Chapter 5

The day before the press conference happened to be the birthday of Lily Clark, Justin's mother.

As it was the first grand celebration since the Fullers' comeback, the event was held on a lavish scale.

In the afternoon, Justin called numerous stylists over. He also had his assistant bid for several pieces of high-end jewelry and had them sent to the house.

Claudia began directing the stylists as they rushed to place the jewelry on her.

As for Alyssa, she just looked at the jewelry in the boxes and shook her head. "I won't wear these."

Justin was momentarily taken aback, then said with a smile, "Alyssa, the company has gone public now. You don't have to help me scrimp and save anymore."

Claudia spoke up, feigning consideration. "Justin, since Ms. Lambert doesn't want to wear them, don't force her. I heard she's an orphan, so she probably isn't used to wearing such things."

Alyssa replied calmly, "Indeed, I'm not used to it."

After all, her own jewelry would often cost tens of millions or even hundreds of millions. She really wasn't used to jewelry worth just a few million dollars.

Seeing her insistence, Justin didn't press further.

…

By the time they arrived at the banquet hall, most of the guests were already waiting.

Justin was immediately surrounded by business partners and pulled aside to chat, leaving only Alyssa and Claudia together.

Alyssa didn't like staying with people she wasn't familiar with, so she went straight to the dessert table on the other side of the hall.

As soon as she left, all the socialites gathered around Claudia.

"Claudia, you're amazing. You just returned to the country and are already by Mr. Fuller's side once more."

"That's right. You were apart for three years, yet you can still get back together. It seems he never forgot you."

"Of course. Back in the day, Mr. Fuller was famous for doting on you."

Claudia smiled smugly when she heard this. With a triumphant glint in her eyes, she glanced covertly at Alyssa before pretending to be bashful.

"Don't say such things. I've only just returned and am staying at Justin's place temporarily. Ms. Lambert has been by his side these past three years. I'm sure Justin doesn't think of me anymore. We're just friends now."

As she spoke, her eyes reddened slightly.

The people around Claudia looked Alyssa up and down with slightly disdainful expressions.

Those who could attend this birthday party came from wealthy and influential families, so naturally, they looked down on her as an "orphan".

They didn't lower their voices as they made snide remarks, and as such, Alyssa heard their comments clearly.

"The Fullers have made a comeback, and Mr. Fuller is the hottest rising star right now. Doesn't she know her own worth as an orphan?"

"Exactly. She just latched onto him when the Fullers were down. Mr. Fuller probably just lets her stick around out of gratitude for these years of companionship. Her status isn't befitting of the current him."

Alyssa only chuckled lightly when she heard their disparaging remarks.

Indeed, her status and Justin's didn't match. But it wasn't that she didn't deserve Justin. No, it was he who didn't deserve her.

After the birthday party officially began, everyone presented the gifts they had brought for Lily.

Alyssa also offered the emerald pendant she had prepared. Lily accepted the gift, and without opening the box to look, handed it to the staff member behind her.

She took Alyssa's hand and said with a smile, "Aly, we really owe it to you for staying faithfully by Justin's side over the past three years. I'm just happy you could come. You didn't need to bring a gift.

"Now that Justin's company has gone public, the Fullers must repay this kindness of yours. Tell me—what would you like? How about a house?"

Having grown up wealthy, Alyssa perfectly understood the true intention hidden beneath Lily's seemingly gentle demeanor.

It was a veiled warning. Her companionship for the past three years could only be exchanged for material compensation, and anything more was absolutely out of the question.

When the Fullers went bankrupt, Alyssa's arrival had moved Lily to tears. Thus, Lily had always treated her well for the past three years.

Now, with the Fullers' comeback, Lily was starting to draw a clear line.

Even Alyssa, who had witnessed her share of the world's fickleness, couldn't help but feel a surge of derision in her heart. She initially came to the birthday party just to say goodbye to Lily, but now, it seemed that wasn't necessary either.

At that moment, Claudia presented a box to Lily. "Mrs. Fuller, this is a gift for you. I hope you like it."

Upon Lily's opening of the gift box, a necklace adorned with multi-colored gemstones was revealed.

Deep down, Lily resented Claudia, the woman who had once abandoned her son. But when she saw the dazzling necklace, she couldn't help but gasp in admiration.

Claudia noted her reaction and smiled. "This is a necklace that once belonged to the Albion royal family. I acquired it abroad. The moment I saw it, I thought it would suit you perfectly."

Lily did indeed like the necklace very much. She eagerly held it up against her neck, prompting everyone around to offer her praise and flattery.

Alyssa thought the atmosphere was becoming stifling, so she turned to leave.

However, Claudia specifically called out to her. "Alyssa, what do you think of the gift I gave Mrs. Fuller?"

Alyssa looked at the necklace in Lily's hands. She hesitated briefly before calmly saying, "The design is exquisite, and the craftsmanship superior."

The triumphant gleam in Claudia's eyes darkened when she heard that evaluation.

But then, Alyssa added, "It's a high-quality counterfeit."