Chapter 3

Jessica was always like this. Whenever her little schemes didn't work out, she'd throw a tantrum, and this time was no different.

But I didn't back down. I never did.

I grabbed my wine glass and splashed it right in her perfectly made-up face.

Jessica froze. She clearly didn't expect me to fight back in front of all these people, and she shrieked, hands flying up to cover her face.

The wine hit Edward and Ryan's suits instead. I didn't even see them move, but suddenly they were both standing in front of Jessica like human shields.

The crowd went wild. "Oh my God, two hot guys protecting the princess! It's like a CEO romance come to life!"

"Claire is literally the evil stepsister right now. She shows up to Jessie's coming-of-age party in a princess dress, and when Jessie calls her out, she throws wine? Seriously?"

"I can't. They're so beautiful together. Someone write this down, I'd read the hell out of it!"

Jessica opened her eyes, and that flash of fear melted into pure satisfaction.

Edward wiped the wine from his face and looked down at me, his voice flat. "Stop making a scene."

Ryan cleaned himself off without a word, but his eyes lingered on me with something I couldn't quite read.

They were terrified I might actually fight back, but even more afraid I might hurt precious Jessica in the process. It was pathetic.

"Pathetic." Jessica smirked and turned away, completely satisfied with herself.

I grabbed my chance and spun her around by the shoulder. Two hard slaps landed across her face, one after the other.

She hit the ground, and both her cheeks started swelling up fast.

I swirled my wine glass and looked down at her. "Pathetic."

"Claire!" She lost it completely and scrambled up to claw at my throat.

I didn't move. I was ready to take her on.

But someone caught both her hands before she could reach me.

Edward looked over at Ryan with surprise, like he hadn't expected him to step in, too.

"Easy, Jessie." Edward's voice was soft but firm. "She's still one of mine."

Ryan glanced at me and cleared his throat. "Look, she and I don't exactly get along, but she's still a Pierce. And this is your big day—don't let someone like her ruin it."

"You two—" Jessica had been spoiled her whole life and couldn't handle being told no.

She shoved them both away and stumbled off toward her room.

Ryan and Edward watched her go, then turned to look at me with a hint of blame in their eyes.

I took a sip of my wine. "What? Why are you looking at me?"

They clenched their jaws and went after her.

*****

The private room had good soundproofing, but Jessica's voice was too loud. I could still hear her screaming as I walked past the door.

She said, "I don't care! At the celebration party, I don't just want her photos exposed. I want you to take them to the biggest auction house and let everyone see what a slut she really is!"

Edward spoke first. "Don't go too far."

Jessica seemed to turn toward Ryan. "Ryan, what about you?"

Ryan didn't answer.

Jessica cursed, "You're both assholes! It's my birthday!"

Ryan and Edward still didn't respond.

I pressed myself against the door, and my heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears.

They wouldn't agree to this, right?

Jessica said, "I'm done with both of you!"

"Jessie!" Ryan and Edward suddenly panicked.

Jessica's voice turned hysterical. "Don't stop me! I'm going to jump!"

"Jessie!" Someone dropped to their knees. "We were wrong, okay? Please come down."

"Then you have to auction off her private photos. You have to get revenge for me."

"Fine." That was Edward.

He turned to Ryan. "Ryan?"

A moment of silence, and then Ryan spoke. "I'm okay with it."

My nails dug deep into my palms.

I slipped away from the door without making a sound.