***
On the other side of the city.
Sunmi and Jacob are also busy scheming for Chaeyoung's party.
"Are you sure that this will work?" Sunmi asked hesitantly.
"Yes. Chaeyoung loves all her mother's possessions. I'm sure she will wear this necklace if I tell her that it's her mother's." Jacob explained.
"Just make sure to inform Yuri to act according to the plan. Just act pitiful and shed some tears. I'm sure the crowd will believe her." He added.
Sunmi nodded. Then she gives Jacob a very charming smile.
"Are you adamant on ruining the reputation of your first born? She is still your daughter after all." She said. A sudden flash of satisfaction can be seen in her eyes.
"What daughter? She does not even respect me at all. If we completely ruin her reputation, then the Manoban Family will stay away from her. " Jacob sneered. He had long loathed Chaeyoung's existence. He honestly felt like Chaeyoung stole everything from him.
"Then let's go all out. I will invite some media to sneakily enter the Wang's Estate as waiters." Sunmi grinned as the thought of Chaeyoung's fall is making her want to jump in ecstasy. "Let's see if she can still act tough and arrogant the next time she sees us."
...
To Chaeyoung's surprise, her father asked to see her hours before the start of her party. Jacob then gives her a gift. And just like in her previous life, it was a diamond necklace.
She didn't think that this scene would still happen in this lifetime. After all, Jacob already disowned her.
Then, suddenly her father asked for her forgiveness for his sudden outburst and his abrupt decision to disown her.
To be honest, Chaeyoung did not care about the disownment. But since her father asked for her forgiveness, she directly gives it to him. Of course, this forgiveness does not mean that everything is alright between them.
This forgiveness is just a sign that she really does not mind it at all. For Chaeyoung whatever Jacob do is irrelevant for her growth.
However, just like her previous life, Jacob asked her to wear the necklace. He then informed her that this necklace is her mother's and it will be very good to wear this on her 18th birthday.
Feeling suffocated by the same scene, Chaeyoung agreed.
Of course, she will not wear this necklace. She already know what will happen at the party. This time she will avoid what happened in her previous life and enjoy this birthday party.
...
The party will officially start at seven in the evening.
Some of the invited visitors started arriving as early as 5 pm. Her grandfather invited not just the elite families of the country. He also made sure to send an invitation to Chaeyoung's school mate. This includes the Headmistress, Eunwoo, Teacher Kim, and some other teachers. Even Yuri and Hyuna came.
Of course, Chaeyoung did not fail to invite Jennie and even Jungkook. At this moment, Jungkook is already considered as part of the Wang Group. This made the underground group stop targeting his back.
At around six thirty, Chaeyoung is already done with her hair and makeup. She is all prep up and ready for the party.
She looked at herself in the mirror for the tenth time. She couldn't help but admire the person in the mirror.
"Wow!"
Chaeyoung turned around as she heard someone gasp in admiration. It was her cousin, Taehyung. She then gives him a smile and examined him from head to toe.
This guy is truly her cousin. No one can deny that they look somewhat alike. Taehyung is wearing a gray suit with navy printed waistcoat, a white shirt and black double monk shoes. This made him appear more mature that his true age.
She can't deny that her cousin is truly a beauty among the handsome men out there.
"I didn't know Little Chae can be this pretty ah. Somehow I feel lucky to escort this beauty tonight." Taehyung teased her.
Chaeyoung beamed from her cousin's compliments.
"Hey, can you help me put this necklace on?" She said then she handed the black box that contains Lisa's gift.
Taehyung immediately complied. Still, he couldn't help but let out a few praises for the exquisite necklace. Somehow, Taehyung was not that surprised to know that it is Lisa's gift.
He can see that Lisa truly likes his younger cousin. However, he does not want to influence Chaeyoung's decision, so he doesn't want to say anything that will influence her.
For Taehyung, Chaeyoung's partner is someone that only she can decide. No one in the Wang Family will force her into something that she does not like. As long as she is happy then, Taehyung will truly support her.
"Wow! This necklace suits you well." Taehyung praised Chaeyoung again. "Too bad Lisa is still not here to see you." Everyone in the Wang Family was already aware that Lisa will be late tonight.
Chaeyoung did not say anything. She knows that Lisa will come no matter what. Or more like she is expecting Lisa to come no matter what.
Maybe this is her being selfish. But she honestly would like Lisa to see her wearing this necklace.
"Let's go, the party is about to start."
Both Taehyung and Chaeyoung then went to the VIP elevator of the hotel. This will directly lead them to the venue.
To maintain privacy, both Taehyung and Chaeyoung walked into a secret hallway that will lead them at the back of the stage. This is all part of the presentation.
Her grandfather will introduce her together with Taehyung. Then they will walk down from the stage that was set up to look like the interior of a palace.
