Chapter 9: The Aftermath

My birthday party ended in chaos. When I refused to kneel, Mom and Dad finally swept in, draped in Hermès and fake smiles, hustling guests out with party favors like nothing happened.

Rachel tried to play the victim with my mother, but Mom’s socialite smile could freeze lava. "I’m sorry, but the Thompson family will handle our own affairs. The valet will bring your car around. Please leave."

Rachel’s lower lip trembled, but she retreated, heels clicking out of rhythm.

When the room cleared, Dad fixed me with a stare over his whiskey. "Tell me what really happened."

Nathan opened his mouth, but I cut in: "A new transfer showed up. Poured water on herself, claimed I did it. Later I found out she’s the charity case Nathan’s been supporting—Rachel."

Nathan’s head snapped up, shocked. Gotcha, brother. I’d seen the Venmo receipts, the late-night texts.

I pressed a tissue to my eyes, voice wavering with just enough drama: "I don’t blame her. It’s just a party. What hurts is that my own brother didn’t believe me…"

I could play the sweet, innocent act too. Dad made the call: "Enough. No more drama—if this gets out, it’s bad for the IPO. This ends here."