Exposed

The piercing cry was followed by the swift clicking of heels on the sparkling floor, as Miss Liam stride purposefully towards the scene with her assistant in tow.

As all heads turned to see who had arrived, the small crowd parted to make way for Miss Liam, while Zoey seized the opportunity to grab Valerie's hand, feigning alarm. "Sister, please, quickly leave now before things escalate further!" she urged, her voice laced with fake concern.

"Leave? You want her to leave?!" Miss Liam's voice was icy, her sharp, angry eyes piercing through Zoey like a dagger.

Zoey felt a shiver run down her spine as she swiftly released Valerie's arm, as if it had suddenly become a hot coal she couldn't bear to touch.

Harry intervened on Valerie's behalf, his voice laced with a hint of pleading. "Miss Liam, please show leniency towards Valerie; she didn't intentionally mean to crash your party."