This is an outdoor party, and everything from the lighting to the table arrangement is perfectly arranged to look like they are located outside of an ancient palace.
The party screams elegance and sophistication.
Grand and beautiful.
This made all the mature people admire the Wang Family's wealth, and the younger generation jealous. After all, not everyone can have a birthday party as grand as this.
At exactly seven her grandfather called everyone's attention.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, we are all here to celebrate the 18th birthday of my beloved granddaughter. Aside from this, I would also like to announce that from today onwards, my grandson Taehyung and granddaughter Chaeyoung will be the only successors of the Wang Group." Wang Guiren made a deliberate pause to observe everyone's reaction from his sudden announcement. "Everyone, I want you to help me welcome my only granddaughter, Chaeyoung escorted by my only grandson, Taehyung."
More than 30 minutes passed since the party started. And Yuri's eyes were already turning red from jealousy.
No one expected for the party to be this grand. She can see Chaeyoung enjoying everyone's attention.
For some reason, this made her more and more agitated. Still, she tried to keep her calm. She still needed to finish what she came here for.
To make the plan more successful Sunmi and Jacob did not show up at the party. For outsiders, this action is completely reasonable. After all, Jacob already disowned Chaeyoung.
"Hey, what is wrong with you?" Hyuna asked Yuri. She had long sensed her cousin's discomfort since the party started.
"I..." Yuri looked at the floor. Tears started to form in her eyes. "Elder sister's necklace seems to look a little familiar that's all."
"Familiar?" Hyuna asked, a little confused.
"Remember I told you about the ancestral necklace that I lost last week? It looks exactly the same as that necklace." Yuri said. Of course, this is just a story created by Jacob and Sunmi. Yuri did not even know what the necklace looked like.
Seeing that Chaeyoung is wearing a jadeite with diamond clasp she immediately assumed that this is the necklace that her father gave to Chaeyoung.
"What? That was the day that your father disowned her right?" Hyuna can't help but raise her voice. Earning a few people's attention including the headmistress'.
Yuri nodded. Her eyes are red-rimmed.
"That bitch! She even dared to steal your things and flaunt it in front of you!" Hyuna suddenly stood up and walked toward Chaeyoung's location.
Yuri immediately tried to stop her. Of course, it only looked like she tried to stop her. This was already a part of her parent's plans.
The strange scene attracted a lot of people's attention. Including Chaeyoung's.
Chaeyoung was having a conversation with some of the Wang Group's shareholders when she noticed the commotion caused by Hyuna.
Chaeyoung furrowed her brows as she looked at the furious Hyuna walking towards her. This is the exact scene that happened in her previous life.
She immediately signaled Taehyung to call the police. If her guess is right, then Hyuna will create some sort of a ruckus tonight.
"You... Chaeyoung ... How dare you? You are despicable!" Hyuna pointed her finger at Chaeyoung while her voice echoed to the entire venue. It made everyone stop what they are doing and focus their attention on the scene.
Wang Guiren and Jackson tried to say something to scold the scandalous girl pointing at Chaeyoung. But Taehyung signaled them to relax. For some reason, he felt that his little cousin can handle this without their help.
"Miss Seo. Don't you think it's a little inappropriate for you to shout at a party like this?" Chaeyoung said. Her voice calm and collected.
"What inappropriate? There is nothing more inappropriate than you! How dare you steal Yuri's necklace and even dare to flaunt it by wearing it tonight? You are so shameless!"
Hyuna's statement made Chaeyoung's gaze turned completely cold.
She is not wearing the necklace that Jacob gave her. However, this scene still happened.
She is sure that this is the first time that Yuri saw this necklace. However, she is still claiming the necklace as hers.
This only meant one thing.
The whole "birthday thief scandal" from her past life and this life was all planned to ruin her reputation.
They are trying to ruin her! They must have expected her to wear the necklace that Jacob gave her earlier.
Chaeyoung can't help but look at the people surrounding them. Some of them started to chastise her. She looked at them trying to memorize what they look like!
"Miss Seo. I will remind you that slandering someone is punishable by law." Eunwoo suddenly butted in. He will not let this opportunity pass to get close to Chaeyoung.
"What slander? Yuri was even crying about the necklace that she lost days ago. Everyone from the school can attest to that. We all saw her cry." Hyuna's shrill voice countered Eunwoo.
"Are you sure that this is her necklace? Miss Park, Miss Seo, I am asking you to look at my necklace again." Chaeyoung said after composing herself.
Still, anger is apparent in her eyes. Since these people wanted to ruin her then she won't be merciful anymore.
Yuri tried to avoid Chaeyoung's cold gaze as tears started to stream from her eyes. "Hyuna, let's stop this. It's alright. I forgive my elder sister. I'm sure she did not mean to do it." She whimpered.
