Looking as if she had been wronged, Yvette turned to Hendrick and tugged on his sleeve.

"Ricky, don't blame Whitney. It's my fault. I shouldn't have taken your present and made her upset."

"You're just too kind, Yvette."

Hendrick pulled her into his arms and gently consoled her.

Hendrick knew how important the necklace was to me, and yet he was publicly humiliating me without even considering what was right or what was wrong, just to protect Yvette.

Yvette's hand caressed the necklace as her eyes stared back at me tauntingly. I felt both disgusted and furious seeing them pressed up against each other.

Ignoring the abrasions on my hands, I leaped up to my feet and stalked toward Yvette.

"If you know what's good for you, then take the necklace off right away! Don't make me do it for you!"

Hearing this, Yvette's tears started pouring out yet again, prompting Hendrick to wipe them away gently with his hands.

Then, he spun around to face me. He was taken aback when he saw me, furious like I had never been before.

He instinctively wanted to explain, but before he could, Yvette took the necklace off and handed it to me.

"If you like this necklace so much, then you can have it, Whitney. Don't let me come in between your relationship with Ricky."

She pretended to hand the necklace to me, but when I was about to reach for it, she deliberately let go.

The necklace smashed onto the ground with a loud crash, and the multicolored gemstone shattered into pieces.

My eyes reddened, and I reflexively wanted to slap her, but Hendrick gave me a rough push just in time.

"Whitney! I've already warned you not to bully Yvette, or I won't go easy on you!"

I stumbled backward because of his shove, causing me to nearly twist my ankle and fall to the ground yet again.

Yvette's lips curled up into a smug smile.

Hendrick's expression stiffened when he realized that he had nearly pushed me over, and he reached his hand out, wanting to stabilize me.

Yvette, however, promptly pretended to pass out and flopped to the ground, not forgetting to whine for dramatic effect, "Ricky, I think I choked on too much water earlier. I'm feeling so dizzy."

Hendrick ran over and gathered her in his arms.

"Yvie, what's wrong? Don't scare me!"

He turned to scream at the household staff, "Quick, call the ambulance!"

When the guests heard the commotion, they all gathered around and started whispering about me.

"Isn't that Ms. Xander, the eldest daughter of the Xander family? I heard that she pushed her younger sister into the lake because she was jealous of her."

"I've heard rumors long ago that she's especially cruel to this step-sister of hers. Turns out it was all true."

Hendrick glared at me. "I didn't think you'd be so vicious, Whitney. Hurry up and apologize to Yvette. Someone as sly as you is not fit to be my wife."

The crowd behind him burst out into mocking laughter.

"Ms. Xander, it's natural for men to indulge in these kinds of games. When Mr. Jefferson attends social events in the future, there'll definitely be other women keeping him company. You'll likely die from frustration first if you're going to be overcome with jealousy every time that happens."

Amidst the cackles, Hendrick walked toward me with Yvette still in his arms.

"My grandmother is going to announce the news of our marriage today. If you still wish for me to marry you, then you'd better do as I say," he said condescendingly.

"You need to tell Grandma that you and Yvette are very close and don't wish to be separated. Ask her to let Yvette come live with us as well, so Yvette can justifiably stay in the house with me.

"If you do so, then I'll forgive everything you've done, and I'll also clear up any rumors of you and your step-sister not getting along."

My eyes bulged wide as I stared at him in disbelief. Though I knew what kind of person he was, actually hearing him say such despicable things still shocked me greatly.

I didn't say anything in response, thus, he assumed I had agreed. His lips curled into a smirk as he said confidently, "You must beg Grandma to agree to this. Only then will I prepare a magnificent wedding gift for you so you won't be embarrassed."

From how pleased he seemed with himself, it appeared as if he was certain I would abide by his request just so I would be able to marry him.

Right then, I saw my best friend, Solana Zitta, run over. She helped me up and wrapped a towel around my still-dripping-wet body.

She was indignant on my behalf. "Don't you see that Whitney's clothes are wet too?"

Suddenly, a loud voice rang out.

"What are you all doing?"

Everyone turned around to see Hendrick's second youngest brother, Jeremy, as well as their father, Tony, walk toward us.

Jeremy walked up to me, and he frowned when he noticed my drenched clothes and hair.

"Are you okay?" he asked with concern.

Tony's expression, on the other hand, was stony as he turned to Hendrick. "What are you doing, Hendrick? We're here to announce that the Jeffersons and the Xanders will be united through marriage, so why are you making such a scene?"

Hearing this, Hendrick and the rest of the crowd knew that this meant they were officially going to announce that Hendrick and I were to be wed.

Excitement colored their expressions as they eagerly awaited for Tony to announce the news.

Hendrick gave me a smug look, his gaze seemingly warning me.

"Remember what I told you. Ask Grandma to allow Yvette to come live with us so she can keep you company."

One of Hendrick's friends was already congratulating him in a low voice.

"Congratulations, Hendrick. You're going to be the heir to everything the Jefferson family owns."

A self-satisfied smile formed on Hendrick's face as he continued to exchange flirtatious glances with Yvette. However, his joyous mood did not last long, as he was immediately shocked by Tony’s announcement.

"I've already discussed it with mom. In order to unite the Jeffersons with the Xanders, Whitney Xander will be marrying Jeremy Jefferson."

Everyone froze at those words.