Chapter 28

The Birthday Banquet

She gently closed the door, the soft light in the room casting a glow on her stern face. Her gaze swept over the room, lingering on the old diary on the desk, a cold smile playing on her lips.

As she contemplated her next move, a soft knock came from outside the door. Kit's brow furrowed slightly, a sense of alertness rising within her. She walked slowly to the door, took a deep breath, and opened it slowly. Sure enough, Anna stood outside, holding an exquisite box in her hands, a sweet smile on her face.

"Sister," Anna's voice was gentle and sweet, like a warm breeze blowing into the room. "I chose this dress for you after much consideration. I hope you can wear it on my birthday."

Kit's eyes fell on the box in Anna's hands, a cold sneer forming in her heart. She slowly raised her head, her gaze icy and sharp, staring straight into Anna's eyes. In her previous life, Anna had also appeared this magnanimous, handing over this red dress, only to make Kit a laughingstock at the birthday banquet. Now, facing this scene again, Kit felt only a cold determination.

"Thank you, Anna," Kit said flatly, her voice cold yet polite. She took the box and slowly opened it, revealing the familiar red dress inside. The fabric looked exquisite, the color vibrant, as if mocking her past naivety.

Anna tried to maintain her smile, but Kit's cold attitude caused a flicker of unease and doubt in her eyes. Clearing her throat, Anna continued, "Sister, I chose this dress carefully for you. I hope you like it."

Kit's fingers lightly brushed the edge of the red dress, as if touching a past humiliation, but her gaze remained calm and determined. "I will wear it, don't worry." Her tone was firm, as if she had seen through everything.

Anna had hoped to see Kit express gratitude and joy for the dress, but Kit's calm reaction left her somewhat disappointed. A hint of confusion flashed in her eyes, but she quickly recovered her smile, secretly pleased. As long as Kit agreed to wear the dress, her plan was half successful.

"That's good, sister," Anna's smile grew sweeter, her voice as gentle as water. "I'll head back to my room then. Good night."

"Good night," Kit responded coolly, watching Anna leave before slowly closing the door.

Kit placed the red dress on the bed, scrutinizing the seemingly perfect garment, a cold smile curling her lips. She knew Anna would never miss any opportunity to make her look foolish, but this time, Kit was fully prepared.

On the day of Anna's birthday banquet, the entire Zhu family mansion was brightly lit and lavishly decorated. In the center of the living room, a long table was filled with various exquisite desserts and wines, guests mingling and chatting. Anna wore a very elaborate dress, its hem adorned with sparkling diamonds, each one real, making her the center of attention.

A group of wealthy second-generation heirs surrounded her, complimenting her dress. Georgia's eyes sparkled as she stared at Anna's dress, exclaiming, "Oh my, Anna, this dress is by Y, right? Each of her dresses is a unique piece. How did you get it?"

Anna touched her dress, feigning modesty. "Daddy knew I liked it and bought it for me," she said, pride shining in her eyes, unable to hide her inner delight. She had begged for a long time before the seller agreed to sell it to her for five million, a price she had pleaded with her father to agree to.

The girls surrounding her looked envious, admiring how much the Zhu family pampered Anna, their mouths full of compliments. Anna smiled, basking in their admiration.

At that moment, Kit descended the stairs in the red dress. Although it was an ordinary dress, Kit's unique temperament made her stand out. Her cool demeanor and the red dress complemented each other, instantly drawing everyone's attention. Each step she took was elegant and confident, as if she were the true host of the banquet.

Kit's arrival shifted the attention from Anna to her. Standing on the stairs, Kit's gaze was indifferent, her eyes calm and confident. She knew she had already taken control of the situation.

Anna saw everyone's attention turn to Kit and was filled with hatred, but she forced herself to maintain her smile. She walked over, pretending to be affectionate, linking arms with Kit and introducing her to the wealthy heirs.

"Everyone, this is my sister, Kit," Anna's voice was sweet, but her smile concealed a dark satisfaction.

One of the girls sneered, "Kit, is this your country bumpkin sister?"

Georgia's brother, Cristiano, also noticed Kit. His gaze traveled from her fair skin to her graceful curves, his eyes filled with lust. The red dress highlighted Kit's beauty, stirring his desire. He stared at her, his mind filled with calculating thoughts.

Kit felt Cristiano's invasive gaze, a wave of disgust and revulsion rising within her. She remained calm on the surface, her gaze coldly sweeping over Cristiano.

Anna watched Kit's continued composure, secretly gritting her teeth but striving to appear serene. "Sister, you look beautiful tonight," she said, pretending to be affectionate.

Kit smiled faintly, her voice calm and composed. "Thank you, Anna. Your dress is beautiful too."

Anna felt a surge of pride, thinking she had already set Kit up for embarrassment. But Kit's calmness made her uneasy, as if something was wrong, though she couldn't pinpoint what.

The banquet continued, with Kit and Anna mingling among the guests, each scheming in their hearts. Anna occasionally glanced at Kit, filled with malicious anticipation. Kit, however, maintained a calm smile, fully prepared for anything.

Cristiano approached Kit, feigning concern. "Kit, how do you feel being at such a grand event for the first time?"

Kit glanced at him, her tone indifferent. "Thank you for your concern. I'm fine." Her voice was steady, showing no sign of being affected by him.

Anna watched, secretly pleased. She believed Kit's calmness was merely superficial and that she would soon be humiliated in the upcoming events. "Cristiano, you must take good care of Kit," she said, still smiling sweetly.

Cristiano smiled, his gaze fixed on Kit. "Of course, Anna. Don't worry."

Kit remained calm, already having a strategy in mind. She knew every move and word from Anna had a hidden malicious intent.

She smiled at Anna. "Anna, thank you for your concern. I will enjoy tonight."

Anna was momentarily taken aback but quickly recovered her smile. "That's good, sister. I hope you have a great time."

The tension between the sisters simmered beneath their polite exchanges, each plotting their next move in the silent battle unfolding at the lavish birthday banquet.