Chapter 7

Over the past three days, Ross had been traveling around the world with Zamora. In every city they landed, she made sure to take photos, check in, and post updates online.

Their couple photos quickly earned them the media label of a “power couple,” and in just a few days, Zamora’s Instagram followers shot up by hundreds of thousands. She became the envy of every socialite.

Meanwhile, she had already announced that her birthday party, which was three days away, would be live-streamed so fans could “share in her happiness.”

The comment section exploded.

[Zamora is so sweet to her fans!]

[Show us the party decors!]

[The life of a real heiress—it’s a dream Cinderella could never reach.]

I stared at the post for a long moment before silently shutting off my phone. Three days from now, it would be my birthday.

The party hall glittered with lights, and guests had begun to arrive. Zamora wore a pale gold gown, smiling like a blooming flower.

Ross arrived a little early with a few business associates and was seated in the reception area. He looked slightly irritated; he hadn’t heard from me in several days.

In the past, whenever he went on a business trip, I would send him countless messages. Even if he didn’t have time to respond, I always kept checking in on him. But these past few days, his phone had been eerily quiet.

Today wasn’t just Zamora’s birthday. It was also the anniversary of the day I was left in an orphanage. Ross couldn’t help but worry. He found an excuse to step aside and call me.

But no one answered.

He then tried calling the household staff. A polite voice responded.

“Ma’am Issy hasn’t returned home in several days, sir.”

Ross’s expression darkened, his voice cold and measured.

“She’s an orphan. Where could she possibly run off to? And now, she’s using a little disappearing act to annoy me. Ridiculous! I bet she’ll be back begging me soon enough.”

A friend approached with a teasing smile.

“Your little… side thing is still in touch, huh?”

Ross glanced at Zamora without missing a beat.

“No. Ended long ago.”

“Good. Miss Zamora is the one who’s truly right for you,” his friend said softly.

Everyone knew about my existence; they just never wanted to acknowledge it. A poor girl without parents didn’t belong in their world, so I was simply ignored.

Ross masked his irritation and smiled.

“Meeting Zamora is the luck of a lifetime.”

Zamora’s cheeks flushed instantly, and the crowd laughed and cheered. The live-stream chat was full of congratulations and repeated “99+”s.

Then her best friend leaned over, whispering urgently. Zamora’s smile faltered.

“Are you sure?” she asked.

Her friend nodded.

Zamora clenched her teeth, feeling a jolt of bad luck. Today was her birthday, and she planned to have her father marry her off to Ross. If he discovered Ross had a mistress, there was no way he would agree. She could not allow any mishaps today.

Zamora glanced at Ross and suddenly stiffened. Her eyes reddened. Covering her neck with trembling hands, she said, “Ross… my necklace—it’s gone!”

“What necklace?” Ross frowned immediately.

“It’s a family heirloom from my father… An emerald. It’s… priceless,” she bit her lip, on the verge of tears.

Just like that, chaos erupted in the party hall.

Ross acted fast. “Don’t panic. The hall is temporarily sealed; no one can leave. Whoever took it is still here. I’ll get the doors locked.”

He strode out, leaving Zamora behind, her gaze dropping. She turned to her friends.

“Maybe we should check the main hall. I was over there earlier with my bag. It might have been left there.”

Her friends nodded, and they headed to the main hall, only to see me carrying my bag, heading upstairs.

Zamora froze.

“That’s… Issy! How did she get in?”

Her best friend immediately raised her voice.

“I saw her sneaking around nearby. Maybe she took the necklace!”

Guests turned, and cameras zoomed in on me.

Zamora’s expression flickered with something complicated, but she quickly smiled softly at the live-stream audience.

“Don’t misunderstand. She’s Ross’s assistant at the company… I didn’t expect her to be here today.”

Her tone was polite and gentle, but it hinted at my connection to Ross. All eyes then shifted to me.

I went to the Forrer Company this morning to finalize some handovers. I had planned to change into a different outfit afterward, but Zamora and her friends intercepted me.

I stopped, curious to see what scheme they were up to this time.

Her best friend stepped forward, her voice sharp.

“You didn’t sneak in pretending to be a hotel staffer, did you? Look at how shabby you’re dressed—definitely up to no good!”

“Where’s the necklace? We know you came from humble beginnings. Seeing something valuable must have tempted you. I can’t believe you’d try stealing in front of everyone!”