"Alright, enough standing around outside. Get inside." Jonathan said.

His voice was sharp, cutting through the chatter.

"Yes, Mr. Sterling." The group responded quickly.

They paired up and hurried into the grand venue.

Evelyn was still trying to process the chaotic scene.

She caught Jonathan shooting her a sharp, almost icy look.

Her mind raced. What was happening?

Why was he glaring at her with such intensity?

Jonathan was already deeply irritated by the earlier gossip.

Seeing Evelyn now only worsened his foul mood.

"Watch where you're going. Don't block the way," he said curtly.

He strode past her without another glance.

Evelyn blinked, momentarily stunned.

She almost laughed in sheer disbelief. Was he serious?

He had been the one to barrel out and bump into her!

She took a slow, steadying breath.

She reminded herself not to let an arrogant man ruin her night.

Lifting the hem of her gown, she continued inside.

It was then she recalled how the others had addressed him.

Everything clicked into place. He was Jonathan Sterling.

He was Amelia's brother. The future head of the Sterling Group.

No wonder both siblings seemed equally insufferable.

It must be a family trait.

This brief encounter only cemented her already low opinion of the Sterlings.

She sincerely hoped that once this party was over, she would never have to see them again.

Yet, despite Jonathan's attempt to shut down the whispers, it was too late.

Word of a mysterious woman resembling him had already spread like wildfire.

The rumor reached Amelia quickly.

"Amelia, have you heard? There's a woman at your party who looks exactly like your brother."

Amelia's expression darkened instantly. "What?" she asked, her movements slowing.

Her friend leaned in closer, lowering her voice. "You don't get it? People are saying she might be your father's illegitimate daughter!"

A crystal cup flew through the air.

It slammed hard against the woman's shoulder before crashing to the floor.

Water splashed everywhere, soaking her expensive dress.

The luxurious lounge fell into a stunned, heavy silence.

No one had expected Amelia to lose her temper so violently.

Another woman quickly stepped forward in a panic. "Amelia, don't be upset! Abigail didn't mean anything by it. She was just repeating what people are saying outside."

Abigail Thornton, who had yelped in pain, snapped back to her senses.

Seeing Amelia's furious expression sent a chill down her spine.

"Amelia, I'm sorry! I shouldn't have said that. Please don't be mad," Abigail stammered, her voice shaking.

Every socialite in Crestwood's elite circles knew one rule: stay on Amelia Sterling's good side at all costs.

Before befriending her, they had all been warned repeatedly by their families.

And now, Abigail had unintentionally set her off.

Gritting her teeth, Amelia seethed, "Whoever started this nonsense... I'll make sure they regret it!"

Her friends immediately rushed to calm her. "Amelia, it's your birthday. Don't let this ruin your night."

"We'll find out who's behind it. If anyone keeps spreading it, we'll make them apologize to you personally!"

"Exactly! Just ignore it, Amelia. Don't let these baseless rumors bother you."