Quinn's birthday party was incredibly lavish.

She came from a wealthy family and had always been popular. Not only were her friends from their social circle there, but also many old classmates.

They all gathered around her like she was the center of the universe, showering her with compliments.

"Quinn, this party is amazing! The decorations must have cost a fortune."

"Of course! And look at your dress, it's gorgeous. It has to be custom-made. Only a figure like yours could pull it off."

"Totally. Of all the girls in our class, Quinn has it the best. And she's never arrogant, not like some people."

Quinn smiled and replied to each of them.

"You guys are too kind. This old thing? I just threw it on. Julian's people handled the party arrangements. I wouldn't know the first thing about any of this."

Hearing this, Hailey, who had been one of her followers since their school days, leaned in close and whispered, "Only you could make Julian go to such lengths. Everyone knows how much he's always liked you!"

"He only ever confessed his feelings to you, wrote you love letters, brought you breakfast. He wouldn't even look at other girls."

"And now he's treating you like a princess. The moment you came back, he was there to pick you up. The whole city knows you're the only one for him."

"He's been hung up on you for all these years. It's about time you said yes!"

Quinn's face flushed to the roots of her hair. She shyly grabbed Hailey's arm. "Julian has a girlfriend. Don't talk nonsense."

"A girlfriend? You mean Sienna?"

"Please. Everyone knows Sienna has proposed to Julian a hundred times and been rejected every single time. If it were me, I would have died of humiliation. Only she has the thick skin to still hang around him."

"Exactly. Others might not know, but we do. Quinn, Julian only got with Sienna because of you. Otherwise, she wouldn't have even had a chance."

The triumphant look on Quinn's face deepened. She glanced over at Sienna, only to see her sitting silently in a corner, not even looking in her direction.

Despite being ostracized by the group, no one could deny how stunningly beautiful Sienna was. Even now, just sitting there quietly, countless men who didn't know her were approaching her, trying to strike up a conversation.

A flock of young men, like peacocks displaying their feathers, surrounded Sienna, each asking her to dance. One particularly bold man even grabbed her hand and started pulling her toward the dance floor.

Just then, Julian appeared before them, his face dark and stormy.

A dangerous glint flashed in his eyes, his thin lips pressed into a tight line. His powerful presence was enough to make anyone tremble.

Before the man could say a word, Julian lunged forward and kicked him squarely in the chest, sending him flying several feet.

"You dare touch my woman?"

He then turned and waved his security guards over.

"Drag him out of here. And make sure he never shows his face in front of me again."

Sienna looked at the hand he was gripping tightly and let out a self-deprecating laugh.

She didn't understand. If he didn't love her, why was he so possessive?

And the man had barely touched her. There was no need for such a violent reaction.

From a distance, Quinn, who had witnessed the entire scene, unconsciously snapped the stem of the rose in her hand.

She glared at Sienna, her eyes filled with jealousy and resentment.

The party continued. As everyone was lost in the haze of alcohol and celebration, a frantic scream suddenly came from the center of the stage.

It was Quinn.

"My necklace is gone!"