Her statement made everyone looked at Chaeyoung in horror. Yuri just confirmed that it was indeed her necklace.
They all felt disgusted by Chaeyoung's actions. Every one of them knows that Chaeyoung tried to seduce Eunwoo and even wanted to have Young Miss Manoban for herself. This girl is still so young yet her attitude is already this rotten.
"Enough!" This time her grandfather wanted to slap all of these people for embarrassing his granddaughter. But he was silenced by Chaeyoung's cold eyes.
"Miss Park, are you saying that you indeed own the necklace that I am wearing right now?" Chaeyoung asked.
Her statement made Yuri a little confused. She expected her to shout at her and maybe slap her. However, she still nodded. As she continued to sob.
"Elder sister it's alright. I already forgive you. If you like the necklace. I can just give it to you."
"Miss Park. Everyone here is my witness of what you said. Some people are even taking a video. Now I don't want you to deny what you did tonight. I already called the police. I will let them decide." Chaeyoung said.
"Since you badly want to ruin yourself then go ahead and continue acting pitiful. You can fool everyone here because they are as stupid as you, but you can never fool me." Chaeyoung continued. She is almost consumed by her anger.
"How dare you? You are still so arrogant after what you did? Go ahead, call the police. So everyone will know how despicable you are! You not only stole Yuri's boyfriend. You also wanted to have her fiancé. Now you even stole her necklace. That necklace was given to her by our grandmother. You despicable bitch!" Hyuna blurted.
Chaeyoung's statement somehow made Yuri a little nervous. Why is she calling the police? This is not part of their plan. She looked at Chaeyoung and was shocked to see her cold eyes staring back at her.
"Elder sister, there is no need to involve the police. I already gave you my forgiveness. Please, I... I don't want to damage your reputation." She begged.
Almost everyone at the scene felt pity for Yuri. She is very kind-hearted ah.
Yet her older sister is so arrogant. Always wanting to cause trouble for her.
"Forgive? What are you trying to forgive Yuri huh? Do you really think that I will fall for all this? I know what you are all up to." Chaeyoung sneered. "This necklace was given by someone important to me. Now you are claiming that this is yours. Do you expect me to sit here and let you slander me?" Chaeyoung narrowed her eyes as she walked towards Yuri.
"Yours? Do you have proof that it is yours? It was Yuri's, you lying bitch! It was the Seo family's ancestral necklace. How dare you steal it?" Hyuna squealed.
Chaeyoung was about to retort when she was interrupted by someone's angry voice.
"What Seo Family's ancestral necklace? I give that necklace to Chaeyoung yesterday!"
Everyone turned their attention to the newcomer wearing a black formal suit.
"It's...Young Miss Manoban? How is she here?"
"Did she just say that the necklace was her gift?"
Everyone stared at the gorgeous young woman walking elegantly towards Chaeyoung.
"I'm sorry, I'm late." She said. Her voice is low and husky as she looked at Chaeyoung gently.
Her gentle gaze did not escape everyone's prying eyes. Chaeyoung just smiled at her in response. Somehow, she felt comforted that Lisa is already here.
Lisa's sudden appearance is out of Yuri's expectations. She felt fear slowly crept in her heart. Lisa just said that the necklace was her gift. Does that mean that Chaeyoung did not wear the necklace given by Jacob? If that's the case, then...
"Lisa I... what are you doing here?" Yuri walked towards Lisa. Her tone is friendly. As if they are already acquainted with each other.
"Do not call me by my name! I do not know you!" Lisa grumbled.
Yuri paled after she heard Lisa. What does she mean by she doesn't know her? Didn't she hear all the rumors?
Yuri assumed that Lisa did not stop the rumors from spreading because she also liked her.
"Miss Manoban, do not fall for Chaeyoung's tricks. She is bullying her sister. Do not protect her. She clearly stole that necklace from her sister." Someone from the crowd blurted.
This made Lisa's gaze turned colder. "Steal? Are you implying that I am lying?" she said as she raised an eyebrow to the people around them. "This is my grandmother's necklace given by my grandfather. He named it the Jadeite's heart, but you all know it as the Burr's Jade Star. It disappeared in the '80s because my grandfather bought it for my grandmother."
Lisa's explanation made everyone take a second look at the beautiful necklace hanging in Chaeyoung's neck. They are indeed familiar with the most expensive Jade sold in history. However, they never thought that it would appear here. And would even cause a commotion.
"Look at the clasp of that necklace, it's made of rubies and diamonds. It seems that Young Miss Manoban is telling the truth."
"Does that mean that Miss Chaeyoung Park is being slandered by her sister? I thought her sister was the kindhearted one. Tsk. Tsk."
"Look at her crying and acting pitiful in front of everyone. A classic example of a white lotus."
