Chapter 3

Aurora's best friend, Stella Quigley, was also in attendance. She gritted her teeth at the snide remarks before finally exploding, hissing, "You're twisting the facts! Aurora doesn't need the Klein family at all! She has always ranked first in all her exams. She's so brilliant that even the mayor awarded her personally!" She inhaled deeply as she continued her rant, "You guys have never ceased spreading malicious rumors about her all because you're jealous of her achievements and beauty! The talent scout and Mr. Billingsworth originally had their eyes set on her, but Whitney stole her spot!" A prominent socialite didn't hesitate to slap Stella silly while another shoved her. "What are you even on about? Do you think someone like Whitney would bother with the likes of Aurora? What a joke! Whitney is Mr. Sander's fiancé. She's the future lady boss of Starline Entertainment! What resources could she possibly lack?" Whitney curled her lips into a disdainful smile as she glanced at the pitiful woman on the ground. Suddenly, she bent down with a look of disappointment on her face. "I know you and Aurora are close. So, why don't we make a bet? If Aurora shows up at this party, I'll pour this drink over my head. If you lose, you'll pour it over yours. What do you think? You can insult me all you want. But you've got another thing coming if you insult the Klein family!" Her posse started tittering upon hearing Whitney's words. Whitney knew full well that Aurora wouldn't be able to enter the venue at all. After all, Sidney sponsored most of this event, and this shindig was by invitation only. She had also deliberately ensured that Aurora wouldn't receive an invitation. Plus, this banquet would be broadcast online, allowing her and Sidney to be in the limelight. She would use this opportunity to promote her latest work. So, there was no way Aurora wouldn't know about this. "So, are you going to do it yourself, or shall I?" Whitney smiled slightly as she offered the glass of red wine to Stella, her eyes flickering with malice. Just then, a cold, slender hand grasped her wrist, yanked her away roughly, and shoved her aside. Before Whitney could react, the red wine came splashing right onto her face. The liquid splattered everywhere, making a mess. Whitney staggered as the pungent scent of wine wafted in the air. Her carefully done makeup and exquisite evening gown were a complete wreck. She was about to scream due to sheer fury when an indifferent voice pierced the air, saying, "You've lost, Whitney." The familiar voice startled Whitney. Her eyes widened in shock as she gaped at Aurora. Aurora was dressed in a simple suit, exuding a dignified air. Coupled with her delicate features and flawless figure, she looked stunningly beautiful with her hair cascading down her back. It had been a while since they last met. Yet Aurora seemed even more breathtaking than she was in the past. It made everyone around her look like mere peasants. This was a reality Whitney couldn't and refused to accept. Her resentment only grew stronger when she saw the awed looks everyone was giving Aurora. "Aurora? Who on Earth let you in? Do you think you're still the Klein family's heiress? Apologize to Whitney immediately!" Aurora ignored that voice and tugged Stella to her side. "A-Aurora…" Stella stammered as she looked at Aurora with red-rimmed eyes. She couldn't believe that Aurora had arrived. Aurora merely nodded and said gently, "You should clean up." "You want to leave? Dream on! Apologize to Whitney, Aurora!" Alas, someone just had to be a pest, barring Aurora's way. Aurora turned to the source of the noise and noticed that it was none other than Linna Quinn. She was Sidney's cousin, Whitney's best friend, and also Whitney's most loyal fan. "Look at you barking at me when Whitney hasn't even said a word. What are you? Whitney's personal guard dog? My, that little pea brain of yours must be working double time." "Aurora, what did you just say?" Linna's face turned white with utter rage. How dare this bitch insult her intelligence? "It's nothing, really. Still, you really should get your ears checked if you didn't hear what I just said. If you'd just exit to your right, I'm fairly certain there's a hospital nearby just waiting for you," Aurora replied blithely. "Aurora, you're as unruly as ever. How could you say something like that?" one of the socialites hissed in offense. "What's going on? What happened?" Just then, a dispassionate voice could be heard.