At the Laurel Club.
The "Diamond Room" glowed under muted lights.
Lainey paused at the doorway and saw Jeremy and Erin encircled by admirers, their laughter and flattery making her brows knit together.
Why were they inside the private room she had personally booked?
"Everybody in Carville knows the Roberts family owns this place," a man murmured in awe, glancing around. "And they only host people from elite families. Without Mr. White and Miss Carter, we would not even step past the lobby."
Erin lifted her head with a soft smile, her eyes lingering on Jeremy's side profile.
She believed she had chosen the best man for herself. She was certain of it.
Then another voice cut in. "Isn't that Lainey, the one who chased Mr. White for six years? She even followed him here. She's really desperate."
Heads turned toward the entrance.
Lainey stood framed by the doorway in a wine-red strapless gown, her presence sharp and luminous, like a rose blooming among thorns.
A flicker of darkness crossed Erin's eyes before she masked it with a smile and slipped her arm through Jeremy's, guiding him toward Lainey.
Jeremy suddenly remembered his mother saying Lainey had personally reserved the "Diamond Room" in this club, a space never open to the public and only offered to a handful of top-tier VIPs. It had to be another one of her tricks to win him back.
He knew she would never truly give up after six years of chasing him.
Even her taking back the gifts she once gave him now felt like nothing more than bait to draw him in again.
"Lainey, I do not remember inviting you to my birthday. But since you showed up anyway, why not stay for some cake. Jeremy will soon announce our engagement to everyone and I want you to witness," Erin said.
Lainey arched her brow.
"And what does your birthday have to do with me?" she asked coolly.
Erin's friend, Mia Stephens, immediately became furious.
"Lainey, do you have any idea how much a private room here costs? It equals two or three years of your salary. Mr. White even booked the most luxurious suite in Laurel Club just for Erin. Being invited is a favor. You should be grateful."
Lainey shifted her gaze to Jeremy, her eyes frosting over.
She had once been foolish enough to give Jeremy her black card to keep him happy. As a result, their identities in the public eye had been swapped. He enjoyed the prestige of being mistaken for a White family scion, while she was whispered about as a lowly social climber.
"This is interesting. I thought the White family only had one daughter. If Jeremy is the son, then who is she?"
Jeremy's expression suddenly changed.
A mocking laugh bubbled out of Mia before he could answer.
"Do you really think you can comment on Mr. White's identity? The White family has a deep legacy. Powerful families often hide their heirs from the public for protection. If you do not understand, perhaps just stay quiet and stop embarrassing yourself."
At those words, Erin joined in, covering her mouth as a derisive giggle escaped her.
"Miss White, I know you chased Jeremy for six years, and seeing us together must make you jealous. I am not asking for your blessings, but do not slander us, or Jeremy will dislike you even more."
The surrounding crowd began to cast suspicious glances at Lainey.
Seeing how easily they were fooled, Lainey didn't get angry. Instead, a small, knowing smirk flickered at the corner of her mouth.
"Is that so, Mr. White?" Lainey asked lightly.
Meeting that teasing look, Jeremy felt a jolt of panic hit his chest. A split second later, it was gone, replaced by a scowl of forced indignation.
"Lainey, that's enough. Tonight is Erin's birthday. I can ignore this once, but if you keep causing trouble, I will have the bodyguards throw you out."
A soft laugh slipped from Lainey's lips.
"Relax, I was only teasing. Mr. White, a man as broad-minded as you surely would not take a joke like that to heart. And since Miss Carter was kind enough to invite me for cake, it would be impolite to refuse."
"So be it," Jeremy said casually, turning away to mingle with the others. "Everyone, make yourselves comfortable. Tonight, I am covering everything."
Cheers immediately rippled through the room.
A faint, amused gleam flashed in Lainey's eyes.
Jeremy would eventually regret this moment.