"Hmph... She almost fooled us. How can someone who looked so innocent and pure do that?"
When Hyuna and Yuri heard everyone's statement, they can't help but tremble in fear.
"Little Chae, the police is here." Taehyung's sudden statement made both Hyuna and Yuri realize that they are really in trouble this time.
"Elder sister. Miss Manoban. It was just a misunderstanding. I really thought it was my necklace. Maybe it only looked the same. I'm sorry. I... I apologize for accusing you. I... Elder sister please don't let the police take me. It was just a misunderstanding." Yuri's slurred. Her attitude made a sudden turned as she pleaded to Chaeyoung.
"I already asked you to make sure that it is yours. You even cried and act as if I bullied you. Let me tell you something, Yuri." Chaeyoung made sure to pause and looked at Eunwoo. Her gaze sharp and cold. "I am tired of pretending. I am not a nice person. I tried to avoid you and your mother in hopes that you will not target me. But what did you do? You created rumors. Rumors to ruin my reputation. You even planned everything with your boyfriend!"
"Wha.. what are you saying elder sister? I know you hate me because of what happened tonight, but I never created rumors against you. I... even tried to convince everyone that those rumors are not true." Yuri lied looking as pitiful as ever.
"Chaeyoung stop saying nonsense. I never planned anything with Yuri. I don't have anything to do with those rumors!" Eunwoo immediately denied. He is somewhat feeling nervous because of Chaeyoung's sharp gaze. It is making him feel like Chaeyoung knew his true intentions.
"Really? Do you think I don't have any evidence? Well, I don't slander people. I am not like you and your group of friends. I don't bark without any evidence! Or have you forgotten your little rendezvous with your little boyfriend to discuss your plans for both of your 'future'?"
Both Yuri and Eunwoo's eyes widened in fear. Did Chaeyoung know everything from the start?
"Taehyung pass me my phone." Chaeyoung said. Her gaze never left Yuri and Eunwoo.
She is starting to feel like these two were also targeting her in her previous life. Like all of what happened were all according to their plans.
Taehyung immediately gives Chaeyoung her phone.
"See this? This contains the evidence of you plotting behind my back." She smirked at them.
"Chaeyoung don't go overboard. Your sister already said that it was her mistake. Why are you taking it this far?" Hyuna suddenly blurted.
"Fool." Chaeyoung looked at Hyuna. Her eyes are full of mockery. "Yuri instigated you to create a ruckus, yet you are still protecting her. Did a donkey kick your head?"
Chaeyoung's words made Hyuna freeze. She is right. This had nothing to do with her at all. Yet, she was the one who approached Chaeyoung and created a scene. She looked at Yuri as fury started to boil in her veins.
"You- you used me?" Her eyes turned red in anger before she pounced at Yuri. "Bitch! HOW DARE YOU? I WILL KILL YOU!"
The scene turned chaotic as Eunwoo tried to stop Hyuna from attacking Yuri. The headmistress also joined to try and stop the girls from fighting.
Seeing the chaotic scene in front of her, Chaeyoung can't help but feel a little disappointed. She wasn't done! She was about to unveil Yuri's mask!
What bad luck!
"Officer, please take everyone who tried to create a ruckus. I will formally file a complaint tomorrow morning." Chaeyoung said. For some reason, her anger slowly disappeared after seeing Lisa.
The police took everyone involved in the commotion.
After all the troublemakers left, the environment turned awkward. After all, almost all of the guest judged Chaeyoung.
"Everyone, we apologize for the inconvenience. But the party is still not over. We still want everyone to enjoy themselves. In a while, there will be a series of presentations for all of us to enjoy. Again, I apologize to everyone." Chaeyoung then bowed in front of the remaining guest.
Everyone can't help but feel embarrassed by their previous actions. The girl in front of them is clearly sensible and smart. How can they accuse her of stealing?
"Everyone, I am Lalisa Manoban from the Manoban Family. I would also like to make this chance to clear up all rumors." Lisa started saying as she roamed her gaze into the crowd. "I never knew Chaeyoung's sister. This means that there is no engagement between the two of us. Now many of you might ask why I am here. That is because I am pursuing Park Chaeyoung! I already asked her to marry me, but for some reason she refused. So, I am taking every chance I have to woo her and I will never stop until she says yes..." Lisa said. Eyes full of determination.
Lisa's statement made everyone including Chaeyoung dumbstruck. Why is Lisa telling everyone these things?
This is very embarrassing ah. Why is this Lisa too... abnormal? Even letting everyone know of her feelings for her.
"Now, you might ask, why I am saying all this in front of you? I am doing this to warn other flies to stay away from Chaeyoung or you will face the whole Manoban Conglomerate!" She declared.
Chaeyoung can't help her eyes from twitching. Did this girl just threaten her guests? How... how shameless!
.....