Chapter 2

Ethan' s jaw clenched, his eyes burning with a humiliation he couldn't yet unleash.

Chloe sobbed into his shoulder, a picture of wronged innocence.

"How could you, Ava?" she wailed, loud enough for everyone to hear. "I thought we were family."

"Family doesn't steal," I stated, my gaze unwavering. "That dress is mine. Take it off."

Chloe shrank back. "You can't make me!"

"Oh, I can," I said softly. "Or would you prefer the staff assist you?"

Before I could escalate, a new voice cut through the tension.

"What in God's name is going on here?"

Marcus. My older brother.

He stormed towards us, his face a mask of fury. He always hated it when I was the center of attention, especially Father' s.

"Ava! You' re creating a scene! On your own birthday! Can' t you be normal for one night?"

He grabbed my arm, his fingers digging in. "Apologize to Chloe and Ethan right now."

I looked at his hand on my arm, then into his eyes, cold and full of resentment.

"Let go of me, Marcus," I said, my voice dangerously low.

He tightened his grip. "You' ll do as I say. I' m your older brother."

"And you' re a disappointment," a deep voice boomed from the ballroom entrance.

Senator William Thompson. My father.

The crowd parted like the Red Sea.

Father strode towards us, his presence immense, his eyes like chips of blue ice fixed on Marcus. My mother, Eleanor, was beside him, her expression serene but her eyes sharp.

"Marcus," Father said, his voice resonating with controlled anger. "Release your sister. Now."

Marcus dropped my arm as if it burned him. His face went from red to pale.

"Father, I was just trying to-"

"You were just trying to ruin your sister' s birthday?" Father cut him off. "You were disrespecting her, in her own home, at her celebration?"

He looked at Ethan, whose face was still red from my slap. "And you, Mr. Hayes. I heard your comments to my daughter."

Ethan swallowed hard. "Senator, it was a misunderstanding."

"It was an insult," Father corrected. "And your position at Sterling & Finch, a firm with Thompson ties? Consider that position terminated. Effective immediately."

Ethan looked like he' d been punched. Sterling & Finch was his stepping stone, his dream.

Father then turned to Chloe. Her tears had dried, replaced by a look of terror.

"As for you, Miss Vance," Father said, his voice devoid of warmth. "The evidence of your... presumption is quite clear." He gestured to the blue dress. "You will return Ms. Thompson' s property. Then you will leave this house. Quietly. Your invitation, and indeed your welcome in Thompson circles, is revoked."

Chloe crumpled. Her social standing, built entirely on her association with me, shattered in that instant.

Security guards, loyal Thompson men, materialized discreetly.

Father put a hand on my shoulder. "Are you alright, Ava?"

"Yes, Father," I said, a genuine warmth spreading through me. His protection was absolute.

He surveyed the room, his gaze sweeping over the silent, watching guests.

"My daughter, Ava, has been subjected to an unfortunate display of disrespect and envy tonight," he announced, his voice firm. "Let it be known, an insult to Ava is an insult to me. To the Thompson family."

He then looked at Marcus, his eyes narrowed. "Your allowance will be suspended for six months, Marcus. And your access to the family jet. Perhaps some time for reflection will improve your judgment."

Marcus' s face was a study in impotent rage. He knew better than to argue with Father in this mood.

Father smiled at me. "Now, my dear. Let us enjoy your birthday."

The orchestra conductor, taking his cue, struck up a lively tune. The party, after a shocked pause, began to resume, albeit with a new, charged undercurrent.

Chloe was escorted out, a ghost in my blue dress, her future in tatters.

Ethan stood alone, his career prospects demolished, his engagement to me now a very, very fragile thing.

I watched them go, a cold satisfaction settling in my heart.

This was only the beginning.