Mr. Martin decided to host a grand celebration—a joint event for Rose's birthday and her remarkable success at the law school interview.
Sally, unable to contain her bitterness, stormed into Naomi's room.
"Why does Rose get everything I want?" she snapped. "Why is Dad celebrating her achievement?"
Although Naomi hated celebrating Rose's success, she knew that such events were always heavily covered by the media. The press would inevitably report on Rose's law school interview, and people would question why it hadn't been properly celebrated. This, in turn, would tarnish the perfect, polished image Naomi had carefully painted for herself in the public eye, exposing cracks in her flawless persona.
Naomi frowned, masking her own irritation. I still don't understand why Martin is giving Rose so much attention, she thought. Aloud, her tone softened—but her words were venomous beneath the sweetness.
"Anyway, you know what to do," Naomi said calmly. "Rose is here now. You must act like you love her. Act happy for her in front of your father. Do you understand?"
She placed a reassuring hand on Sally's shoulder. "You're the real heiress, darling. At the end of the day, she's nothing but an imitation."
Sally's eyes brightened. "Okay, Mom. I'll outshine her."
Naomi smiled. "You'll wear the best dress. The very best. Because you deserve it."
"Mom, you're the best," Sally said, grinning as she hurried back to her room.
When the door closed, Naomi's smile vanished.
Rose has truly become a problem, she thought coldly. And problems must be eliminated.
Marriage! that would be the fastest solution. Once Rose was tied down, everything would fall into place. Perhaps her birthday party would be the perfect opportunity, Naomi mused. An engagement announcement.
Later, Mr. Martin turned to Rose with pride.
"You've done well, my dear. You've passed your law school interview, just like you wished."
"Yes, Father," Rose replied softly. "Thank you, Dad."
"The party will be held tomorrow," he continued. "Is there anything you'd like?"
Rose hesitated. "May I invite my friends?"
"Your friends?" he echoed, then nodded. "Alright—but keep it small. The media will be present. No distractions."
"Thank you so much," Rose said sincerely.
She slipped away, retreating into a quiet corner of her room.
Rose pulled out her phone and called Calista. "Are you home? am coming over"
Rose quietly slipped out of Liu's Mansion.
Calista's house was just a few blocks away. Though her family wasn't as high-class as the Liu's, they still had a respectable level of wealth,enough to live comfortably, though never truly part of the elite social circle. Rose needed to make sure she received her invitation to the party, and this was the perfect chance to do so.
"Calista," she said softly, a hint of nervous excitement in her voice, "there's going to be a party. Will you come?"
Calista didn't hesitate.
"Of course I'm coming," she laughed. "I'll be right by your side, cheering you on—because you deserve every bit of it."Callista nudged Rose playfully and laughed.
"Maybe we'll see some hot, eligible bachelors tomorrow. Who knows? I might finally marry one of those CEO men straight out of a novel."
Rose laughed with her, the sound light and genuine. But unlike Callista, she had no interest in searching for eligible CEOs or powerful men. Her heart already belonged to someone else.
Demetrius.
After securing her place in law school, her second wish was simple and unwavering to marry Demetrius.
Calista Carlson had always been Rose's number-one supporter. She loved parties, loved crowds, and loved seeing Rose shine.
Rose smiled, warmth spreading through her chest.
They continued on. Rose left the Carlson's quietly, another invitation tucked behind her bag. She hurried down the next street toward Dametrius bakery. She knew he would be there.
She handed him an invitation card.
Dametrius stared at it for a moment, as though it were something fragile,something precious. A small smile curved his lips.
"Happy birthday," he said, lifting his gaze to hers.
Rose's face brightened at once.Dametrius glanced back down at the card, turning it slowly between his fingers, his eyes scanning through every word on it.
After a brief pause, Dametrius asked, "Will Sally be there? Will she be attending?"
Rose's smile dimmed just a little, but she nodded. "Yes. She will."
That was all he needed.
Dametrius's smile widened, barely restrained. From childhood, he had been deeply hopelessly obsessed with Sally. He had loved her quietly for years, never finding the courage to confess.Though everyone knew Rose loved him deeply,yet Dametrius true intentions stayed hidden behind his calm exterior. He stayed close to her for only one reason because being near Rose meant being near Sally. Moments like this, events like this, were opportunities he waited for, chances to move one step closer to the woman he truly wanted.
Rose, on the other hand, had always been drawn to Dametrius and he knew it.
Yet he had never returned her feelings. Not really.
Still, the invitation in his hand meant one thing: a chance to see Sally again.
"I'll be there," he said at last.
Rose nodded eagerly and hurried on, unaware of the silent truth lingering behind his smile.
The next day arrived.the day of the party.
Liu's Mansion stood radiant, dressed in layers of color and style, every detail deliberate, flawless. The exterior alone spoke volumes: wealth, elegance, power. It did not whisper luxury,it announced it.
Exclusive cars lined the driveway in perfect formation. The media swarmed the entrance, cameras flashing, voices buzzing with hunger for exclusive gossip and whispered scandals. Celebrities, tycoons, and influential figures streamed in effortlessly. This kind of party was never meant for the poor, never for those on the other side of the street. It was designed for allies, for the elite, for people who belonged to a different world entirely.
Inside that world, everyone had an agenda.
Sally waited patiently, ready to seize the spotlight the moment it appeared. Naomi lingered in the shadows, quietly weaving her own schemes. And Rose,she was excited. Not just because it was her party, but because it was a rare chance to have Demetrius stand beside her in such event… and to be with her best friend, Calista.
This environment was never meant for girls like her, yet tonight, it opened its doors.