Chapter 3

The entire room fell dead silent.

Julian stepped out from the wings, stepping directly into the spotlight. His face was as cold as carved ice. He scanned the crowd and spoke into the mic. "I invited you all here today to announce one thing."

Chloe was so tense she practically dug her nails into my arm.

Julian’s voice was smooth, commanding, and unhurried. "The second daughter of the Vance family, Scarlett Vance."

The entire room froze.

I could feel a thousand eyes cutting toward me like daggers.

Chloe gasped, her grip on my arm slipping away. "What?"

Julian looked directly in my direction, his voice echoing clearly through the speakers. "Tomorrow, I will personally visit the Vance estate with a billion-dollar proposal gift."

"Boom—"

The entire ballroom erupted into absolute chaos.

I could hear the sharp intakes of breath all around me.

"Scarlett Vance? That homewrecker?"

"No way. Is Julian blind?"

The smile on Chloe’s face completely shattered. She whipped her head toward me, her eyes wide with pure, unadulterated shock. "You? How is that possible?"

I didn't say a word, mostly because I was shocked myself.

That text... was real? Julian actually wanted to marry me?

Julian didn't look my way again. He turned and walked off the stage, leaving a room full of dumbfounded high-society elites.

Chloe stood frozen. Her expression went from shock to boiling rage, and then to absolute humiliation. She had spent a month preparing her innocent look, pulled strings to get this invite, and made sure the whole city knew she was coming to be chosen. And now, Julian had publicly declared he was marrying her "vixen" sister?

Her best friend crept closer, her voice trembling. "Chloe... what is going on?"

Chloe forced a strained smile, her voice tight. "It’s fine. Julian must have made a mistake."

A mistake?

A man like Julian Sterling didn't make mistakes.

On the ride home, Chloe didn't say a single word to me.

She sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window, her fingers twisting her designer bag strap so hard her knuckles turned white.

I sat in the back, and my phone lit up.

A text from Julian: "Have you made up your mind? Will you accept my proposal?"

I typed back: "I have. Yes, I will."

"See you tomorrow."

Three simple words, but I could read the underlying intensity. This guy had known exactly who I was from the very start. He had sent that text three days ago, back when everyone was still guessing who his fiancée would be. He had already chosen me.

The car pulled up to the Vance estate.

The moment I stepped out, Chloe spun around. Her sweet face distorted with malice for a split second before she forced a gentle smile. "Scarlett, I’m so happy for you."

Wow, her acting was top-tier.

Happy? The veins on her hand clutching her bag were practically bursting.

I didn't bother calling her out. "Thanks, Chloe."

Chloe reached out and patted my head, smiling sweetly. "We’re sisters, Scarlett. No need to thank me. Oh, by the way, Julian is coming tomorrow. If you need anything, I’ll help you get ready."

Looking at her "sincere" eyes, I sneered inwardly.

Chloe, the sweeter you act, the more it means you’re planning something dirty.