Chapter 18

“Emmeline!” Alana’s smile was saccharine sweet as she made her way toward her cousin. “If you didn’t have a dress to wear tonight, I could have lent you one! I have plenty of better-quality dresses after all!”

“Well, this dress was only 99 dollars, including shipping!” Emmeline chuckled. “It’s perfect for tonight,” she added.

Alana’s expression hardened. “What do you mean? Are you mocking our family with your cheap fashion?” Alana gave Emmeline a hard shove, causing Emmeline to stumble and fall backward. However, she was saved by a pair of strong hands that cushioned her fall from behind. Abel Ryker had just arrived.

With an arm still wrapped protectively around Emmeline’s waist, Abel turned toward Alana with a frosty expression. “What’s wrong with a 99-dollar dress? Emmeline looks better than any other lady here tonight.”

“Mr… Mr. Abel?” Alana stammered. “I… I was just teasing my cousin. You’re right, her dress is beautiful!”

“Don’t you owe her an apology?” Abel insisted, refusing to let Alana off the hook so easily.

“I…” Alana paled visibly. They were surrounded by many guests who had come to check out the commotion.

Adrien Ryker strode over as well. “Did you think you could just push my wife around and get away with it?” his tone was cold and menacing. He extended an arm, trying to get Emmeline over to his side, but she distanced herself away from him.

“I’m sorry, I was

anything, including this dress!” Julianna Campbell announced, trying

chimed in, feeling the need to

three against one! Isn’t that right, son?” Juliana snickered,

mother. “Not everyone can achieve

corner, willing herself

was still seething over the dress incident, but she told herself to be patient. She had bigger plans in place to take down Emmeline tonight. She shot her Aunt Alondra

the center of the hall and lifted her wine glass to the crowd. “To express our gratitude for showering us with your presence tonight, Alana will delight us all with a special piano piece!” She claps her hands

skirt of her gown and waltzed toward the piano as graceful as a swan. She was a talented pianist, having been taught since young, unlike Emmeline who did not care for the arts. She laid her slender fingers on

could rival any famous piano soloist!” a

she’s beautiful but also talented. I suppose that’s the criteria to marry a Ryker,” another friend chimed

admiration did not slip past Alana’s eyes and ears. There was a

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