Chapter 58

Jasper spotted Anastasia, his expression darkening. Anastasia had left him, but she didn’t look like the broken mess they’d all expected. If anything, she seemed more confident and put together. Anastasin saw them walk in and gave a slight smile, her eyes calmly sweeping over Valeria and Jasper like they were just random nobodies.

Seeing that reaction, Jasper’s jaw tightened. He wanted to say something, but Valeria grabbed his arm. “Jasper, let me introduce you to my grandmother,” Valeria said pointedly. She’d caught how Jasper kept staring at Anastasia, and it was driving her crazy.

That bitch Anastasia better not be trying to get her claws back into Jasper. Not happening!

Jasper finally looked away and turned to Patricia. “Happy birthday, Mrs. Kingsley. Hope you have a wonderful celebration.”

Patricia nodded with polite coolness. “How kind of you.” At her age, Patricia had met every type of person and could read them instantly. She could tell Jasper was trouble. The second he’d walked in, his attention had gone straight to Anastasia, and his roving eyes were anything but respectful. But seeing how Valeria was hanging all over him, Patricia decided to hold her tongue. If Valeria wanted to make that mistake, that was her business.

“Grandma, this is a birthday gift from Jasper and me,” Valeria announced eagerly, pulling out her carefully chosen present. She opened an elegant Tiffany box to reveal a stunning emerald and diamond tennis bracelet. The piece was exquisite—brilliant stones set in platinum that caught the light beautifully. Patricia was known for her love of fine jewelry, so everyone tried to appeal to her taste.

The guests immediately pressed closer to get a better look. “Holy shit! That’s some serious bling right there!” “That bracelet is absolutely stunning!” “Jesus, that has to be worth like two hundred grand!” Everyone was clearly impressed.

Valeria held her head high, shooting smug looks at Anastasia like she was showing off how much money she could throw around. She beamed, “Grandma, Jasper and I hand-picked this at Harry Winston just for you. Hope you absolutely love it.”

Patricia accepted the bracelet and examined it briefly before nodding. “Very beautiful. Thank you both.”

Anastasia stood quietly off to the side with the same serene smile, not saying anything.

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Valeria’s smile turned nasty. She wanted to see how long Anastasia could keep up this act. Valeria deliberately called out, “Ana, it’s Grandma’s big day—what did you bring her? Come on,

Looking at how budget she was dressed, what could she possibly afford that was worth a damn? Valeria just wanted to watch Anastasia crash and burn in front of everyone. The other guests, knowing Anastasia’s family situation, were all here for the drama. After all, what could someone whose father had basically disowned her and whose mother was dead possibly give?

“Yeah, come on, Ana, let’s see what you’ve got.” Whitney said with fake sweetness. She was practically salivating for this moment.

Anastasia’s expression didn’t change at all. Despite everyone avidly waiting for her to embarrass herself, she stayed completely cool and collected. She wasn’t about to feel ashamed or awkward just because of their petty expectations.