The Hairclip He Gave Me Was a Free Gift from Her Jewelry Spree Chapter 09

The Hairclip He Gave Me Was a Free Gift from Her Jewelry Spree Chapter 09

On his birthday, Sebastian left early, saying he had things to do.

He only sent me the hotel’s location.

It was the hotel he used to say he worked at.

Before long, the Hales came to pick me up.

Ethan was driving himself.

I changed into my gown and walked into the glittering banquet hall.

Standing in front of so many people for the first time, I couldn’t help being nervous.

Luckily, Ethan had already coached me on all the rules and etiquette.

He stood behind me.

“Don’t be scared. I’m here.”

So, introduced by Mom and Dad, I greeted the elders and relatives one by one.

The hall next door was loud.

Passing guests whispered.

“That Shaw kid is too flashy. Inviting all these media outlets for a birthday.”

“Young people these days. I don’t get them.”

My phone buzzed several times with messages from Sebastian.

“Rhea, where are you?”

“I’m waiting for you at the door of the banquet hall.”

“Why aren’t you here yet? Are you going to be late for my birthday too?”

Just then, the event here wrapped up, and Mom told me to take a breather.

I walked slowly on my heels toward Sebastian’s birthday hall.

The doors were wide open.

Several cameras were set up inside.

The livestream had already started, with tens of thousands of viewers waiting for this lavish old-money

birthday party.

Sebastian stood at the door.

When he saw me, he froze at first.

His gaze fixed on me, and he didn’t react for a long time.

Only when I reached him did he snap back.

“Rhea, why are you… dressed like that?”

I gave a small smile.

“Don’t I look good?”

The admiration in his eyes was impossible to hide, and he nodded instinctively.

“You look beautiful.”

“This dress suits you. Is it this season’s new couture?”

“It’s not easy to find a replica this good. It must have cost a lot, right?”

“You went to so much trouble for my birthday.”

I glanced down at the embroidery on my skirt.

“Sebastian, look carefully. This is the real thing.”

He didn’t believe me. “Idiot, do you know how expensive the real thing is?”

“You couldn’t afford it even if you sold yourself.”

“And you?” I looked at him in his tailored suit and asked with a smile, “Where’s your replica from?”

“Rhea, I didn’t tell you who I was before.”

He took half a step back, his manner privileged.

“The truth is, I’m the eldest son of the Shaw family in Manhattan.”

When he finished, he held his breath, waiting for my reaction.

But he was disappointed.

I said “Oh” calmly.

“Sebastian, I didn’t get a chance to tell you either.”

“I’m Ethan Hale’s sister.”

The air was silent for a few seconds. Then Sebastian laughed.

Charlotte, who had come to find him, laughed too.

“Rhea, if you’re going to lie, at least make it believable.”

“Everyone knows Ethan Hale is an only child. Where did he get a sister?”

The moment she finished, Ethan walked slowly from the end of the hallway with Mom.

Charlotte spotted them at once and hurried over.

“Mrs. Hale, what a coincidence. I can’t believe I ran into you here.”

“Ethan, long time no see.”

Ethan frowned and ignored her.

Mom responded with a faint “Mm.”

“We’re next door. We’re holding the homecoming banquet for my daughter.”

Charlotte froze. “Daughter?”

“Yes, my biological daughter.”

“She went missing when she was little, and we only found her recently.”

Charlotte immediately put on a sweet, obedient face and stepped closer.

“So you have a daughter, Aunt Hale.”

“With a mother this beautiful, your sister must be gorgeous too.”

“I’ll come over and toast her later, so I can get to know her.”

“No need for all that.”

Mom avoided her touch and took my hand.

“Let me introduce you.”