Chapter 28
Emily and Brad strolled into the grand ballroom, blending into the elite crowd without much fuss.
Emily was rocking a pale pink gown with a flowy, ruffled hem, giving off major innocent and graceful vibes.
The Orsini family didn’t have much pull in these circles, so they barely got a second glance. Every now and then, someone who knew them would swing by, say a quick hello, and then move on.
Emily’s eyes scanned the room, looking for Alex. And there he was, standing with Harper, the two of them practically glowing among the guests.
Emily’s eyes narrowed, her gaze turning icy. That spot next to Alex should’ve been hers, not Harper’s! Now, Harper was there, acting all high and mighty, while Emily was stuck in the shadows, completely overlooked.
It had always been like this! It wa
as if her very existence was a mistake. When people talked about the Orsini family’s daughter, it was always Harper.
Harper was the one who got to be in the family records, while Emily wasn’t even allowed at family memorials. To them, Emily was just the daughter of an insignificant woman.
ま
So, what did that make her? From that moment on, she swore she’d take everything that belonged to Harper. Everything!
Just then, someone called Alex away, and the crowd around them thinned out, leaving Harper standing alone, looking both cold and stunning, like a thorny rose blooming in the winter wind.
Emily glanced at Brad, and they shared a knowing smile before she made a beeline for Harper. With Alex gone, Emily didn’t need to pretend anymore. She looked Harper up and down, a mocking smile curling her lips.
“Well, well, who are you trying to seduce now, you tramp?” Her words were sharp, dripping with sarcasm. “Alex doesn’t want you anymore, so you’re already on the hunt for another lover?”
Harper was a bit taken aback to see Emily here. Harper clung to Brad’s arm, giving off an intimidating vibe, like a beast ready to pounce.
“Emily, I don’t want to cause a scene here. You’d better stay away from me.” Harper said sternly.
After all, this was the Majestic City’s charity gala, packed with big shots. Any drama would reflect badly on the Lavien Group. Harper had already thought this through. She wasn’t the type to lose her cool.
In a place like this, she had to keep it together and couldn’t afford any slip–ups that would make her a laughingstock. If Emily had any sense, she’d know this wasn’t the place for her antics.
Emily’s smile widened. “You think I’m causing a scene? You’re mistaken. I’m openly mocking you.”
Emily then pouted, looking at Brad with a fake angry expression. “Dad, you should teach her a lesson. If she hadn’t been clinging to Alex and refusing to divorce, we would’ve been married by now.”
“I just don’t get how a woman can be so shameless. Alex clearly doesn’t want her anymore, yet she keeps dragging out the divorce.”
Brad got the message loud and clear. He let out a cold snort, his voice dripping with disdain.
“Like mother, like daughter. Her mom was a tramp, too.”
Harper felt a sharp sting in her chest, anger bubbling up inside her. It was one thing to insult her, but dragging her mother into it? That was too much.
“That’s right,” Emily said, her mocking smile growing wider as she locked eyes with Harper. “You and your mother are both tramps! Both of you!”
She repeated the words, her tone getting
“Vier, like she was trying to brand them onto Harper.
Harper’s anger exploded. She slapped Emily hard across the face. The sound echoed through the room.
Emily was stunned for a moment. Then, the pain hit her, and she covered her cheek, looking shocked.
You actually hit me?”
Harper sneered. “I told you to shut up!”
People nearby turned to look, whispering among themselves, probably wondering what had just gone down.
Humiliation washed over Emily. Harper had publicly humiliated her in front of everyone. How could she face anyone after this? Her face turned red, and her
1/2
eyes filled with tears.
“Harper, you’re crazy!”
Harper stepped closer, staring directly into Emily’s eyes, her gaze fierce.
“Emily, I warned you to stay away from me! Do you think I won’t do something even crazier right now?”
As soon as she finished speaking, Emily called out, “Alex!” and threw herself into Alex’s arms.
She cried out, tears streaming down her face, soaking Alex’s chest.
Alex stood there coldly, his gaze sharp.
“What happened?”
Emily choked up, unable to speak.
Brad piped in angrily. “She slapped Emily!”
Emily looked up, her tear–filled eyes fixed on Alex.
“Alex, Harper didn’t want me to come to the gala, but Dad insisted. I didn’t take her place. She’s still your partner. Why can’t she tolerate me? What did I do wrong?”
Brad chimed in, “Exactly. Harper is being unreasonable!”
Alex’s expression grew colder. Without asking Harper for her side of the story, he said plainly, “Apologize to Emily!”
Harper almost laughed in disbelief. She didn’t want to explain, and there was no need to explain. To someone who didn’t care about her perspective, no amount of explanation would matter. He would only believe what he wanted to believe.
“She deserved it. I won’t apologize!”
Her tone was firm, her attitude resolute, her expression unyielding. For the first time, she openly defied him.
Alex’s anger grew. Since he had known Harper, she had always been calm and obedient. No matter what he asked, Harper would only say, “Okay, I understand. But tonight, in front of so many people, she said no.
“If you hit someone, you should apologize!”
Alex emphasized again, his tone carrying a threat. “Harper, do you not want to be my assistant anymore?”
Harper felt a chill in her heart. She looked up at Alex, her tone even colder. “Mr. Lavien, if that’s what you want, then I have no choice but to accept it.”
The decision was in his hands. If he was so unreasonable, what more could she say?
The atmosphere was tense.
Emily gently tugged on Alex’s sleeve, her voice soft. “Alex, it’s okay. Harper is your partner here. I don’t want to make things difficult for you.”
