Chapter 17: Royal Star Hotel

Olive entered the hotel and was about to take the elevator upstairs when she saw Pearl approaching.

“Olive, so you’re here? Take a look—this is the Royal Star Hotel! If it weren’t for Gabriella’s birthday, you’d never set foot in a place like this your entire life!” Pearl sneered.

Olive pressed the elevator button and sighed. “Whose pug is this? It’s not even leashed. Where’s its owner?”

“How dare you!” Pearl’s expression changed dramatically. She noticed Olive’s red lace dress. “This is from Luminous, the global luxury brand! That’s their newest design. Where did you get it?”

Pearl was a true Luminous devotee. High-class ladies would do anything to own a piece from the brand, and those who did, flaunted their purchases. Seeing Olive in the world’s most prestigious brand nearly made her explode.

Olive, aware of the brand, considered her response if she knew she owned dozens of Luminous garments. Looking at Pearl’s envious face, Olive stepped into the elevator and smiled faintly. “Do you really want to know? No, I'm not going to tell you.”

Pearl’s mood soured. She loathed Olive, and the way Olive’s beautiful body complemented the dress made her want to tear it off. Before the elevator doors closed, Pearl rushed in, tugged at Olive’s dress, and tore it.

Olive’s face turned cold. “Pearl, why did you tear my dress?”

Pearl smiled confidently. “Olive, I don’t understand what you’re saying. If you claim I tore your dress, prove it.”

Olive stepped forward, grabbed the edge of Pearl’s dress, and tore it.

“Olive!” Pearl gasped, surprised by Olive’s retaliation.

Olive sneered. “You can’t reason with a mad dog; you hit it with a stick!”

Pearl was furious. The elevator doors opened, and Monica, waiting for Pearl, saw the torn dresses.

“Olive, what happened? Why are you at a birthday party in a torn dress? Come with me; we have spare dresses you can choose from.”

Olive followed her into a room filled with beautiful dresses. A maid offered a pink, diamond-laced princess dress, also from Luminous.

Olive chose a different dress. “I don’t like that one.”

The maid protested, “Miss Olive, this dress is much better!”

Olive looked at her. “It’s just a dress. Why are you worried?”

The maid, seeing the purity in Olive’s eyes, felt guilty. “I just want you to look beautiful at the party,” she said with a smile.

“Thanks. I’ll change. Please wait outside.”

At the party, Patrick had spared no expense. He’d invited LA’s celebrities and CEOs. Gabriella, surrounded by friends, saw Monica approach. “What’s the matter? Did she wear the dress?” she whispered.

Monica nodded. “Yes.”

“That’s great. We’ve suffered enough. Today, she’ll taste our wrath. It’s a pity she’s wearing Luminous; I don’t even own one piece.”

Monica smiled. “Don’t worry, Gabby. Mommy will get you a Luminous dress after her reputation is ruined.”

Gabriella hugged her mother. “Thank you, Mum!”

“You’re welcome, baby. Get ready; Olive will be here any minute. The show is about to begin!”

Gabriella rejoined her friends. “I heard you bought a Luminous princess dress, Gabriella. Show us!” they urged.

Gabriella laughed. “Soon.”

Pearl pulled Gabriella’s hand. “Look, Olive’s coming.”

Olive descended the stairs, stunning and elegant in the pink princess dress. The chattering hall fell silent as all eyes turned to her. Gabriella clenched her fist; despite the plan, she wished Olive would disappear.