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Chapter 2

“Hey, Annie Get up now! Did you hear me? Hurry up and get your butt off that bed! I’m warning you, don’t make me kick it up a notch. I barely touched you!” Yolanda Sanders shouted.

The piening voice cut through Annie’s cars like a sledgehammer ready to break open her skull. She furrowed her brow, opening her eyes slowly.

“Yolanda?” Annie was perplexed. ‘Ain’t I already lead? Why am I seeing Yolanda here?”

“Tk, finally woke up, huh? Why don’t you keep up the act?” Yolanda sneered, furning. I just gave her a little nudge. Why is she playing possum? Shouldn’t a country bumpkin like her have tough skin? Who does she think she is, some delicate lady?

But in a flash, Yolanda put on a fal smile. “Now that you’re up, come on and try this evening gown. Jessica and I handpicked it for you. It’s sure to turn heads when you walk in! And who knows, when Jeremy catches sight of you, he might just swoon!”

Annie had a sharp memory. The current scene merged with the past like a slideshow, instantly taking her back a decade.

The dress mentioned was a black plunging V–neck gown, with a front slit almost down to her belly button and a back so bare it revealed her rear end. Even the boldest celebs wouldn’t dare to rock that style. Back then, she fell for Yolanda’s deception and wore the gown, making her debut a laughing stock. What was worse, she tumbled into the pool right in front of Jeremy, and all those awkward moments were captured and shared online.

In less than a night, she became the subject of ridicule among Betrico’s upper echelon, being isolated, mocked, and despised. Even the Sanders family suffered due to her, with her usually amiable being whispered about behind closed doors, and her courteous younger brother being unfairly criticized for being ill–mannered.

Feeling increasingly inferior, she would go all out for anyone who showed her the slightest bit of kindness. It was this vulnerability that led her to mistakenly believe in Jeremy and Xenia, causing her loved ones to end up in hell.

Now, everything had come full circle. She wouldn’t be the pushover Annie anymore. Picking up that deep V–neck evening gown casually, she smiled, “Thanks, Jessica, Yolanda. The dress looks

fantastic.”

‘What a country bumpkin! This kind of attire is only for those flashy, cheap types. Only she would replace it appealing. Yolanda sneered to herself yet still smiled. “As long as you like it, Annie.”

“But a gown this beautiful deserves some jewelry to complete the look. Can you give me back the diamond earrings you borrowed, Yolanda?” Annie grinned, casually flicking her eyes towards Yolanda’s earlobe.

The princess–cut diamond earrings gleamed brightly, flawlessly clear and radiant.Not to mention the production costs, just the raw diamonds alone were worth a fortune. Most importantly, these were the coming–of–age gift Annie’s parents had prepared for her when she turned eighteen.

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Chapter 9

Initially, Yolanda had mentioned borrowing them just to try, and Annie, unable to refuse, handed them over. Yet Yolanda made no move to return them. She had been wearing them to every occasion as if they belonged to her. “Now, it’s time to get them back, Annie thought.

Yolanda frowned, “The party has already begun. If give them back to you, what will I wear?”

“How about this one? You adored it a lot and reluctantly sold it to me, remember?” Annie chuckled, picking up a jewelry box from the vanity. Inside were a pair of earrings adorned with cherry blossom–shaped settings filled with cubic zirconia, giving off a cheap vibe.

Yolanda’s expression shifted instantly. “Who would wear this tacky thing!”

“Tacky?” Annie feigned ignorance. “Didn’t you clair this was the latest design from a top brand and sell it to me for a hefty sum?”

Yolanda was momentarily speechless.

“So, you were pawning off mediocre items as high–end to sell to me?” Annie questioned.

Yolanda felt a bit embarrassed. “How could it be? Of course, this is a great piece! I’m your elder sister, and I wouldn’t harm you!” She had to lie low for now, considering future gains from the gullible and wealthy Annie.

Annie handed over the cherry blossom earrings with a smile. “Why don’t you wear these today. Yolanda? They’ll complement your outfit.”

“Wearing a set of budget earrings? It’d just show my lack of class!! Yolanda sensed the veiled implication but bit her tongue. Speaking out now would only confirm her ploy of passing off substandard goods as premium. How could she continue to benefit from Annie then?

Yolanda gritted her teeth. “Actually, I don’t fancy these earrings much. Take them back, and I don’t want the other pair either. Hurry and change into your gown, Annie. Jessica’s birthday party is starting soon. Can’t keep everyone waiting too long. She opted not to argue with Annie but to wait for her to embarrass herself with the dress.

“Okay,” Annie replied cheerfully. How could she miss Jessica’s birthday celebration? Not only would she be there, but she’d also bring a generous “gift.”

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