I was born with sultry bedroom eyes, snow-white skin, and a killer body. In our elite high society circle, this look was branded as "the face of a born homewrecker." Meanwhile, my half-sister, Chloe Vance, was the epitome of a pure, innocent lily. She was hailed as the "Upper East Side’s Sweetheart" by the debutantes, the exact kind of "classy trophy wife" that wealthy matriarchs dreamed of. With me as her trashy foil, her reputation for grace and virtue spread like wildfire across the city. Everyone said that a cheap, flashy vixen like me was only fit to be a dirty secret—a mistress for some greasy, middle-aged tycoon. That was until Julian Sterling, the most powerful bachelor at the top of the empire, announced a public search for his fiancée. To show off her elegance, Chloe dragged me along to the gala as her personal background prop. Who could have guessed that Julian would declare on the spot that he would propose to me the next day with a billion-dollar dowry? Blinded by jealousy and rage, Chloe immediately packaged me up and sold me to a bald, creepy CEO with some very twisted bedroom fetishes. On the day of the proposal, I stood cold and detached, watching Chloe in her designer gown, eagerly waiting by the entrance. But Julian didn't come to propose to her. Instead, he kicked the Vance family's front gates open, his security team tearing down the entire wall of romantic red roses she had set up. "You dared to use a cheap fake to trick me? I will destroy the Vance family for this!"
Chloe sat on the edge of my bed, smiling like a literal angel. "Scarlett, just help me out this once," she pleaded, blinking her watery, innocent eyes. "The Sterling family is hosting a gala to choose Julian's fiancée. I need someone to go with me—to balance things out. You get it, right?" I leaned against my headboard, staying dead silent. I knew her little game all too well. Since we were kids, she had been the golden girl of the Upper East Side. Pure, elegant, and generous. And me? I had these feline, bedroom eyes, pale skin that practically oozed a dangerous charm, and a body so curvy that no outfit could fully hide it. I was her perfect contrast. With me standing next to her, she looked like a saint. The snobby elite wives privately called me a "born homewrecker," whispering that I was only good for being a rich man's plaything. When Chloe first heard those rumors, she cried, hugged me, and said she was so sorry. Then, she turned around and made sure those exact words spread to every single gossip blog in high society. "Scarlett, are you still mad at me?" She reached out to grab my hand. I pulled away, dodging her touch. "Why should I go?" "Because..." She bit her lip, her eyes pooling with tears as if she were about to break down. "Because I'm begging you. Mom and Dad said if we don't land this opportunity, our family is completely ruined. Just do it for the family, please." Here we go again. Looking at her tear-streaked, pitiful face, I remembered how she had cried and begged me ten years ago. She had asked for the necklace my late mother left me, saying she just wanted to wear it once and promised to return it. The very next day, I saw that exact necklace on her best friend’s neck. When I confronted her, she casually said she had lost it at a party. But my mother’s dying words were for me to protect that necklace with my life. "Fine. I’ll go," I said flatly. Chloe instantly threw her arms around me. "I knew you were the best, Scarlett!" As she turned to leave, I heard her pick up her phone in the hallway. "Mom, she agreed... Don't worry. A man like Julian Sterling would never look at a girl with a trashy face like hers..." I smiled to myself. Sure. Let's see about my trashy face. The heir of the Sterling empire was notorious for having impossibly high standards. Rumor had it he had rejected every single debutante on the Upper East Side. Chloe thought this was her golden ticket. She thought bringing me along would make her pure vibe pop, guaranteeing her win. But there was one thing she didn't know. Three days ago, I received a text from an unknown number: "Miss Scarlett Vance, in three days, I will propose to you in front of everyone." The sender: "Julian Sterling." I hadn't replied, and I hadn't told a soul. Chloe, you dragged me into this game. I hope you don't regret it. The scale of the Sterling gala was absolutely insane. The most powerful families in the city had arrived, and luxury sports cars lined the blocks for miles. Chloe wore a trailing, modest white gown. Her hair was down in soft waves, her face barely painted, finished with a nude lip. She looked like a fresh, delicate white lily. She held my arm tightly, whispering, "Scarlett, don't wander off. Just stick close to me." I glanced down at myself. I was wearing a slinky black mini-dress, bold red lipstick, and my feline eyes were sharp. I looked like a wicked temptress ready to break some hearts. "Chloe, are you sure you wanted me to wear this?" "It’s perfect," Chloe said with a sweet smile. "Standing together, we show Julian that the Vance family has every kind