Chapter 3

Devon rubbed his temples and sighed, looking at me. "Do you really not know who the father is?"

I mumbled under my breath, "How would I know? It's your fault for timing your visits so close together."

Devon let out a cold laugh. "Oh, so now, it's my fault, huh? Was it because I didn't try hard enough? Gave you the energy to find someone else the very next day?"

Thinking back to those wild, indulgent days, my waist suddenly ached.

He scrolled through his phone. "Aden's out of the country on a business trip. Once he's back, the three of us will sit down and have a proper discussion."

Neither Reuben nor I objected. Before leaving, I also did not forget to remind Devon about the child support.

Ignoring his look of disdain, I stared at the incoming funds on my phone, laughing uncontrollably.

Another boost to my savings! I could not wait for Aden to return. Patting my belly, I thought what a great kid I had.

Not long after I got home and lay down, I received a call from my so-called mother. I did not pick up, but she kept calling relentlessly. Finally, I gave in and answered as I was curious about what she wanted this time.

"Eliza, did you bully Melanie again today? Haven't you taken enough of her life already?" She launched straight into an aggressive barrage of questions.

I raised a hand to my chest, trying to calm my racing heart. I could feel my eyes stinging.

"If you're calling just to say this, I'm hanging up."

She panicked and quickly added, "Wait! Tomorrow, we're hosting a welcome home banquet for Melanie. You'd better show up."

Although Melanie's identity had long since been restored, the Jordans had never formally introduced her to high society.

Tomorrow's banquet was specifically arranged to announce her status and help her integrate into the elite circle.

Even so, why did they want me there? To make her shine in comparison to me?

I refused without hesitation, "I'm busy."

My mother sighed heavily. "You don't have a choice. If you don't come, I'll have someone take Wallie away."

Wallie was my Border Collie. When I left the Jordans, I wanted to take him with me, but Melanie would not allow it. Now, they were using him to threaten me.

I stared at my phone which was now disconnected and fell silent. Then, I asked Reuben if he and Devon would be attending. After getting their response, I felt a little more at ease.

I prayed the Jordans would not pull any stunts tomorrow. Otherwise, I would not hesitate to bring the child into play and turn its potential fathers against them.

The next day, I spared no expense on my outfit and makeup. There was no way I would let my presence be overshadowed.

When I arrived, I took a quick stroll around the venue, casually searching for the potential fathers of my child. Before I could spot anyone, Melanie cornered me.

She covered her mouth with a dainty laugh. "I thought you wouldn't show up."

Even though we were born on the same day of the same year, the Jordans insisted on treating me as the older one.

Whenever Melanie and I clashed, they would chide me, saying, "You're the older sister. Why can't you let her have her way?"

Why should I always step aside for her?

I picked up a glass of red wine and swirled it nonchalantly. "Why wouldn't I come?"

Her expression immediately darkened, and malice replaced her fake smile.

"Eliza, I was able to get rid of you once, and I can do it again. If you're smart, you'd leave early. And another thing—Mr. Griffin is out of your league. With your current status, you're not even fit to care about him."

I smiled, glancing over her shoulder at the approaching figure.

Reuben walked over with a mocking expression. "If she isn't fit to care about me, who is? You?"

Melanie's expression fell as soon as she saw him. She stammered in response, "M-Mr. Griffin, that's not what I meant."

He draped an arm over my shoulder, glanced at me to make sure I was fine, and then turned his gaze to Melanie.

"Then what did you mean? If I want her to care about me, how is that any of your business?"

Gasps rippled through the crowd as their eyes darted between us, some openly and some in secret.

At that moment, Edward, my so-called brother, stepped forward to smooth things over for Melanie.

"Mr. Griffin, this is just a little joke between sisters. Nothing serious."

Devon interrupted as he approached from a distance, "Mr. Jordan, that's not quite right, is it? As far as I know, Eliza was kicked out of the Jordan family long ago. What kind of sisters are they?"

Edward's face turned awkward. Both Reuben and Devon were people the Jordans could not afford to offend. He shot Melanie a dark look before sternly addressing her, "Melanie, apologize to Eliza."

Melanie, who was clearly unhappy, gave me a half-hearted apology before running off. Edward was left standing there, embarrassed.

I could not help but burst out laughing.

Devon walked over to me. "Is it that funny?"

I nodded enthusiastically. It was the first time anyone had sided with me over Melanie.

Looking at the two men by my side, I felt an overwhelming sense of security. I then retreated to a corner, grabbed a small slice of cake, and began to eat.

Suddenly, Reuben tapped me on the shoulder. "Look who's here."

I looked up, my eyes lighting up at the sight of the stunning man who had appeared in front of me.

Reuben rolled his eyes. "Eliza, wipe that lovesick look off your face. Didn't you get enough of him in bed?"

Realizing who it was, I snapped back to reality. "Aden? What are you doing here? Weren't you supposed to be on a business trip abroad?"

He reached out and pinched my cheek. "If I didn't come back, I was afraid my territory would be taken over.

"Now, tell me—who are you planning to claim as the father of my child?"