Chapter 8: Chapter 8

“Jessica, you’re awesome! Even Jeremy made it to your birthday party.”

“Of course, he wouldn’t want to let Jessica down.”

“Well, I heard Jeremy’s got a thing for Jess…”

Jessica blushed, cutting in swiftly, “Okay, enough with the nonsense, guys.”

Jeremy Chandler was the fourth grandson of Brian, the wealthiest man in Clusia. Actually, the Chandler name alone carried immense influence.

“But with Jeremy around, someone’s up to her mischief again.”

“Place your bets! What antic do you think Annie will pull off to catch Jeremy’s attention today?”

“Remember the pole dancing stunt? Then the clown outfit? Not to mention the handmade bracelet -she ga gave him last time. Can you believe she still did that in this day and age!”

Laughter filled the room, with some already grabbing their phones, eager to capture any potentially embarrassing moment from Annie.

Annie remained silent, seeming lost in her own thoughts amidst the chaos.

Upstairs, Jackson squinted at her, puzzled. ‘How could a woman like her be involved in such rumored shenanigans? Love really blinds people, huh?‘ All of a sudden, something caught his eye, and he paused his finger tapping on the railings, a slight smile forming on his lips. “This is getting interesting.”

Annie’s evening gown had a long train that swept the floor entirely. Jessica took a few steps to the side, lifted her heel, and stepped on Annie’s trailing dress secretly.

Yolanda exchanged a glance with Jessica and nudged Annie teasingly, “Hey, Annie, Jeremy’s over there, go say hi.”

As long as Annie took one step, she would stumble. And she happened to be standing right by the edge of the swimming pool, one wrong step and she would definitely end up in the water. Yolanda and Jessica shared a mischievous glance, as if they already foresaw what was about to unfold.

Annie pretended to move forward but halted midway.

Yolanda inquired, “What’s up? Feeling shy? Relax, even if you slip up, Jeremy won’t hold it against you.

Those words made it seem like Jeremy was really fond of Annie, and in the past, Annie would have taken such implications seriously. Yet, if it weren’t for Yolanda and Jessica constantly planting seeds of hope in her mind, why would she repeatedly act so foolishly? Annie let out a chuckle and replied. nonchalantly, Yolanda, you sure have a way with words. It’s almost like you know I’m destined to mess up.”

“Did I say something wrong? Every time you’re around Jeremy… Yolanda remarked.

“Volanda Jessica cut her off abruptly, giving her a jointed look.

Yolanda sulked and shitled to stand behind Jessica.

Jessica smiled, “Annie, Jeremy’s waiting. Aren’t you going to greet him?”

In a curious tone, Annie quipped, “It’s Jessica’s basli today, and she’s the belle of the ball. Why’s it on me to be the welcoming the guest?”

Jessica faltered, speechless, Annie chuckled. She knew exactly why. Every time he made a fool of herself, it seemed to amplify Jessica’s glow. This way, Jeremy never spared a glance for a small–town girl like Annie but paid attention to Jessica instead. Too bad her younger sell had been so clueless. It wasn’t until later, when John and Jeremy schemed together, that Annie realized Jessica held a torch for Jeremy.

Just then. Jeremy approached them. Towering and composed, his self–assured presence had elicited plenty of admiring gasps along the way.

Jessica and Yolanda stared at Annie, urging her on in their hearts, “Come on. Get a move on.”

Annie locked eyes with Jeremy calmly. He was dressed to the nines, and his polished demeanor and handsome visage still radiated the same allure as their first encounter.

Once upon a time, her heart would skip a beat at the sight of him, but now, it was not love that surged through her, but a deep–seated enmity. She lowered her gaze, concealing the blaze of resentment in her eyes. ‘No need to rush. I’ve gotall the time in the world now to settle scores!

When she lifted her head once more, she had managed a subtle smile on her face. “Jeremy, been a while since we last met.”