of flavor." Translation: "Look at how pure and classy I am next to this cheap, trashy vixen." In the bustling ballroom, the debutantes immediately swarmed Chloe. "Chloe, you look gorgeous tonight!" "Julian is definitely going to choose you. Everyone knows he prefers the elegant type." "Ugh, look at her sister. She's dressed like she's heading to a cheap nightclub. Embarrassing for the family." All eyes fell on me, dripping with mockery. A girl in a pink designer dress giggled behind her hand. "Chloe, why did you even bring her? Aren't you afraid she'll try to seduce Julian?" Chloe put on a deeply hurt expression. "She's my sister. Please don't talk about her like that." Keep acting, Chloe. Keep going. I sipped my champagne, saying nothing. My eyes drifted toward the second-floor VIP balcony. A tall, striking figure was leaning against the railing. Julian Sterling. Bespoke black suit, pale skin, and features so sharp they looked sculpted by an artist. He exuded an icy, untouchable authority. He was looking down at the crowd, and his gaze cut straight through the sea of people, locking onto me. Two seconds later, the corner of his mouth twitched upward. That look... it was the look of a hunter spotting his favorite prey. Chloe noticed him too. She immediately straightened her spine, flashing her sweetest, most radiant smile, and gave him a delicate wave. Julian ignored her completely. He turned and walked away. A flash of embarrassment crossed Chloe’s face, but she quickly recovered. "Julian is just like that. So cold, so mysterious. I love it." Her best friend chimed in instantly. "Of course! He’s the heir to the empire. He doesn't just wave back at anyone. But you’re different, Chloe. He definitely noticed you." Right then, the ballroom lights dimmed, and a spotlight hit the grand stage. The head butler of the Sterling family stepped up. "Thank you all for coming. Mr. Sterling has an announcement."
The entire room fell dead silent. Julian stepped out from the wings, stepping directly into the spotlight. His face was as cold as carved ice. He scanned the crowd and spoke into the mic. "I invited you all here today to announce one thing." Chloe was so tense she practically dug her nails into my arm. Julian’s voice was smooth, commanding, and unhurried. "The second daughter of the Vance family, Scarlett Vance." The entire room froze. I could feel a thousand eyes cutting toward me like daggers. Chloe gasped, her grip on my arm slipping away. "What?" Julian looked directly in my direction, his voice echoing clearly through the speakers. "Tomorrow, I will personally visit the Vance estate with a billion-dollar proposal gift." "Boom—" The entire ballroom erupted into absolute chaos. I could hear the sharp intakes of breath all around me. "Scarlett Vance? That homewrecker?" "No way. Is Julian blind?" The smile on Chloe’s face completely shattered. She whipped her head toward me, her eyes wide with pure, unadulterated shock. "You? How is that possible?" I didn't say a word, mostly because I was shocked myself. That text... was real? Julian actually wanted to marry me? Julian didn't look my way again. He turned and walked off the stage, leaving a room full of dumbfounded high-society elites. Chloe stood frozen. Her expression went from shock to boiling rage, and then to absolute humiliation. She had spent a month preparing her innocent look, pulled strings to get this invite, and made sure the whole city knew she was coming to be chosen. And now, Julian had publicly declared he was marrying her "vixen" sister? Her best friend crept closer, her voice trembling. "Chloe... what is going on?" Chloe forced a strained smile, her voice tight. "It’s fine. Julian must have made a mistake." A mistake? A man like Julian Sterling didn't make mistakes. On the ride home, Chloe didn't say a single word to me. She sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window, her fingers twisting her designer bag strap so hard her knuckles turned white. I sat in the back, and my phone lit up. A text from Julian: "Have you made up your mind? Will you accept my proposal?" I typed back: "I have. Yes, I will." "See you tomorrow." Three simple words, but I could read the underlying intensity. This guy had known exactly who I was from the very start. He had sent that text three days ago, back when everyone was still guessing who his fiancée would be. He had already chosen me. The car pulled up to the Vance estate. The moment I stepped out, Chloe spun around. Her sweet face distorted with malice for a split second before she forced a gentle smile. "Scarlett, I’m so happy for you." Wow, her acting was top-tier. Happy? The veins on her hand clutching her bag were practically bursting. I didn't bother calling her out. "Thanks, Chloe." Chloe reached out and patted my head, smiling sweetly. "We’re sisters, Scarlett. No need to thank me. Oh, by the way, Julian is coming tomorrow. If you need anything, I’ll help you get ready." Looking at her "sincere" eyes, I sneered inwardly. Chloe, the sweeter you act, the more it means you’re planning something dirty.
