CHAPTER 78 "Why What Happen?"

Marian turned around slowly, a look of surprise flickering across her perfectly made-up face. Her smile faltered for a brief moment before regaining its composure. "Blake," she said, her voice dripping with feigned sweetness, "what a lovely surprise to see you here."

Blake, however, wasn't fooled by her act. He narrowed his eyes, taking in her extravagant outfit and the way she was surrounded by a group of giggling socialites. "Marian," he said, his voice low and dangerous, "I thought I told you to stay away from this event."

Marian scoffed, a haughty look replacing her feigned sweetness. "And who are you to give me orders, Blake? Besides, this is my social circle. These are my friends."

Blake's brows furrowed.

"Friends who only associate with you because of your money and your name," Blake retorted, his voice laced with bitterness. "They wouldn't give you the time of day if you didn't have those things."

A flicker of anger crossed Marian's eyes, but she quickly squashed it down. "Don