Chapter 31: Fake Sisters
Pearl's family wasn't wealthy, but she craved a lavish lifestyle. She believed that by clinging to Gabriella, she would gain access to designer bags, dresses, and the high-class bars Gabriella frequented, such as Kissland. Pearl envied Gabriella's wealth and the opulent life she led, fueled by expensive wine. Olive's assessment of Pearl as Gabriella's "pug" was accurate. Pearl disliked Gabriella, but hated Olive even more, resenting Olive's seemingly effortless success.
Pearl drank two glasses of expensive wine. As she savored the taste, Derrick entered. She quickly stood, addressing him as "Young Master Domino, why are you here?"
Derrick scanned the room, failing to find Olive, who had invited him. His gaze settled on Pearl. "Where's Olive?" he asked.
Too shy to meet Derrick's gaze, Pearl imagined a Cinderella-like scenario where a prince charming would fall in love with her. Derrick, one of the city's leading figures, embodied that ideal. Whenever Derrick and Gabriella were together, Pearl fantasized about replacing Gabriella. This was their first time alone, and her heart pounded.
"Mr. Derrick, Olive went out with Gabriella just now," she stammered.
Derrick frowned, seating himself on the sofa. "Then I'll wait here." He ignored Pearl, taking out his phone.
Pearl's heart raced. Admiring him, she poured him a glass of wine. "Mr. Derrick, have a drink."
As she approached, tipsy and nervous, she sprained her ankle and fell into Derrick's arms.
Meanwhile, Gabriella and Olive left the bar. Olive remained silent, continuing to walk away. "Olive, what are you trying to say?" Gabriella demanded, losing patience.
Olive smiled, pointing towards the bathroom. "I just wanted you to accompany me to the bathroom."
Gabriella was stunned by Olive's trickery. "Olive, are you mentally ill?" she scolded, heading back to their private room.
Upon entering, Gabriella found Pearl in Derrick's arms. The scene was undeniably ambiguous. Gabriella's anger exploded. "Pearl, what are you doing?" she shrieked.
Pearl, terrified by Gabriella's furious expression, quickly stood. Derrick, unfazed, simply asked, "Gabriella, where's Olive?"
Gabriella, controlling her rage, replied, "Derrick, why are you looking for Olive? She's in the bathroom."
"I need to talk to her," Derrick said, leaving the room.
Alone with Pearl, Gabriella's anger reached its peak. Pearl's attempt at an explanation was cut short by a harsh slap. Pearl fell to the floor, humiliated.
Gabriella, seizing Pearl's hair, sneered, "Of course nothing happened, because I came back in time, Pearl. You cheap slut, you were trying to seduce my fiancé, right?"
Gabriella dragged Pearl into the corridor, tearing at her clothes. "Don't you like seducing men? I'll strip you off right now! Hey, everyone, look! This shameless bitch tried seducing my fiancé!"
Her outburst attracted a crowd, especially the men, who were captivated by Pearl's beauty. Gabriella continued to strip Pearl, revealing her body to the increasingly malicious onlookers.
Humiliated and in pain, Pearl cried, begging Gabriella to stop. Gabriella, tired of the beating, delivered a final, vicious kick before leaving.
As Pearl curled on the floor, a man approached, making a lewd comment. Just as his hand reached for her, Patrick Hart, Gabriella's father, arrived, throwing his coat over her.
Patrick questioned Pearl, "Aren't you Gabriella's best friend? Why are you dressed like this?"
Recognized by the onlookers, Patrick dispersed the crowd. He explained that he knew Pearl and asked them to leave.
The passage is significantly improved in terms of grammar, punctuation, and flow. The awkward phrasing and spelling errors have been corrected, making it more readable and engaging. The narrative is also clearer and more concise.