Loretta didn't believe the woman on the dance floor was Michelle. She always considered Michelle a country bumpkin from a poor family, ignorant of fashion and skincare, insignificant in the eyes of the wealthy wives. Rumor had it Michelle had schemed to marry Miguel when she was young, becoming merely a caretaker within the family after the wedding. Yet, Loretta was consumed by jealousy witnessing Michelle's elegant attire and the lavish birthday party Miguel threw for her—an unprecedented display of generosity in Kensbury City. Loretta wasn't alone in her astonishment; Miguel's sister-in-law, Esther, harbored similar feelings. Esther, who married Miguel's brother shortly before Michelle's wedding, had always looked down on Michelle, often bullying her and even collaborating with Miguel's mother to make her life difficult. Michelle endured it all. Had Miguel not inherited the Cooper family fortune, Michelle would likely still be the bullied nobody. No one anticipated Miguel's evident affection for her. Michelle's transformation was undoubtedly becoming the talk of high society, especially her youthful beauty enhanced by skillful dress and makeup, and a figure envied by many women her age. Loretta's jealousy intensified, though she carefully concealed it.

Guests in the living room watched Miguel and Michelle's graceful dance, their reactions ranging from jealousy to simple nosiness. The party was destined to become the topic of conversation among the city's elite, finally granting Michelle a sense of pride amongst the rich wives. Hannah watched her parents dance, a smile on her face, when a familiar voice interrupted. "I heard from Theodore," Manuel said, "you spent thirty million on a token of love for the girl you like. I didn't know you were into mature women." They were discussing the thirty-million-sapphire tiara adorning Michelle. Theodore, sputtering wine, was met with disgust from nearby guests. Wiping his mouth, he gloated over Oscar's misfortune: "He got stood up." Manuel, already aware, pressed further, eliciting the response, "Isn't it obvious? Oscar's goodwill was wasted." Theodore turned to Oscar, confirming, "Am I right?" Oscar abruptly left, prompting Theodore's surprised, "Hey..." and a muttered, "I'm joking. Why does he get mad?" Theodore's attempt at deflection faltered; he saw Oscar holding a woman's hand, disappearing into the Cooper manor's backyard.

Hannah was unexpectedly pulled from the party, an unwitting eavesdropper. More surprising than the overheard conversation was the trio's unexpected camaraderie. Hannah, raised with Manuel, had never seen him interact with Oscar before. Her mind went blank, replaced by a growing sense of danger. In the backyard, she was pushed against a wall, Oscar looming over her. "Oscar, what madness is this?" she struggled, attempting to escape. "Ms. Cooper," he said, "you know what makes a woman irresistible? Playing hard to get." Hannah's unspoken retort of "Bullshit!" was replaced by an angry glare as Oscar continued, "Ms. Cooper, you embarrassed me in front of my friends." His husky voice, close to her face, caused a renewed surge of anger. "Damn it!" she cursed inwardly, questioning his character. His proximity tightened her body. "Now tell me," he leaned closer, "how are you going to make it up to me?" Her heart raced as his weight pressed against her. He whispered in her ear, "You didn't say I couldn't give it to someone else."

Hannah knew he referred to the sapphire, Manuel having teased him about gifting it to Hannah, only to have her give it to her mother. "Ms. Cooper," Oscar bit her ear, "are you treating your gifts so casually?" Her heart pounded. Hannah tried to push him away. "Let go of me!" she demanded. He responded, "Ms. Cooper, I believe you didn't answer my question." His lips drew closer. "How is it casual when I'm giving it to your mother-in-law?" she blurted, a fabricated excuse influenced by his actions and their fake marriage. The ambiguity of their relationship weighed heavily. His smile was visible, the curve of his lips apparent. "I accept your explanation," he replied, his husky voice causing goosebumps. "Are you feeling cold?" he asked, his hand stroking her bare shoulder, revealed by her strapless gown.

"Why am I feeling so warm?" He continued, licking her ear. Hannah gritted her teeth, finally pushing him away. He stepped back, admiring her flushed, panting face. "Are you in your mating session anytime?" she gritted out, surprised by her lack of intense anger; she recognized his womanizing skills. She considered her age, thirty-two, her marriage, and the fact that a twenty-five-year-old man's advances were causing her heart to race—a sensation absent from her past relationship with Charles. "No," Oscar smiled, "I did that to let Ms. Cooper know what it's like to be playful." Hannah was speechless, calling him vengeful. Taking a deep breath, she decided to rejoin the party, her responsibilities outweighing further interaction. As she left, she heard his voice, "I will only be playful with you, Ms. Cooper."