Crystal, however, glared at Noreen with overt hostility.

When Noreen walked in, Crystal even made a show of leaning closer to Dylan.

Dylan promptly stood up, muttering an excuse about needing a smoke.

Crystal immediately followed him out, clearly intent on chasing after her ex-husband.

Someone gossiped, "So what's the deal with those two? Are they actually divorced or not?"

One of Crystal's friends scoffed haughtily, "It's just their little way of flirting. You guys wouldn't get it. Some couples are polite, and some just like to bicker."

She paused intentionally, shooting a pointed look at Noreen before adding, "They're still madly in love. Stop spreading rumors, otherwise some people might start getting ideas."

The jab was so glaringly directed at Noreen that she couldn't help but frown.

Suddenly, someone kicked Jude under the table.

He scrambled to speak up, staring directly at the woman. "Excuse me, I don't remember inviting you to my birthday party. Are you sure you're in the right room?"

The woman's face froze before she forced an awkward smile. "I came with Crystal."

"I didn't invite Crystal either."

This time, the woman couldn't even manage a fake smile.

But her shamelessness knew no bounds.

"Well, we're already here. Think of it as us bringing some extra life to the party. Surely Mr. Jude isn't going to kick us out?"

They were all high-society people. She figured Jude wouldn't cause a scene. Unfortunately, she was dead wrong.

If she hadn't made those snide comments just now, Jude might have played nice.

But she just had to go and insult Noreen.

So she couldn't blame him for being ruthless.

"You nailed it. The door's right over there. Don't let it hit you on the way out."

The woman flushed crimson, ultimately storming out in utter humiliation.

"Ms. Gilmore, sit here. There's plenty of room." Jude clearly had an ulterior motive, deliberately seating Noreen right next to Seth.

He was banking on these two getting back together as soon as possible.

After all, if Noreen was happy, Seth was happy.

And if Seth was happy, everyone else's lives would be a whole lot easier.

That was his entire reason for inviting her tonight.

So that idiot woman had to go and offend the one person even he wouldn't dare cross!

Kicking her out was letting her off easy.

When Dylan returned, his face was still dark.

Crystal's eyes were red, but upon entering the room, she reflexively pasted on her perfect socialite smile.

After taking her seat, she casually asked Jude why he had kicked her friend out.

Jude didn't mince words. "She was running her mouth and ruining the vibe, so I tossed her."

Crystal looked slightly

uncomfortable, but maintained het

velet

composure. "She lacks a filter,

sometimes. Its your birthday so what you say goes

"You should really stop hanging around people like that," Jude muttered.

Crystal's expression iced over, and she fell silent.

The atmosphere in the private room grew tense after the minor clash.

Trying to salvage the mood, someone suggested playing a game.

"Let's play Truth or Dare!" Jude announced instantly.

The crowd groaned, complaining it was way too cliché.

But Jude was the birthday boy. If he wanted to play, everyone had to follow his lead.

Whet

The rules were simple: spin the bottle. Whoever the bottom pointed to got to ask a question to whoever the top pointed to.

The target could either answer truthfully or take a penalty shot.

Noreen opened her mouth, fully prepared to excuse herself and leave them to it.

"Seth, Noreen, you guys have to play too! The more, the merrier!" Jude eagerly roped them in.

"If

The else is playing and y are you planning to net

aren't,

sit there and have a private chat?" Gontent

Noreen pressed her lips together.

Fine. She would play.

With her in, Seth naturally joined as well.

Seth got picked on the very first round.

The interrogator was Jude. He grinned at Seth. "What's the most thrilling thing you've ever done?"