Chapter 3

Several hours earlier.

The hotel ballroom was filled with crystal light.

A giant chandelier reflected its glow across the entire room, making the guests’ expensive gowns sparkle like living jewels.

Livia Moreau stood stiffly near the drinks table.

She hardly dared to move.

The white-silver gown she wore felt too beautiful for her. The soft fabric had been specially made in Paris—something she had never even imagined she could wear.

The Moreau family’s diamond necklace hung around her neck.

Too expensive.

Too conspicuous.

Too unlike her.

This was the first time in Livia’s life attending a party like this.

The guests spoke about stocks, billion-dollar projects, and power in low, calculating voices.

Livia felt like a stranger in their world.

At the far end of the ballroom stood the man who was the center of attention that night.

Adrian De Luca.

Tall. Upright. His handsome face with a sharp jawline made him look difficult to approach.

Investors surrounded him.

Everyone seemed to respect him.

Or perhaps fear him.

Livia swallowed.

That man would become Claire’s husband.

She still could not believe her stepsister would marry such an extraordinary man.

“Livia.”

A gentle voice called her.

She turned quickly.

Claire stood behind her.

Beautiful. Elegant. The black gown she wore looked expensive and perfect.

Claire smiled.

A smile Livia had rarely seen since childhood.

“I’ve been looking for you,” she said softly.

Livia immediately became nervous.

“Claire… I was just standing here.”

Claire observed her face for a few seconds.

“You look tense.”

Livia gave a small laugh.

“This is my first time at a party like this.”

Claire nodded as if she understood.

“Of course. You were raised in the countryside.”

That sentence usually sounded like an insult.

But tonight, Claire’s tone was different.

Gentle.

Almost friendly.

“I want you to enjoy tonight,” she continued.

Livia looked at her in surprise.

“Really?”

“Of course.”

Claire took a glass of orange juice from a waiter’s tray and handed it to her.

“I know you don’t drink alcohol.”

Livia smiled faintly.

“Thank you, Claire.”

She accepted the glass with a warm heart.

Their relationship had never been close.

But tonight felt different.

Maybe after Claire got married… everything would change.

She sipped the juice slowly.

It tasted fresh.

Claire stood beside her, watching Livia with a faint smile.

“You look beautiful tonight,” she said.

Livia almost choked.

A compliment from Claire felt unfamiliar.

The girl’s cheeks flushed.

“This dress is too expensive for me.”

Claire laughed softly.

“Just consider it a gift from me.”

Livia looked at her with gratitude.

Across the room, Adrian De Luca glanced briefly in their direction.

The man’s gaze was cold.

But Livia immediately lowered her head.

She did not dare to look for too long.

A man like that belonged to a world very far from hers.

She took another sip of her juice.

This time it tasted slightly bitter.

Claire watched her calmly.

“You should come to parties like this more often,” she said casually.

“Someday you might marry a rich man too.”

Livia laughed softly.

“I’ve never thought about something like that.”

“You never know the future.”

Claire smiled again.

But this time the smile did not reach her eyes.

A few minutes later—

Livia began to feel strange.

The music in the ballroom sounded farther and farther away.

The crystal lights above her head slowly spun.

Livia’s vision blurred.

“Sis…” her voice weakened.

Claire immediately held her arm.

“Is your head dizzy?”

“Yes…”

“You look pale.”

Livia tried to stand straight, but her body swayed.

“I… might need some rest.”

“Of course.”

Claire quickly supported her.

Her grip was firm.

Too firm.

Two other women came to help support Livia’s body.

“We’ll take you to a room,” Claire said softly.

Livia nodded weakly.

Her eyes were growing heavy.

“Sis…”

“Yes?”

Livia smiled faintly.

“Thank you for being kind to me tonight.”

Claire did not answer.

They walked through the quiet hotel corridor.

Livia’s steps grew heavier.

The world began to darken.

In front of a luxurious suite door, Claire stopped.

She opened the door with an access card.

The room was spacious and silent.

The city lights could be seen through the large glass window.

“Sleep for a while,” Claire said.

Livia did not even have the strength to ask.

Her body was laid down on the bed.

Her vision was almost gone.

Claire’s voice sounded faint in her ears.

“An illegitimate child will always remain illegitimate…”

Livia’s heart trembled.

But she was too weak to move.

“At least you’re still useful for something,” Claire continued softly.

The sound of footsteps approached the door.

Someone entered.

A man.

His steps were heavy.

But Livia could no longer open her eyes.

Claire stood near the door, looking at Livia’s unconscious body on the bed.

A faint smile appeared on her face.

Perfect.

She took out her phone.

Typed a short message.

“Now.”

Then she calmly left the room.

Leaving Livia in the wrong man’s bed.

And a few hours later—

that scandal would destroy her life.