Sweet For You, Ruthless For Others
Chapter 25: Who is Her Benefactor.

Chapter 25: Who is Her Benefactor.

Hermia’s POV

I took a deep breath and pushed the door open, stepping out into the cool evening air. My fingers smoothed down the delicate fabric of my dress as I squared my shoulders. It’s just another night. You can do this, I told myself firmly, taking a measured step toward the grand entrance.

But this wasn’t just another night. It wasn’t just a dinner, another gathering, another evening of whispered insults and dismissive glances.

Tonight was different.

Tonight, I wasn’t just going to exist in the background. I was going to be seen.

A glimmer of hope flickered inside me as I ascended the steps. This wasn’t just about enduring my family—I had a chance to reclaim my place, to remind them that I was more than they gave me credit for.

With each step, my nerves melted into something stronger. Determination.

By the time I reached the grand doors of the venue, my grip on my clutch had tightened, my resolve solidified. No matter what happens tonight, I will not shrink.

The moment I stepped into the grand ballroom, I felt the shift.

Like a ripple across a still lake, the energy in the room changed.

Conversations faltered. Laughter died mid-air. Eyes turned.

I felt their gazes like a physical weight pressing down on me, assessing, judging. But I refused to falter.

I lifted my chin, adjusting the folds of my sky-pink gown—the very one Niklaus had gifted me. It shimmered beneath the soft golden glow of the chandeliers, hugging my frame like it had been woven just for me.

I wasn’t just Hermia Blackwood, the forgotten daughter.

Tonight, I was a vision. A disruption to their carefully curated world.

I let my eyes drift over the opulent ballroom. Crystal chandeliers cast a golden glow, the soft strains of a string quartet weaving seamlessly through the murmured conversations. Tables adorned with white roses and gilded flatware gleamed under the light. Everything was exquisite.

And yet, the people in this room—so used to wealth, to extravagance—couldn’t seem to take their eyes off me.

The whispers came next.

"Isn’t that the illegitimate daughter of the Blackwoods?"

"God, that dress—"

"I hate to say it, but she looks... stunning."

"Edwin, look! You should introduce yourself."

"How did she afford something like that? That must be at least thirty grand!"

"She’s outshining Selena tonight—Selena! Can you believe it?"

I didn’t react. Didn’t turn my head, didn’t acknowledge their words.

Instead, I followed the guide leading me toward the family table.

I didn’t search for Selena in the crowd—I didn’t need to.

I already knew she was watching. Seething.

Why are they acting like I’m something extraordinary? I wondered.

This dress—expensive, yes—but it wasn’t impossible for this crowd. Even I could have afforded it if I’d been stupid enough to waste my savings on something so frivolous.

So why did they all look so... stunned?

Did they expect so little from me?

Or did they truly believe I was incapable of standing out?

A soft laugh threatened to escape me. Let them wonder.

As I walked, I felt their eyes linger. Men turned their heads, their companions tightening their grips on their arms.

Women my age stared, some with envy, others with barely concealed contempt.

Older women studied me like I was a puzzle they couldn’t quite piece together—half-judgment, half-curiosity.

And then, as if to test me further, a particularly bold man stepped forward.

Tall. Suit impeccable. Dark eyes brimming with intrigue.

"You look absolutely divine tonight," he murmured, his voice smooth as silk.

I blinked. Took a breath. Managed a polite smile.

"Thank you." My voice was steady, despite the warmth creeping up my neck.

He lingered, as if he wanted to say more, but the presence of the hall guide dissuaded him.

I walked on, my steps lighter now that his gaze was no longer burning into my back.

But as I reached the family table, my amusement vanished.

Oh. Now my family’s reaction

I allowed myself a glance at Mariela.

Her eyes widened—just barely—before narrowing into something sharper.

It was rare to catch Mariela off guard. But my presence had clearly done the trick.

Selena, however, was not nearly as subtle.

Her entire expression twisted, her lips pressing into a tight line as she whispered furiously to the woman beside her.

I could imagine her words. The barely contained rage. She didn’t see this coming.

I bit back a smirk and gracefully took my seat.

Let her fume.

I had no intention of giving her the satisfaction of a reaction.

The whispers continued.

"I wonder how she managed that dress."

"She was at the mall today—two new dresses in one day. That’s... interesting."

"She must have a benefactor." The woman’s voice dripped with insinuation.

I stiffened but forced myself to remain composed. Let them speculate.

None of them knew the truth. And frankly, none of them deserved it.

A server approached, bowing slightly before placing a tray of delicate hors d’oeuvres in front of me. The scent of truffle and butter drifted upward, making my stomach tighten with hunger.

Just as I reached for a bite, Selena’s voice sliced through the air.

"You shouldn’t eat too much."

I froze for only a second before lifting my gaze to hers.

Her lips curled in mock concern. "Wouldn’t want to ruin such a stunning figure, would we?"

I met her stare head-on, my expression smooth, my pulse steady.

"I’ll eat just enough, thank you." My voice was cool, measured.

A flicker of irritation crossed her face.

But she wasn’t done.

Selena leaned back in her chair, her voice loud enough for those nearby to hear.

"You’ve certainly developed an appetite lately," she mused, a smirk tugging at her lips. "Two new dresses in one day? I suppose you’re preparing to charm your way into someone’s good graces."

She let the words hang in the air for a moment before adding, with a syrupy sweetness that barely concealed the venom underneath—

"Or have you already charmed your way into their beds?"

The room seemed to still.

A few gasps. A few exchanged glances.

And then, silence.

I set my fork down with deliberate slowness.

Looked her right in the eye.

And smiled.