Chapter 6
Sebastian finally moved, gripping her wrist with enough force to nearly crush the bone. "Scarlett, what exactly are you trying to do?"
"Nothing," she replied, but before she could finish, Sebastian yanked her up forcefully and pushed her onto the bed.
"You—" She struggled to sit up, only to be firmly pressed back down by Sebastian. His palm burned against her waist like a branding iron, making her tremble.
"Have you lost your mind? Edith's party is about to start. Aren't you going?"
She clenched her jaw tightly, the pale gray sheets crumpling beneath her grip.
Sebastian impatiently pushed aside her clothes, his expression dark. "Why so quiet now?"
Scarlett remained silent.
Meanwhile, Edith had put tremendous effort into planning this party and was filled with anticipation. Just before it began, she hurried up to the attic in her high heels to check on Scarlett's preparations.
She pushed open the door to find the attic empty.
"Scarlett!" Edith nearly threw her purse to the floor in rage. "That little slut actually ran off!"
Taking a deep breath to suppress her anger, Edith smoothed her hair in the mirror. "Once the party's over, she'll pay for this!"
By the time she arrived at the venue, she had restored her gentle smile, as if the furious woman from moments ago had been someone else entirely.
The party started on time, with guests gradually arriving. But Sebastian, one of the guests of honor, was nowhere to be seen. Edith stood amid the crowd holding a champagne flute, her smile growing increasingly strained.
"Edith, where's Sebastian?" a familiar socialite asked, her tone tinged with curiosity and mischief.
"He's been delayed by some business." Edith forced a smile, though her fingers tightened around her glass.
Whispers spread through the crowd, with glances occasionally falling on Edith, filled with speculation and amusement.
Edith could feel those looks piercing her like needles, making her increasingly uncomfortable. She took out her phone to call Sebastian but hesitated, fearing she might hear those strange sounds again. She could only keep up appearances with the guests.
Just as she was about to reach her breaking point, a commotion arose at the entrance.
Sebastian had arrived.
He wore a black suit, cutting an impressive figure. Despite his somewhat disheveled shirt collar with faint wine stains, his entrance immediately captured everyone's attention.
Edith's eyes instantly brightened, her previous anxiety vanishing. She lifted her dress and hurried toward him, reaching to take his arm. "Seb, you finally made it."
But her movement froze mid-gesture.
Because a moment after Sebastian entered, Scarlett appeared in the doorway.
She wore a simple black evening gown, her long hair loosely gathered at the nape of her neck, revealing her slender throat.
Without heavy makeup, she still managed to stand out in the crowd with her strikingly beautiful face—cool and elegant like a magnolia in moonlight.
Why was she here? And why had she arrived right after Sebastian?
Edith felt as if an invisible hand was squeezing her heart, her face suddenly pale.
She recalled the suggestive sigh she'd heard during her phone call with Sebastian, remembered the mysterious wine stains on his shirt. An absurd yet terrifying thought surfaced uncontrollably in her mind.
Edith dug her nails into her palm, barely containing the hatred in her eyes. She forced herself to look away and took Sebastian's arm.
"Seb, you're here." Her smile was even sweeter than before. "Everyone's been waiting for you."
Sebastian responded with a noncommittal sound, his expression neutral.
Seeing this, guests flocked around them with congratulations.
"Congratulations, Mr. Howard! Finally getting engaged!"
"Ms. Seymour is so fortunate. You two make such a perfect couple!"
"When's the wedding? Make sure to let us know in advance!"
Surrounded by flattery, Edith beamed with happiness.
Meanwhile, Scarlett stood alone in the shadows of the terrace, overlooked by everyone, holding a glass of juice and coldly observing the spectacle.
"Drinking alone?" Chris appeared beside her, offering a bottle of beer. "How does it feel watching your 'sugar daddy' about to marry someone else?"
Scarlett glanced at him. "What are you doing here?"
"How could I miss such an event?" Chris opened his beer and took a sip, his gaze sweeping over Sebastian surrounded by admirers. "Look at him, basking in everyone's praise—like a smug little bastard who just got lucky."
Scarlett remained silent, gently swirling her juice, ice cubes clinking against the glass.
Seeing her silence, Chris sighed. "Don't take it to heart. Sebastian doesn't deserve you anyway."
Scarlett looked up at him and suddenly smiled. "I'm not taking it to heart. I just find it all rather amusing."
Chris was about to respond when Edith's voice interrupted them.
"Scarlett, come here for a moment." Edith had somehow broken away from the crowd and was standing nearby, wearing a polite smile.
"You get along well with Mr. Campbell, don't you? He'd like some whiskey. Go get a bottle from the liquor cabinet."
Scarlett said nothing, looking toward Sebastian standing beside Edith.
He regarded her coldly, as if they were complete strangers—just an hour ago, he had been posessed with her body.
"Of course," she set down her juice and walked toward the liquor cabinet.
Chris caught her arm, whispering, "Ignore her."
Scarlett shook her head, signaling him not to worry.
Trying to embarrass her? She'd never make it happen.
She took a bottle of whiskey from the cabinet. As she passed Edith, she deliberately stumbled, tilting the bottle.
Amber liquid splashed out, most of it landing on Edith's brand-new pale pink dress.
Edith let out a sharp scream, her face instantly turning white. "My dress!"
Her cry attracted everyone's attention. The previously noisy party fell silent as all eyes focused on them.
In the confusion, Edith pushed Scarlett, causing her to stumble backward a few steps, nearly falling.
At that moment, a hand reached out, steadying her by the arm.
It was Sebastian. His face remained expressionless, but his supporting hand was firm.
It lasted only a second before he seemed to catch himself. He immediately released her and stepped back, resuming his distant demeanor.
But that brief moment of support, witnessed by Edith, pierced her heart like a thorn.
"I'm so sorry, Edith," Scarlett straightened herself, displaying perfectly calibrated remorse on her face, though mischief flickered in her eyes. "It wasn't intentional—I lost my balance. Is your dress alright? Would you like me to help clean it?"