Chapter 55

Stephanie swallowed her cake. Before she could respond, a sharp, mocking voice cut through the air. “Well, well, look who it is. Thought you’d be hiding under a rock after Mr. Ashford dumped you.”

Stephanie and Ella turned to see Lilian approaching, flanked by two unfamiliar girls. Ella’s face darkened. She knew Lilian had always been close to Olivia, and was also interested in Tyler. Since Olivia’s departure, Lilian had relentlessly targeted Stephanie, yet always failed.

“How’d you even get in?” Lilian sneered, approaching Stephanie. “Got an invite?”

Ella pulled Stephanie behind her. “Since when do you call the shots around here?”

Lilian laughed derisively. “Maybe not, but I do know she wasn’t invited.” She wasn't wrong; Lilian had personally ensured Stephanie's exclusion from the meticulously curated guest list.

“No invite, huh? Just snuck in for free food?” Lilian scoffed, her tone dripping with disdain. “And what are you wearing? Did the engagement cancellation leave you so broke you can’t even afford a dress?”

Nearby guests, mostly young elites, turned to watch, clearly amused. Ella clenched her fists, shooting a pointed glance at Lilian’s aggressively tight dress, which seemed on the verge of a wardrobe malfunction.

“What she wears is none of your business,” Ella retorted. “Maybe worry about your own outfit first.”

Lilian’s smile froze. “Stay out of this, Ella. This is my house, my grandfather’s birthday. If you want to side with Stephanie, then you can leave too.”

Stephanie calmly set down her dessert plate and met Lilian’s gaze. “You sure about that?”

Lilian scoffed. “What, you threatening me now? Sorry, but the Hodge family doesn’t invite people like you.” She found Stephanie repulsive, knowing of Stephanie's role in Olivia's illness.

Stephanie smiled slowly. “You’re right. I wasn’t invited. But how did I get in?”

A murmur ran through the crowd. The Hodge family’s security was notoriously strict; no invite meant no entry—unless one was exceptionally important. Everyone was curious.

Lilian smirked. “Ella probably snuck you in, huh? Either way, get out.”

A deep voice boomed, “What’s going on here?”

The crowd turned to see Tyler, Chris beside him. Their imposing presence commanded immediate attention.

Lilian immediately shifted her attention to Tyler. “Tyler, why is Stephanie here?” Her animosity toward Stephanie was unconcealed.

Tyler turned to Stephanie, his expression darkening at her attire. Chris glanced at her, then away, his jaw tightening—still angered by their previous conflict at Cloudridge Valley.

“How did you get in? And why are you dressed like that?” Tyler asked, stepping closer, lowering his voice.

Stephanie raised an eyebrow. “What’s wrong with what I’m wearing?”

Tyler exhaled sharply. “You tell me.” Standing beside him, in that setting, Stephanie suddenly seemed the rebellious girl he thought she'd outgrown. Clearly, some habits died hard.