Chapter 30

Two days later, Madison celebrated her birthday with close friends in Room 206 of Star Sea Karaoke. Dressed in a sexy, tight dress and exquisite makeup, she was the picture of the birthday girl. A large, candlelit cake sat on the table in the private room, surrounded by fruit, snacks, and drinks.

"Maddy, happy birthday!" Dakota was the first to offer wishes and a carefully prepared gift.

"Dakota, thank you!" Madison accepted the gift, a hint of malice fleeting across her eyes. Dakota, however, didn't notice it in the dim light. She herself was dressed in a light yellow dress cinched at the waist with a belt, accentuating her slender figure.

"Let's all sing 'Happy Birthday'!" someone suggested.

"Alright!"

The room filled with cheerful voices. Afterward, the girls urged, "Maddy, hurry and make a wish!"

Madison blew out the candles, closed her eyes, and made a wish. She then cut and distributed the cake. The celebration began in earnest: some sang, some drank, others ate snacks on the couch.

Dakota sat beside Madison. Noticing Archie's absence, she asked, "Maddy, where's Archie? Why isn't he here?"

Madison sighed. "Because he failed to secure the project, he's been busy looking for other investment opportunities. He doesn't have time to be with me today."

"I'm so sorry, Maddy," Dakota replied, feeling guilty.

"What are you apologizing for? There's no need. The Jennings family is also facing difficulties. Competition is fierce in the business world."

Madison's words expressed understanding, but inwardly, she seethed. Dakota, that bitch! she thought. If it weren't for her, Archie wouldn't be busy and away from me on my birthday!

Archie's father was due back from a business trip in two weeks. To finish the project before then, Archie was actively transferring work to his partners. Unaware of this, Dakota thanked Madison.

"Maddy, thank you for understanding. If you or Archie ever need help after the Jennings family gets through this, please let me know. I'll do my best."

"Okay, Dakota," Madison said gently, sneering inwardly. When would Archie ever need her help? Dakota thinks too highly of herself and the Jennings family!

"Alright, let's not talk about this anymore. It's my birthday. Come on, drink this."

Madison offered Dakota a full glass of red wine. Dakota rarely drank and had a low tolerance, but to please Madison, she drank it all in one go.

The alcohol burned, and a blush immediately bloomed on Dakota's face. She felt lightheaded. Madison watched maliciously, knowing Dakota couldn't hold her liquor. This was merely the first step of her plan.

(Note: I removed the promotional sentence at the end. The use of italics for Madison's inner thoughts is a stylistic choice to improve readability.)