Chapter 3: Champagne & Scandal

Derek and Savannah got pushed to the outskirts. I quickly sent Carter off to network—so many people wanted to talk to him, I couldn’t hog my awesome brother all night.

I loaded up on mini cheesecakes and found a quiet corner to enjoy them.

“Desserts that good?” a voice ground through his teeth asked.

I didn’t expect Derek to come find me.

“They’re alright.” I sipped my champagne, brushing him off. “Not as good as the ones at home.”

“Autumn, you’ve really outdone yourself.”

Derek glared at me, practically shooting daggers. “You’ve changed so much since you landed a sugar daddy.”

Looking at his scowling face, I knew he was still hung up on me having someone new.

“I have changed. Having money is great—I don’t have to run around like a headless chicken anymore.”

I laughed, not caring if it pissed him off.

As the Whitman family heiress, my life was meant to be glamorous.

If I hadn’t been unlucky enough to date Derek, I never would’ve had such a mess of a life!

“So I was right. You were only with me for the money!”

Derek’s fists clenched, knuckles cracking. He pointed at me, acting like he’d been deeply wronged.

“You were so stiff about holding hands with me, but now you’re throwing yourself at him? You really are shameless!”

“If that’s what you think, maybe it’s just because that’s who you are.”

My gaze turned cold. “Aren’t you with Savannah for her money?”

“That’s different! We’re in love!”

I must’ve hit a nerve, because Derek’s face turned red as he shouted, “Unlike you—shameless!”

People started staring. I calmly tossed my champagne in his face.

He froze.

“Consider that your warning. Next time, it won’t just be champagne.”

Derek was furious, glaring at me and raising his hand to hit me.

Luckily, security rushed over and blocked him before he could move.

He tried to keep yelling at me, but I cut him off.

“Derek Ford, your so-called ‘love’—maybe she’s just using you for fun. Don’t take yourself so seriously.”

I gave him a slow once-over, then said, slow and clear, “You’re just a clown. Don’t overestimate yourself.”

With that, I walked away, leaving his angry shouts behind.

A ‘celebrity’? Please.

After I left with Carter, the gala quickly wrapped up.

When we got home, Derek had just posted a nine-photo collage on his Instagram—shots from the gala, pics with Savannah, their mansion, and luxury cars.

Not long after, he messaged me.

“So you think this is all a game? You’re just jealous. Savannah loves me the most.”

I swear, I almost gagged. Was this whole circus just for me?

“It’s garbage taking itself out.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?” I asked.

“It’s gross from start to finish!”

Couldn’t agree more. Great minds—well, sibling minds—think alike!

I ignored Derek and posted my own update—a selfie with Carter: “Done for the day, heading home to sleep. No DMs, thanks.”

My feed blew up.

Everyone thought I’d announced a new relationship. The comments were full of congratulations, people saying I looked gorgeous and radiant, obviously glowing from new love.

I made sure to reply to our mutual friends.

“Ever since I stopped looking for men in the trash heap, my life’s been a whole lot better.”

Derek must’ve seen my post and that comment, because he started bombarding my Messenger.

“What do you mean by that?”

“Are you cheating on me?”

“Is this funny to you? Delete it right now!”

I couldn’t help but laugh. Double standards much? Getting desperate now, huh?

I couldn’t be bothered to reply—blocked and deleted. Peace at last.

“Looks like Derek’s still holding a grudge.”

Carter handed me his phone.

Once, my phone died in an emergency, so I’d used Derek’s to add Carter on Messenger. I’d forgotten all about it, so Carter was still on his friend list and could see all his posts.

I took the phone and saw a long rant from Derek, accusing me of being a gold-digger and sugar-baby, even claiming I was being kept by some rich guy.

Well, I couldn’t deny being kept by rich men. I glanced at Carter—after all, I was supported by two Whitmans: my dad and my brother.

Given Derek’s attitude, I figured it was time to teach him a lesson.

He just loved to walk straight into the line of fire.