Chapter 5

A bizarre, suffocating silence fell over the ballroom.

Mr. Miller, who was laughing a second ago, froze.

He whipped his head toward Christian, his eyes burning with pure, murderous rage.

Mr. Cooper went completely ballistic. The champagne glass in his hand slipped and shattered on the marble floor.

"Christian. What the hell did you just say?" Mr. Miller roared, lunging forward and grabbing Christian by his designer collar.

Christian was paralyzed with fear.

"Mr. Miller, what are you doing? I did not say anything."

"You are still lying. I heard you loud and clear. You said my wife has a boy toy. You little piece of sht, you have been spying on me." Mr. Miller was out of his mind with embarrassment. He raised his hand and delivered a roaring slap right across Christian's face.

Slap.

The sound echoed through the silent ballroom.

"Ah." Christian screamed, clutching his swollen cheek, stumbling backward.

Before he could even recover, Mr. Cooper rushed him, grabbing his tuxedo jacket.

"You venomous little brat. You dare accuse my son of embezzlement. I will teach you a lesson you will never forget."

The two distinguished, billionaire businessmen were now acting like rabid street fighters, shoving and hitting Christian.

Christian's expensive tuxedo was torn to shreds, his styled hair was ruined, and he screamed in terror as he was beaten.

"Help. Mother. Olivia. Save me."

Victoria finally snapped out of her shock, screaming as she threw herself into the fray to break it up.

Arthur and Olivia also rushed in to pull the angry men off.

The ballroom descended into utter chaos. Screams, curses, and shattered glasses created a beautiful symphony.

I stood on the edge of the crowd, watching the drama unfold with a cold smirk. I picked up a glass of champagne from a passing tray and took a slow, satisfying sip.

Ah, top-shelf. Delicious.

The grand birthday party the Vance family had spent months planning was now the biggest joke in New York high society.

Eventually, security escorted the raging Mr. Miller and Mr. Cooper out, and the other guests quickly made excuses to leave.

Within thirty minutes, the lively ballroom was completely empty, leaving behind a ruined, messy hall.

Christian slumped in a chair, his hair disheveled, his face bruised and swollen, crying hysterically.

Victoria held him, her eyes red from crying.

Arthur's face was black with rage. He whipped around and glared at me.

"Did you do this?" he roared. "The moment you came back, everything went to hell. What did you do?"

I set my glass down, looking completely innocent.

"Father, what are you talking about? I was standing here the whole time, and I did not say a single word. Everyone saw it. Christian brought up those secrets and pissed off Mr. Miller and Mr. Cooper. What does that have to do with me?"

"You ungrateful brat." Arthur raised his hand to strike me.

I did not flinch. I just stared at him coldly.

Just before his hand hit my face, Olivia suddenly grabbed his wrist.

"Father, stop," Olivia said, her voice sounding incredibly exhausted.

She looked at Christian, and for the first time, there was no affection in her eyes—only deep suspicion and disgust.

"Something is very wrong today. But either way, the party is ruined. Let Christian go clean up."

Arthur gave me one last furious glare, then stormed off.

As Victoria helped Christian walk upstairs, Christian shot me a look of pure, unadulterated hatred.

Ethan, you bastard. I will make you pay for this humiliation a thousand times over.

I met his gaze, my lips curving into a mocking smile.

Anytime, little brother.