don't worry. A man like Julian Sterling would never look at a girl with a trashy face like hers..."

I smiled to myself.

Sure. Let's see about my trashy face.

The heir of the Sterling empire was notorious for having impossibly high standards. Rumor had it he had rejected every single debutante on the Upper East Side.

Chloe thought this was her golden ticket. She thought bringing me along would make her pure vibe pop, guaranteeing her win.

But there was one thing she didn't know.

Three days ago, I received a text from an unknown number: "Miss Scarlett Vance, in three days, I will propose to you in front of everyone."

The sender: "Julian Sterling."

I hadn't replied, and I hadn't told a soul.

Chloe, you dragged me into this game. I hope you don't regret it.

The scale of the Sterling gala was absolutely insane.

The most powerful families in the city had arrived, and luxury sports cars lined the blocks for miles. Chloe wore a trailing, modest white gown. Her hair was down in soft waves, her face barely painted, finished with a nude lip. She looked like a fresh, delicate white lily.

She held my arm tightly, whispering, "Scarlett, don't wander off. Just stick close to me."

I glanced down at myself. I was wearing a slinky black mini-dress, bold red lipstick, and my feline eyes were sharp. I looked like a wicked temptress ready to break some hearts.

"Chloe, are you sure you wanted me to wear this?"

"It’s perfect," Chloe said with a sweet smile. "Standing together, we show Julian that the Vance family has every kind of flavor."

Translation: "Look at how pure and classy I am next to this cheap, trashy vixen."

In the bustling ballroom, the debutantes immediately swarmed Chloe.

"Chloe, you look gorgeous tonight!"

"Julian is definitely going to choose you. Everyone knows he prefers the elegant type."

"Ugh, look at her sister. She's dressed like she's heading to a cheap nightclub. Embarrassing for the family."

All eyes fell on me, dripping with mockery.

A girl in a pink designer dress giggled behind her hand. "Chloe, why did you even bring her? Aren't you afraid she'll try to seduce Julian?"

Chloe put on a deeply hurt expression. "She's my sister. Please don't talk about her like that."

Keep acting, Chloe. Keep going.

I sipped my champagne, saying nothing. My eyes drifted toward the second-floor VIP balcony. A tall, striking figure was leaning against the railing.

Julian Sterling.

Bespoke black suit, pale skin, and features so sharp they looked sculpted by an artist. He exuded an icy, untouchable authority. He was looking down at the crowd, and his gaze cut straight through the sea of people, locking onto me.

Two seconds later, the corner of his mouth twitched upward.

That look... it was the look of a hunter spotting his favorite prey.

Chloe noticed him too. She immediately straightened her spine, flashing her sweetest, most radiant smile, and gave him a delicate wave.

Julian ignored her completely.

He turned and walked away.

A flash of embarrassment crossed Chloe’s face, but she quickly recovered. "Julian is just like that. So cold, so mysterious. I love it."

Her best friend chimed in instantly. "Of course! He’s the heir to the empire. He doesn't just wave back at anyone. But you’re different, Chloe. He definitely noticed you."

Right then, the ballroom lights dimmed, and a spotlight hit the grand stage.

The head butler of the Sterling family stepped up. "Thank you all for coming. Mr. Sterling has an announcement."