The following weekend, the Ryan family's garden was filled with people. The party for Farrah's birthday was in full swing, the guests a mix of Northwood University students and business associates.

Alma hadn't slept. She forced herself into a respectable dress and walked downstairs, her face pale, a stark contrast to the vibrant party.

Her appearance caused a ripple of whispers. Jase, Farrah, and Collette saw her, and their expressions hardened.

Jase strode over to her, his voice low and menacing. "What are you doing here? Trying to embarrass everyone?"

"This is my home," Alma said, her voice cold. "Why shouldn't I be here?"

Farrah rushed to Jase's side, linking her arm through his. Her eyes welled up with fake tears for the benefit of those watching. "Sister, don't blame Jase. It's all my fault... I shouldn't have..."

Jase protectively pulled Farrah behind him, his disgust for Alma now completely open. "Alma, I'm warning you. Don't cause a scene. Apologize to Farrah."

Collette joined them, sighing dramatically to a group of society women nearby. "This child is such a handful. She was just expelled from Northwood University for misconduct. We're at our wits' end."

Her words hung in the air. The surrounding guests now looked at Alma with open contempt and morbid curiosity. The whispers grew louder.

Alma felt as if she'd been stripped naked in the middle of a crowd. The shame was a physical weight, crushing her.

Seeing his plan had worked, a cruel smile touched Jase's lips. He walked over to the band's microphone, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention.

"Everyone, if I could have your attention. I have an important announcement." His eyes swept the crowd, landing on Alma with a final, defiant glare.

He pulled Farrah into his arms and held up her hand, where a large diamond ring now sparkled. "Next weekend, I will be hosting an engagement party for myself and Farrah Ryan!"

The garden erupted in applause. Jase and Farrah kissed for the cheering crowd, sealing Alma's status as a pathetic joke.

Jase put down the microphone and walked to Alma. He contemptuously shoved a gold-embossed invitation into her hand. "As Farrah's sister, I assume you'll be there to wish us well?"

The crushing weight of the humiliation sparked something inside her. A wild, desperate courage.

She didn't cry. She didn't run.

Instead, she started to laugh. The sound was brittle and cold, cutting through the applause.

Everyone stared.

She walked forward, stopping directly in front of Jase and Farrah.

She held up the invitation, her voice quiet but clear enough for those nearby to hear. "Of course."

She paused, her gaze flicking between them. Her smile was chilling. "I'll be at your engagement party."

"And I'll bring you a gift you'll never forget."

Without waiting for their shocked reactions, she turned and walked away. She moved through the crowd, her back straight, aware of every eye on her.

Back in her room, she locked the door and slid to the floor, her strength gone.

She knew how empty her threat was. But it was the only thing she had left. Her last shred of dignity.

She stared out the window, her expression hardening from despair to determination. She had no idea what she would do, but she knew one thing.

She would not let them win.