Sure enough, early the next morning, a crowd burst into my room. Chloe marched in with a team of makeup artists and stylists, looking as enthusiastic as if she were the one getting married. "Scarlett, today is your big day! I came to help you get ready." I looked at her with suspicion. "No need. I can handle it myself." "Oh, come on, I know your face best," Chloe said, pushing me down into the vanity chair. She turned to the makeup artist. "Make her look as plain as possible. Keep it super light. As for the dress..." She scanned my closet and pulled out a plain white, high-necked dress. "Wear this." A white, long-sleeved, high-necked dress that went all the way to my ankles. I looked like a nun. I stared at myself in the mirror. My naturally sultry, bedroom eyes had been painted to look like a timid, round-eyed girl. My pale skin was covered in a thick layer of dull, dark foundation, and my red lips were muted with a dry nude lipstick. I looked like a withered flower with its petals ripped off. Chloe nodded in satisfaction. "See? Much better. You look like a respectable girl now." I got it. She was terrified of me stealing her spotlight, so she deliberately made me look ugly. But she forgot one thing: Julian had publicly demanded me last night. No matter what I wore today, he was coming for me. Chloe seemed to have completely blocked that part out. She ran upstairs to change into her ultimate weapon—a champagne-colored designer mermaid gown with a plunging neckline, her hair pinned up to show off her delicate collarbones. She twirled in front of the mirror, a smug smirk on her lips. Her mother, Victoria, walked in and lowered her voice. "Any word from the Sterling family?" Chloe shook her head. "No. But I did some digging. When Julian announced it last night, he said the 'second daughter of the Vance family.' Think about it, Mom. Who is the second daughter?" Victoria frowned. "That useless brat, Scarlett?" "Exactly," Chloe laughed. "But do you honestly think Julian Sterling would marry someone like her? A girl with a homewrecker face? The Sterling patriarch would never allow it. I bet Julian just threw her name out to piss off his family who’s pressuring him to marry." Victoria nodded. "So today’s proposal is..." "A total bluff," Chloe said, touching up her lipstick. "When Julian gets here, he’ll realize that the only woman in the Vance family worthy of him is me." She checked the clock. "Mom, when Julian sees me standing next to that plain, washed-out vixen, who do you think he’ll choose?" Victoria sneered proudly. "Is that even a question? Unless he’s blind, he’ll choose you." Downstairs, I was made to sit in the darkest corner of the living room. Nobody even bothered to pour me a glass of water. Chloe sat gracefully on the main sofa, her posture perfect, wearing a sweet smile like a queen waiting for her coronation. Victoria was pacing around. "Are the flowers set up? Is the red carpet laid out?" The maids were scrambling, rolling out a long red carpet from the entrance to the living room, lined with hundreds of red roses. Victoria nodded in approval. "The Sterling family represents ultimate wealth. We must have a grand entrance. Chloe, when Julian arrives, don't speak too quickly. Let him talk first. Got it?" Chloe nodded. "I know, Mom. Elegant and poised." "Good. That’s how a real billionaire's wife should behave." Victoria cast a mocking glare toward my corner. "Unlike some people, who look like they were born to be cheap mistresses." I kept my head down, playing on my phone, ignoring them. A message from Julian popped up ten minutes ago: "Arriving at ten." It was currently 9:55 AM. Suddenly, the roar of multiple car engines echoed from outside. The sound got closer and closer. Victoria clapped her hands in excitement. "He’s here! He’s here! Chloe, stand up!" Chloe stood up, smoothed down her gown, took a deep breath, and put on her flawless, sweet smile. The heavy front doors swung open— And everyone froze. Julian wasn't there. Instead, eight towering bodyguards in black suits marched in, lining up in two perfect rows. Following them was the head butler of the Sterling family, holding a thick crimson ledger. "Listen closely, Vance family. Here is the list of Julian Sterling’s multi-billion-dollar proposal gifts—"
