chapter1283

The head of security looked smug as he reached out to grab Juna's arm. Ladies, if you're not part of the Reynolds family, you shouldn't be here. It's time for you to go."

Juna snapped his hand away, her face stormy. "Hey, what do you think you're doing? Keep your hands off me! We have invitations. Why are you trying to kick us out?"

She pulled a gold-embossed invitation from her clutch and waved it in his face. The guard barely glanced at it, his voice dripping with doubt. "Where you got that? For all I know, it's fake."

Their argument quickly caught the attention of nearby guests, and soon everyone was watching. Whispers spread across the room. So these two were gate-crashers after all?

Just as the tension hit its peak, Peyton's voice rang out, clear and firm. "Stop! What's going on here?"

She hurried through the crowd, looking annoyed, and pushed her way to stand beside Lydia and Juna. Turning to the security guards, she snapped, "These are my friends. How can you treat them like this?

The guards froze, completely thrown off. "Miss, but, uh...

Alyssa walked over, her eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Peyton, I've never seen these friends of yours before. You can't just bring anybody into our house. Today's Mom and Dad's anniversary. Don't make a scene."

Peyton used to be intimidated by her older sister. Not anymore. She met Alyssa's gaze head-on and gave a cool smile. "You're so busy with work. How would you even know who my friends are? I have tons of friends. I can't report every single one to you, right?"

Adrian and Ivonne arrived, drawn by the commotion. Ivonne looked around, clearly flustered. "What's happening? Why is there so much noise at our party?"

Adrian's face was tight as he turned to Alyssa. "Alyssa, what is this? Why would you kick out guests?"

Alyssa rushed to explain. "Dad, I don't know them. I thought maybe they snuck in with bad intentions and might ruin the celebration."

Ivonne glanced at Lydia and Juna.

She noticed their poise. Even though Lydia couldn't see, she carried herself with quiet confidence. And Peyton had invited them. Ivonne

quickly smiled, trying to smooth

things over if theyre Peytons friends, then they're our guests. Everyone's welcome. Let's not cause a fuss. People are watching."

Adrian nodded and waved at the guards. "Off you go. Don't be so hasty next time."

The guards looked relieved and quickly disappeared.

Alyssa narrowed her eyes, clearly annoyed, but with her parents there, she couldn't say anything else. She shot Lydia and Juna a long look before walking away.

Once things calmed down, Peyton~~ squeezed Lydia and Juna's hands "I'm really sorry was busy greeting other people and didnt notice you'd arrived."

Lydia smiled. "It's all right. We get it."

Juna grinned. It's fine. As long as I still get to try that amazing dessert, I'm not bothered by a little drama."

She leaned in closer to Peyton,

pressing a tiny porcelain bottle into her palm and whispered, "This is a sedative. Find a way to slip it to her. Tonight, we'll finally know if she's a clone."