Chapter 4

Sure enough, early the next morning, a crowd burst into my room.

Chloe marched in with a team of makeup artists and stylists, looking as enthusiastic as if she were the one getting married. "Scarlett, today is your big day! I came to help you get ready."

I looked at her with suspicion. "No need. I can handle it myself."

"Oh, come on, I know your face best," Chloe said, pushing me down into the vanity chair. She turned to the makeup artist. "Make her look as plain as possible. Keep it super light. As for the dress..." She scanned my closet and pulled out a plain white, high-necked dress. "Wear this."

A white, long-sleeved, high-necked dress that went all the way to my ankles.

I looked like a nun.

I stared at myself in the mirror. My naturally sultry, bedroom eyes had been painted to look like a timid, round-eyed girl. My pale skin was covered in a thick layer of dull, dark foundation, and my red lips were muted with a dry nude lipstick. I looked like a withered flower with its petals ripped off.

Chloe nodded in satisfaction. "See? Much better. You look like a respectable girl now."

I got it.

She was terrified of me stealing her spotlight, so she deliberately made me look ugly.

But she forgot one thing: Julian had publicly demanded me last night. No matter what I wore today, he was coming for me.

Chloe seemed to have completely blocked that part out. She ran upstairs to change into her ultimate weapon—a champagne-colored designer mermaid gown with a plunging neckline, her hair pinned up to show off her delicate collarbones.

She twirled in front of the mirror, a smug smirk on her lips.

Her mother, Victoria, walked in and lowered her voice. "Any word from the Sterling family?"

Chloe shook her head. "No. But I did some digging. When Julian announced it last night, he said the 'second daughter of the Vance family.' Think about it, Mom. Who is the second daughter?"

Victoria frowned. "That useless brat, Scarlett?"

"Exactly," Chloe laughed. "But do you honestly think Julian Sterling would marry someone like her? A girl with a homewrecker face? The Sterling patriarch would never allow it. I bet Julian just threw her name out to piss off his family who’s pressuring him to marry."

Victoria nodded. "So today’s proposal is..."

"A total bluff," Chloe said, touching up her lipstick. "When Julian gets here, he’ll realize that the only woman in the Vance family worthy of him is me."

She checked the clock. "Mom, when Julian sees me standing next to that plain, washed-out vixen, who do you think he’ll choose?"

Victoria sneered proudly. "Is that even a question? Unless he’s blind, he’ll choose you."

Downstairs, I was made to sit in the darkest corner of the living room. Nobody even bothered to pour me a glass of water.

Chloe sat gracefully on the main sofa, her posture perfect, wearing a sweet smile like a queen waiting for her coronation.

Victoria was pacing around. "Are the flowers set up? Is the red carpet laid out?"

The maids were scrambling, rolling out a long red carpet from the entrance to the living room, lined with hundreds of red roses.

Victoria nodded in approval. "The Sterling family represents ultimate wealth. We must have a grand entrance. Chloe, when Julian arrives, don't speak too quickly. Let him talk first. Got it?"

Chloe nodded. "I know, Mom. Elegant and poised."

"Good. That’s how a real billionaire's wife should behave." Victoria cast a mocking glare toward my corner. "Unlike some people, who look like they were born to be cheap mistresses."

I kept my head down, playing on my phone, ignoring them.

A message from Julian popped up ten minutes ago: "Arriving at ten."

It was currently 9:55 AM.

Suddenly, the roar of multiple car engines echoed from outside.

The sound got closer and closer.

Victoria clapped her hands in excitement. "He’s here! He’s here! Chloe, stand up!"

Chloe stood up, smoothed down her gown, took a deep breath, and put on her flawless, sweet smile.

The heavy front doors swung open—

And everyone froze.

Julian wasn't there. Instead, eight towering bodyguards in black suits marched in, lining up in two perfect rows.

Following them was the head butler of the Sterling family, holding a thick crimson ledger.

"Listen closely, Vance family. Here is the list of Julian Sterling’s multi-billion-dollar proposal gifts—"