Betrayed by All, Loved by My Stepbrother Chapter 08
Scarlett
Today was the Sterling family’s annual gala.
I stood before the mirror, carefully selecting my evening gown. A deep blue silk dress, understated yet elegant, perfectly complementing my complexion.
I need to look stunning tonight,* I smiled at my reflection, imagining Alexander’s expression when he saw me.
Though our relationship wasn’t public yet, deep down,
I hoped to stand beside him at this important event.
Ding–dong-
The doorbell interrupted my daydream.
Looking through the peephole, I froze.
Victoria?
What was she doing here?
After hesitating for a few seconds, I opened the door.
Victoria stood outside wearing a pink dress, a sweet smile plastered on her face. “Scarlett, I just wanted to check on you.”
Since when was she this polite?
“How did you know where I live?” I asked cautiously.
“Oh, didn’t Blake come here a few days ago?” Victoria blinked her innocent–looking eyes. “I heard him mention it.”
My heart instantly sank. So she was the one who told Blake!
But Victoria maintained her innocent expression. “I heard Blake gave you trouble? That’s terrible. Scarlett, are you okay?”
[So fake!]
[She’s putting on an act!]
[Watch out for this two–faced snake!]
The comment system immediately flashed warnings.
Victoria spoke softly: “Blake is very unstable right now. You should be careful.”
Her concern sounded so genuine that without the comment system’s warnings, I might have actually believed her.
“Let’s attend the gala together tonight,” Victoria continued. “After all, we’re sisters. We should present a united front.”
Sisters? United front?
Those words coming from her mouth were laughably ironic.
“No thanks,” I replied coldly. “I’ll go by myself.”
Victoria’s smile faltered for a moment but quickly recovered. “Alright then. I’ll see you tonight.”
Watching her walk away, my sense of unease grew stronger.
She definitely didn’t come here to check on me. She had another agenda.
After closing the door, the comment system suddenly went wild:
[Something big is going to happen tonight!]
[The storm is coming!]
[Prepare for the worst!]
[Protect yourself!]
The flood of warnings made my heart race.
“What’s going to happen?” I whispered, my palms beginning to sweat.
Just then, my phone rang. Alexander calling.
“Scarlett,” his voice sounded tired. “I might be late tonight. There’s an emergency meeting at the company I need to handle.”
What? He couldn’t come with me?
“Alex, I have a bad feeling about tonight…” I said nervously.
“Don’t worry,” Alexander’s voice was gentle but firm. “Whatever happens, I’ll protect you. I’ll get there as soon as I can. Could you go ahead and wait for me?”
[It’s dangerous without him!]
[They’re making their move now!]
[This was planned!]
The comment system’s warnings nearly made me tremble.
Did Victoria know Alexander would be late tonight,
and deliberately choose this moment?
“I’m… I’m scared,” my voice shook slightly.
“Scarlett, trust me. I won’t let anyone hurt you,”
Alexander’s voice was full of strength. “You’re the most precious person to me.”
His words reassured me somewhat, but fear continued to spread through me.
After hanging up, I looked at myself in the mirror and took a deep breath.
Whatever I had to face tonight, I wouldn’t back down.
The Sterling family gala was held at the most luxurious five–star hotel downtown.
I entered the ballroom alone. Brilliant crystal chandeliers illuminated the space where socialites and business elites mingled, champagne glasses clinking.
But Alexander hadn’t arrived yet.
I scanned the room for familiar faces, when suddenly
I saw something that made my heart stop.
Blake walked in with Victoria on his arm.
They moved together intimately. Blake in an impeccable suit, Victoria resplendent in her pink gown like a princess. Worse still, the bruises on Blake‘ s face had faded, and he looked completely revitalized.
Our eyes met, and they both flashed knowing smirks.
That look–like predators spotting their prey.
My blood ran cold.
Victoria sweetly introduced him to everyone nearby: ” This is my boyfriend, Blake.”
Boyfriend? She was making their relationship public?
Blake looked at me maliciously, his lips curling into a cruel smile. “Tonight’s going to be quite a show.”
[They’re plotting something big!]
[Run!]
[It’s a trap!]
The comment system frantically warned as my legs nearly gave out.
Just then, the host approached the microphone:”
Ladies and gentlemen, Mr. Smith would like to share an important announcement.”
What? Blake was going to speak?
My heart in my throat, I quickly checked my phone for Alexander’s location.
Still on his way.
Blake slowly walked to the stage, all eyes in the room focused on him. He cleared his throat, wearing a smug smile: “Thank you all for this opportunity. I know there have been many malicious rumors about why I was with Scarlett before and am now with Victoria, with people assuming I cheated.”
The room fell silent as everyone listened intently.
My hands trembled violently as one final comment flashed before my eyes:
[It’s over!]
[He’s going to expose your relationship with your brother!]
[This is the trap!]
No, impossible! How dare he?
Blake continued: “But now I want to tell everyone who the real cheater is…”
He paused deliberately, his malicious gaze fixed directly on me.
My face drained of color as I desperately looked toward the entrance.
Alexander, where are you?
“The real cheater is Scarlett Sterling!” Blake’s voice echoed throughout the ballroom. “She betrayed me by having an affair with her brother, Alexander
Sterling!”
BOOM-
The entire room erupted in chaos.
All eyes turned to me like sharp knives, a mixture of whispers, gasps, and judgmental murmurs filling the air.
I felt the room spinning as my entire world collapsed around me.
It was over.
Everything was over.