Chapter 4

In front of the Waldorf Hotel, the red carpet stretched like blood-colored silk, with camera flashes weaving a silver net of light.

I sat in Jordan's Maserati, watching from afar as Brad strode confidently down the red carpet, his right arm linked with Jennifer in her champagne-colored gown. She smiled with flawless perfection, clinging to Brad's side as if they were made for each other.

Ha! The position I'd dreamed of for three years was now occupied by this bitch.

"Mr. Martinez! Over here!" The reporters frantically clicked their shutters.

"Mr. Martinez, who is this beautiful lady?" one reporter pressed forward with questions.

Brad looked confidently toward the cameras: "Jennifer Taylor, my... special partner."

Jennifer timely tightened her grip on his arm, her eyes sparkling with smug satisfaction.

I sneered coldly from inside the car: Want my position? Let's see who gets the last laugh.

Jordan looked at me gently: "Ready?"

I took a deep breath, instantly switching to innocent mode: "Yes, but there are so many people... I'm a little scared..."

The car door opened, and I gently placed my hand in Jordan's palm, slowly stepping out.

BOOM!

The scene exploded like a bomb! I was thrilled inside but pretended to be startled by the commotion.

Tonight I had deliberately chosen a deep blue velvet gown, completely different from my fierce ring persona, instead revealing a softness I'd never shown before. I looked timidly at the noisy scene, instinctively shrinking behind Jordan.

"My God! That's Iron Rose Rebecca Santos!"

"Who's her date?"

"Isn't she with Brad Martinez? How did she switch partners?"

Perfect timing!

I pretended to be startled by the camera flashes, looking up at Jordan with wide eyes, deliberately raising my voice: "Wow, so many people taking pictures! Who's that pretty lady? She and Brad look so close..."

My voice was just loud enough for nearby reporters to catch.

Perfect!

I saw Brad's face instantly turn ashen, and Jennifer bit her lip so hard it nearly bled.

Jordan gently shielded me: "Don't mind others, tonight belongs to us."

Strangely, being protected like this, I felt an unexpected warmth surge through my heart.

The banquet hall was resplendent with gold and jade. I sat obediently beside Jordan, watching Brad and Jennifer being interviewed on stage like a curious child.

Now, let me add some spice for you.

"Mr. Martinez, there are recent rumors that you have a new life partner?" the host asked with a smile.

Jennifer immediately jumped in: "Yes, we're... very compatible." She deliberately gave Brad an ambiguous look, and the audience responded with polite applause.

I almost laughed out loud. In three years, Brad had never publicly acknowledged our relationship like this. Now he dared to admit it?

Well then, I won't hold back!

I suddenly raised my little hand, asking in the most innocent voice: "Jordan, why is that lady holding onto Brad? Does Brad have a girlfriend now?"

Dead silence!

I was celebrating inside but kept my confused expression. Brad and Jennifer on stage turned pale instantly, while whispers rippled through the audience.

"What's going on?"

"Isn't Rebecca Brad's girlfriend?"

"How did Jennifer suddenly appear?"

The host coughed awkwardly: "Uh... well... let's continue with the charity auction..."

I saw Jennifer gripping the microphone tightly, shooting venomous glares. Brad looked like he wanted to crawl into a hole.

This is the price of betraying me!

The auction segment ended hastily in the awkward atmosphere.

After the charity auction, the traditional ballroom dancing segment began. The host announced: "Tonight we have a special game - drawing lots to choose dance partners!"

When my name was drawn first, I almost burst out laughing. This was heaven-sent opportunity!

"Miss Santos, please choose your dance partner!"

I felt Brad's nervous gaze - he thought I would choose him.

Dream on!

I looked shyly toward Jordan, saying softly: "I... of course I choose my boyfriend Jordan."

Brad's face instantly darkened!

The sweet taste of successful revenge hadn't faded when I found myself completely absorbed in Jordan's embrace. This wasn't part of my plan.

As the music started, Jordan whispered in my ear: "You're very beautiful tonight."

I looked up at him, suddenly realizing I didn't need to deliberately create that starry-eyed look, because my heart was genuinely racing: "Really? I don't even remember what I used to be like... Jordan, will you always stay with me?"

"I will." His answer was firm and gentle.

Just then, Brad couldn't take it anymore!

He shot up from his seat, roaring: "Jordan! Didn't you tell me you were just taking care of her? This is what you call taking care?"

The entire room was shocked!

I immediately activated frightened mode, "startled" by the sudden outburst, trembling as I hid in Jordan's arms like a frightened deer.

Oscar-worthy performance!

A flash of coldness crossed Jordan's eyes as he protectively turned to face Brad: "Brad, calm down. You're scaring her."

"I'm scaring her?" Brad laughed coldly, walking toward the dance floor. "Jordan, we're brothers! Is this how you treat your brother's woman?"

"Your woman?" Jordan raised an eyebrow. "If I remember correctly, didn't you say she couldn't handle stress and asked me to take good care of her?"

Brilliant! This was exactly the effect I wanted!

I timely grabbed Jordan's sleeve, my voice tearful: "Jordan... why are you fighting? Is it because of me? Did I do something wrong?"

I felt everyone's sympathetic gazes while Brad looked like an out-of-control tyrant.

People began looking at Brad with disapproval.

Sensing trouble, Jennifer quickly stepped forward to pull Brad away: "Brad, let's go back..."

Brad shook off her hand, but seeing the strange looks around him, he could only suppress his rage and leave with a face black as thunder.

As she left, Jennifer shot me a venomous look full of threat.

I "fearfully" hid behind Jordan, but inside I was sneering:

"The game has only just begun, bitch."

On the way back, I continued playing the frightened little rabbit: "Jordan, did I say something wrong earlier? Why did that lady look at me like that? It was so scary..."

Jordan squeezed my hand sympathetically: "It's not your fault. They have the problem."

His hand was so warm, I surprisingly didn't want to pull away.

"But why was Brad angry? Didn't he say you were my boyfriend?" I blinked my innocent big eyes.

Jordan was silent for a moment, finally just saying: "Don't overthink it. I'll protect you."

Outside the car window, city neon lights flickered. I looked at the reflection in the window, a cold glint flashing in my eyes.

Brad Martinez, tonight was just the appetizer. You think abandoning me means you and Jennifer can live your high society life?

Too naive.

But... I secretly glanced at Jordan, who was focused on driving.

This man seemed to be outside my calculations. His kindness toward me... could it be real?