He began to read the list. Three luxury penthouses in Manhattan, valued at three hundred million. A private island in the Maldives, valued at two hundred million. Ten limited-edition supercars, worth fifty million. Five percent of the Sterling Group's global shares, valued at one billion. Along with rare diamonds, jewelry, and art, totaling another few hundred million. The living room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. Victoria’s jaw literally hit the floor, her eyes bulging with greed. Chloe’s eyes welled with tears, her hand flying to her mouth as her voice trembled. "He... he really is doing this for me..." She actually thought this was all for her. After finishing the list, the butler looked up. "Is Miss Scarlett Vance here?" Chloe instinctively took a step forward, smiling warmly. "I am Chloe Vance." The butler’s face remained completely stoic. "I asked for Scarlett Vance." The smile on Chloe’s face instantly died. I stood up from my dark corner. "I’m here." The butler looked at me, his eyes softening with deep respect. "Miss Scarlett, Mr. Sterling will arrive in ten minutes. Please be ready." Chloe’s face drained of all color. Victoria rushed forward, grabbing the butler's sleeve. "Wait! You must have made a mistake! The one Julian wants to marry is my daughter, Chloe!" The butler frowned, pulling his arm away. "Madam, Mr. Sterling made it crystal clear last night that he is marrying the second daughter of the Vance family. Do you have another second daughter?" Victoria choked on her words, speechless. Chloe stood frozen on her own red carpet, her expensive gown suddenly looking utterly ridiculous. Just minutes ago, she was gloating in front of the mirror, thinking she was the star of the show. It turned out none of this was for her. She bit her lip, tears finally spilling over. Looking at her pathetic face, I felt absolutely zero pity. Chloe, this is the trap you set for yourself. Ten minutes passed in a flash. The roar of another engine echoed outside. This time, it was a sleek, pitch-black Maybach with a custom license plate. Everyone in the city knew that was Julian Sterling’s personal ride. The car stopped, and the door opened. Julian stepped out. He wore a bespoke black suit, the diamond cufflinks gleaming in the morning sun. Two assistants followed closely behind, carrying leather briefcases. Chloe rushed to the door, forcing a weak smile. "Julian, welcome to our home." Julian didn't even look at her. He walked straight past her into the living room, his sharp eyes scanning the space. "Where is Scarlett?" I stepped out from the corner. "Right here." The moment Julian saw me, his brow furrowed. He stared at my face for three solid seconds before whipping around to glare at Chloe. His voice was like ice. "Who did her makeup?" Chloe stammered, "I... I just had the makeup artist..." "Wash it off," Julian cut her off, his tone leaving no room for argument. His assistant immediately stepped forward, handing me a pack of luxury makeup-removing wipes. I blinked in surprise, took the wipes, and slowly wiped away the heavy, dull foundation. My pale skin was revealed once more, and without the muddy eyeshadow, my sharp, bedroom eyes shone with their natural, captivating charm. Julian looked at me, a smirk playing on his lips. "Much better." He waved his hand, and his assistant handed over a document. "Did you review the gift list?" I nodded. "I did." "Are you satisfied?" Before I could answer, Victoria burst forward. "Julian! You can't do this! Scarlett... she’s not a respectable girl! Her mother was—" "Shut up," Julian said. Just two words, but they cut Victoria off like a blade to the throat. She gasped, instantly silenced. Julian turned back to me, his voice softening. "Scarlett, I told you last night I would bring a proposal gift today." He paused, reaching into his breast pocket, and pulled out a black velvet box. Then, he dropped to one knee. The entire room gasped. Chloe stood on the side, biting her lip so hard it began to bleed. Julian clicked the box open, revealing a flawless, pink diamond ring the size of a quail egg. "Marry me."
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