Chapter 31: Fake Sisters

Pearl's family wasn't wealthy, but she craved a life of luxury. Following Gabriella promised access to designer castoffs and high-class bars like KissLand, where expensive wine flowed freely. This drunken lifestyle was her dream.

Olive's assessment of her as Gabriella's "pug" was accurate. Pearl despised Gabriella, envying her wealth while simultaneously disliking her. She loathed Olive even more, resenting her beautiful and successful life.

After two glasses of expensive wine, Derrick arrived. Pearl rose quickly.

"Young Master Domino, why are you here?"

Derrick scanned the room, failing to find Olive, his gaze settling on Pearl.

"Where's Olive?"

Pearl avoided his gaze. She harbored Cinderella fantasies—a prince charming arriving, falling in love, and elevating her to envied heights. Derrick, one of the city's power brokers, was the epitome of this ideal. Whenever Derrick and Gabriella were together, Pearl fantasized about replacing Gabriella. She liked Derrick.

When Love Becomes a Thing of the Past

This was their first time alone. Pearl's heart pounded. Looking at Derrick, she stammered, "Mr. Derrick, Olive went out with Gabriella just now."

Derrick frowned, sitting on the sofa. "Then I'll wait here." He ignored Pearl, pulling out his phone.

Pearl's heart hammered. Admiring Derrick's face, she poured him a glass of wine. "Mr. Derrick, have a drink."

As she approached, tipsy and nervous, Pearl sprained her foot, falling into Derrick's arms.

Gabriella followed Olive, who remained silent.

"Olive, what are you trying to say?" Gabriella's patience snapped.

Olive smiled at the bathroom door. "I just wanted you to accompany me to the bathroom."

Gabriella, realizing the trick, exclaimed, "Olive, are you mentally ill?" She stormed to the private room.

Gabriella pushed open the door. "What the…" Her voice trailed off. Pearl was in Derrick's arms, gazing at him. The scene was undeniably ambiguous.

Gabriella was shocked, her anger flaring. "Pearl, what are you doing?"

Pearl, startled by Gabriella's voice, stood, meeting Gabriella's furious gaze. She trembled. Derrick had risen, his expression unchanged; women throwing themselves at him seemed commonplace.

"Gabriella, where's Olive?" he asked.

Gabriella, burning with rage, forced a smile. "Derrick, why are you looking for Olive? She's in the bathroom."

"I need to talk to her." Derrick left.

Alone with Pearl, the wine's effect faded. "Gabriella, I can explain…"

Gabriella rushed forward, slapping Pearl hard.

Gabriella sneered, seizing Pearl's hair. "Of course nothing happened, because I arrived in time, Pearl, you cheap slut! You were trying to seduce my fiancé, right?"

She dragged Pearl into the corridor, tearing at her clothes. "Don't you like seducing men? I'll strip you now! Hey, everyone, look! This shameless bitch tried seducing my fiancé!"

The commotion attracted a crowd, the men particularly enthralled by Pearl's beauty. Gabriella, in her rage, had ripped off Pearl's clothing, revealing her body. The men stared with malice.

Humiliated and ashamed, Pearl cried, her body aching. "Gabriella, let me go! Don't touch me…" She shielded herself, begging for mercy.

Gabriella, exhausted from striking her, kicked Pearl hard in the stomach. "You bitch, stay away from me, or I'll beat you to death!" She stalked away.

Pearl huddled on the ground, trying to cover herself. A man approached, smirking. "You're quite beautiful. How much do you charge for a night?"

Terrified, Pearl cried, pushing back the encroaching hands. "Get out of my way, don't touch me!"

A coat fell over her shoulders, offering a merciful shroud.