NovelGoldChapter 459 Ethan and Vanessa had spotted them, too.
Ethan's lips curled in contempt. "What are a pair of social-climbing wannabes like you doing here?" He glanced at Claire and Orion, eyes glittering with disdain. "Oh, I get it. You're hoping to cozy up to Northcrest's high society at the Tempest family's little princess's birthday bash, aren't you?" He let out a cold laugh. "Makes sense. For people like you, even the scraps that fall from a real family's table would be enough to last you a lifetime." "But don't get any ideas," Ethan sneered, stepping closer. "You won't get away with it today. Not with us here." "And you think you can tell us to get lost?" He scoffed, puffing up with self- importance. "If anyone should leave, it's you." Ethan's words were as nasty as ever, as if he'd completely forgotten how Orion had left him helpless the day before.
He strode over and grabbed Orion by the arm, trying to haul him toward the door. "You heardget out! People like you drag down the whole reputation of this place. This is a five-star hotel, not a charity case for the likes of you." Claire could feel her anger rising with every arrogant word. Ethan always did this -accusing others without knowing the facts, acting like he was judge and jury.
She'd known Ethan was like this since they were kids, but it seemed he'd only gotten worse.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtClaire couldn't stand that attitude, especially when he directed it at her brother. It was one thing for Ethan to pick on her, but to lay hands on Orion? That was crossing a line.
Without thinking, she drew back her hand and slapped him hard across the face.
The slap rang out, echoing through the lobby. Ethan's head snapped to the side, and a bright red mark blossomed on his cheek.
"Let go of my brother." Claire's glare was cold and full of disgust.
For a moment, Ethan was too stunned to react. When he met Claire's furious gaze, his heart gave an unfamiliar jolt.
Vanessa rushed over, shrieking, "How dare you hit my brother! Who do you think you are?" She lunged forward, but Claire's reflexes were faster. Another crisp slap landed on Vanessa's face.
The shock snapped Ethan out of his daze. He released Orion and shoved Claire hard. "You hit my sister? You must have a death wish!" Claire staggered, nearly falling, but Orion caught her just in time.
"I'm warning you," Ethan spat, "get out right now, or I'll make you regret it." Something about Orion-especially the easy way Claire called him "brother"-made Ethan's blood boil. He couldn't explain it, but the anger was there, hot and overwhelming.
"You're just asking for it," he snarled, lunging at Orion.
Seeing this, Claire grabbed Orion's hand and pulled him away. She had no intention of getting into a fight with the Linwoods, especially not today on her birthday. If she showed up to the party battered and bruised, it would only bring shto her family.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmIt was better to find their parents. Her mom and dad would know how to handle the Linwoods-and probably have security throw them out.
"Con, let's not stoop to their level," Claire said quietly. "Let's go find Mom and Dad." Hand in hand, the two of them dashed toward the exit.
Ethan's eyes narrowed as he watched their retreating figures. The sight of their joined Kands made his fists clench with jealousy. He grabbed Vanessa and chased after them. "You won't get away that easily," he muttered. "You're going to pay for this." Vanessa's eyes burned with envy as she glared at Claire's elegant, custom-made dress. She'd never worn anything so beautiful in her life. How could that nobody look better than her? Just wait, she thought. If I catch her, I'll tear that dress to pieces.
Claire and Orion hurried toward the elevator. Just as they reached it, the doors slid open and out stepped a group of people.
At the front was a girl, eight or nine years old, with a regal bearing m Behind her boys Stood several tall teenage their expressions cool and watchful.
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