He Paid Me To Strip So I Smashed His Head Instead Chapter 06

He Paid Me To Strip So I Smashed His Head Instead Chapter 06

The day of the party arrived.

I arrived in a simple dress.

My eyes went instantly to Chloe, the center of the room.

She wore a pink tulle ball gown, looking every bit the princess—beautiful, charming, dazzling.

Standing beside her were several handsome guys, each with their own charm.

Lucas, Xavier Thorne, Ethan Parker, and the others.

Xavier was saying something that drew a shy, sweet smile from her.

When they noticed me enter, all eyes turned to me.

Their expressions were mixed.

Without changing my expression, I walked up to Chloe and handed her the gift—a silver-plated bracelet I’d picked up from a boutique on the way.

It had cost me two thousand dollars, a fortune.

Chloe glanced at the modest packaging and took it with a sweet smile.

Ethan frowned. “Serena, why are you here?”

Before I could answer, Chloe spoke softly, “I invited Serena.”

Chloe took my hand. “I’m so happy you could come, Serena.”

Her smile was radiant, as if she genuinely meant it.

I didn’t pull my hand away. I just said calmly, “Happy birthday.”

Lucas stood nearby holding a glass of Dom Pérignon, gauze still taped to his forehead. He grinned.

“Serena, you’re actually dressed decent today.”

I glanced at Lucas.

I’d just thrown on an old dress, practically faded from washing.

“Thanks,” I replied politely. “Not nearly as fetchingas you, Lucas.”

I eyed the bandage on his head. “Brain not fully healed yet? Remember to take your painkillers—good for that head of yours.”

Lucas just laughed even harder.

Ethan frowned like a moralist. “What’s happened to you? Your language is appalling.”

I smiled. “Ethan, are you branching out from medicine to personality reform?

So concerned. Maybe you should join the neighborhood committee.

Xavier, who rarely spoke, cut in. “Sharp tongue.”

My smile didn’t waver. “Oh, Mr. Thorne has decided to step out of the shadows and join the performance today.

Enjoying the show? You ought to pay me an appearance fee.

Chloe’s smile tightened. “Come on, it’s my birthday,” she said, trying to lighten the mood. “Let’s all be happy, for my sake.”

She linked her arm affectionately with mine.

“Serena, it’s been so long since you’ve been back. Let me show you around.”

I withdrew my arm. “No need. I lived here over a decade—I’ve seen it all.”

Done with them, I headed to the corner with a plate of snacks.

First, I needed to eat.

Right now, I couldn’t afford delicacies like these.

I finished every bite.

Stomach full, I patted it and made my way to the back patio.