Chapter 7
The moment the crowd saw who had arrived, the entire banquet hall erupted in commotion.
It was none other than William Remington-heir to the Remington Group, the most powerful conglomerate in the country.
“Why is William Remington here?!”
“Didn’t he just say he came here for Miss Rodney’s birthday party?”
“He’s at that marrying age. You think he’s interested in Alicia?”
“Alicia must have saved the universe in a past life! She’s already got Chester as her protective big brother, Dominic the science
prodigy defending her, and now William shows up too?”
“Honestly? The Rodneys never should have recognized that second daughter. Look at the scene she’s making now – right in front
of William, no less!”
As the uninvited William stood coolly at the entrance, Chester recovered from his initial surprise and quickly turned to our
parents.
“William must be impressed with the progress the Rodney Group has made under my leadership. He’s clearly here to show
support for Alicia.”
Alicia, already flustered, immediately straightened her dress. “Don’t worry, Mom and Dad. I won’t let you down.”
Meanwhile, Dominic-who had been basking in his moment of glory just minutes earlier-was quickly forgotten, swallowed up
by the murmuring crowd.
Jealousy flickered in his eyes, but when he turned to me, he still wore a look of disdain.
“Now do you see how amazing Alicia is? So what if you broke up with me and became a rich girl? You really think these people
would ever accept someone like you-a country bumpkin heiress who showed up halfway through the story? Look at yourself. You’re nothing but a pathetic joke.”
I gave him a cold smile and gestured to the floor. There, trampled and torn beyond recognition, lay the research institute
invitation he had proudly presented just moments ago. Alicia had discarded it without a second thought.
And just as Chester and my parents gathered around Alicia to welcome William, William bypassed them entirely and walked
straight toward me.
“I’m sorry,” he said, his voice low and clear. “I was late because I was getting your birthday gift.”
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
The heir to the Remington family-William-had walked directly up to me!
Chester immediately rushed over, grabbing my arm and pulling me behind him as he extended his hand toward William.
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Chapter 7
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“Mr. Remington, there’s been a misunderstanding,” he said with a tight smile. “My sister Alicia is over there.”
Alicia hurried over, clutching the hem of her gown as she nearly stumbled in her haste.
“Mr. Remington, hello! I’m Alicia Rodney. Thank you so much for coming to my birthday party.”
Perhaps inspired by her earlier near-fall, she suddenly staggered dramatically toward William’s chest with a delicate gasp.
But to everyone’s shock, William stepped back without hesitation, letting her fall hard to the ground.
Dominic quickly rushed to her side. “Alicia, are you okay?!”
Still unaware of the power the Remington family wielded, he even tried to stand up for her.
“Sir! Didn’t you see Alicia fall? Where’s your sense of decency?!”
But before he could say another word, Alicia shook him off sharply.
“Dominic, know your place! The only reason you’re here is because I felt sorry for your pathetic background! Who the hell do you think you are putting your hands on me in public or talking to William like that? Apologize to him right now!”
Dominic froze in place, stunned by how the sweet, gentle girl he’d defended had turned on him so ruthlessly.
In my previous life, Dominic had stuck by Alicia’s side, helping her manipulate me all the way to my death. Only then did he finally confess his feelings to her-and by then, funded by my years of sacrifice, he had become successful enough to stand at her
level.
But even with all that, compared to the Remington family, he was still nothing.
A single glance from Chester, and a few bodyguards had already blocked Dominic from getting any closer.
“Of course, a girl as outstanding as Alicia will attract attention,” Chester said with a practiced smile.
“But don’t worry, Mr. Remington. My sister would never associate with fools who overestimate themselves.
“We’re truly honored that you’ve come to celebrate her birthday today. It brings immense glory to the Rodney family…”
But before he could finish, William’s patience finally wore thin. He frowned and asked coldly, “And you are?”
Caught off guard, Chester’s smile stiffened.
I stepped forward, calm and composed, and answered on his behalf.
“He’s my parents’ foster son,” I said simply.
Before the crowd could react, I took William by the arm and led him toward my bewildered parents.
“Mom, Dad,” I said gently. “I’ve fulfilled the task I promised you. Now, may I make my birthday wish? I wish to immediately reclaim control of the company from Chester.”
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