Chapter 5

Jacob's expression darkened, and he strode over to me. "Get up. Who said you could sit here?"

I glanced up at him, not moving an inch. "It's my seat. Why shouldn't I sit here?"

"Your seat?"

Jacob let out a sneer, his face painted with pure disdain. "Look at the name card. This is Mr. Cain's spot. Don't think I don't know what kind of game you're playing. Stop making a fool of yourself here. Get to the back with me."

He was making a scene, drawing the eyes of surrounding guests and sparking a flurry of whispers.

"Who is that woman? Sitting in the front row and getting into a spat with Mr. Lloyd?"

"Look at the logo on her clothes. Could she be Mrs. Cain?"

"Are you kidding? Would someone like Mrs. Cain even show up to a gala like this?"

Sasha walked over, intentionally raising her voice. "Celine, you actually had the nerve to fake being Mrs. Cain just to sneak into this gala? Too bad a fake is always fake. Aren't you afraid Mr. Cain will catch you and kick you out?"

Jacob's brow furrowed even deeper as he barked an order, "Take off that knockoff right now and step outside with me. Don't cause trouble for me here."

I remained seated, looking up at him with a mocking gaze. "Are you sure you want to throw me out?"

Seeing that I actually had the nerve to talk back, Sasha lunged forward to grab me. "You never learn until it's too late! Do you have any idea how much trouble this is going to bring Jacob?"

I sidestepped to dodge her, but someone covertly stuck out a foot, sending me crashing heavily onto the marble floor.

Sasha seized the moment to plant her heel right onto my wrist. "Stop clinging to a piece of knockoff trash like it's some kind of treasure."

Security rushed over at the noise, and I called out in a cold voice, "Stop. I am Oliver's—"

Before I could finish, Sasha splashed the glass of red wine in her hand straight at my face. "You think you're worthy of even speaking Mr. Cain's name? Pick a believable lie next time! Keep talking trash, and I won't be so nice!"

Jacob crouched down and reached out to wipe my face, but I jerked away.

His expression darkened, and he slapped me across the face. His tone remained arrogant as he said, "Drop the act and behave yourself. Beg me just once, and I'll smooth this over for you and keep you by my side."

I hadn't planned on settling scores with them when I came back this time.

After all, those seven years of history had long been worn down to nothing. To me, they were just irrelevant strangers.

But now, they were laying hands on me time and time again.

I was going to make them pay dearly with heavy interest.

I looked up at Jacob and smirked. "Jacob, you're done for."

His brow creased, and he opened his mouth to say something more.

Suddenly, the entire ballroom fell dead silent.

The guests who had been chatting in small groups all straightened up, turning their eyes toward the main entrance. A few even stepped forward instinctively.

Jacob's expression changed instantly. He frantically reached out to yank me up and whispered in a panicked rush, "Mr. Cain is here! Behave yourself and don't cause me trouble! Don't worry. Sasha and I already agreed. Once I get a firm footing, I won't treat you badly."

Rubbing my wrist, which felt nearly broken under Sasha's heel, I found the man in front of me as pathetic as he was despicable.

What the hell did whatever happened between him and Sasha have to do with me?

Just then, a wave of commotion stirred at the entrance.

Oliver walked in, holding Noah in his arms, surrounded by a crowd of high-level executives like a king among his court.

The second they stepped into the hall, Noah wriggled around, wanting to be put down.

His eyes scanned the room in a quick sweep. At the sight of me on the floor, he immediately sprinted over.

Jacob, however, was still staring at me and adopting a tone of pure charity. "Get up already! As long as you don't cause any more scenes, I'll forgive you for walking out on me back then without a word."

I ignored him completely. My eyes were locked tightly on Noah running toward me and the man walking up behind him.

"Mommy!"