Rewrite Her Thrilling Life (Lillian and Sebastian) novel Chapter 540

**Chapter 540: The Birthday Party**

Isabelle’s voice rang out with enthusiasm. “Honestly, I couldn’t be happier. Handsome guys, delectable food—what more could I possibly wish for? Everything else is just unnecessary fluff.” Her eyes sparkled with mischief as she surveyed the room, reveling in the atmosphere.

Lillian, standing nearby, shook her head with a soft, resigned smile. She admired Isabelle’s carefree spirit but couldn’t help feeling a twinge of something deeper.

At that moment, a sharp whistle cut through the chatter, drawing everyone’s gaze. Lancy made her entrance, gliding into the room in a delicate pale lavender gown, a matching shawl elegantly draped over her shoulders. The soft glow of the crystal chandeliers above illuminated her, casting a halo-like effect that made her appear both fragile and enchanting. Instantly, she became the focal point of the gathering, her presence commanding attention effortlessly.

“Laney is changing more and more every day,” Isabelle whispered, her tone laced with curiosity.

A flicker of disdain flashed across Elsie’s features. “Well, she’s dating a rich boyfriend now, so it’s no wonder she looks different,” she remarked with a hint of scorn. To Elsie, pursuing love was a noble endeavor, but Laney’s choice to go after her friend’s man was a betrayal that she couldn’t overlook.

Lillian’s gaze hardened as she regarded Laney, a cold glint sparking in her eyes.

With a polite smile, Laney approached their group. “I apologize for being late,” she said, extending a gift bag toward Elsie. “Happy birthday!”

“Thank you,” Elsie replied, her smile brightening as she accepted the gift, though her eyes remained guarded.

Isabelle, ever the playful spirit, chimed in with a teasing grin. “Laney, you certainly know how to make an entrance. You’ve completely overshadowed the birthday girl!”

Laney chuckled softly, her laughter light and airy. “Oh, come on! How could I ever steal the spotlight from our star of the night?”

A cluster of girls gathered around, their eyes sparkling with admiration. “Laney, that dress is absolutely stunning!” one of them exclaimed, her voice filled with awe.

“Yes, I spotted this design in a magazine. It’s a new release from M—costs a small fortune,” another chimed in, her envy palpable.

Meanwhile, Lillian and Isabelle decided to grab some food and slipped out to the balcony, seeking a moment of peace away from the bustling crowd.

Not far from them, Laney was enveloped by admirers, a line of boys vying for her attention, each trying to strike up a conversation.

Isabelle glanced at Lillian, a moment of hesitation passing between them before she finally found the courage to speak. “Lillian, how are things going with Mr. Whitmore lately?” she asked, her voice low but filled with concern. Ever since she had learned about the incident involving Laney and Mr. Whitmore, she had been itching to ask, but the words had always felt stuck in her throat. Tonight, however, she felt compelled to know.

“Everything’s great,” Lillian replied nonchalantly, her tone casual, but a flicker of something deeper lingered in her eyes.

Isabelle, not convinced, pressed on, urgency creeping into her voice. “Really? You haven’t noticed anything unusual? Like him avoiding your calls, ignoring your texts, or rejecting your calls right in front of you?”

The air between them thickened with unspoken tension, the party’s vibrant atmosphere fading into the background as Lillian’s thoughts turned inward, wrestling with her own doubts and fears.