Chapter 3: Sisters' Showdown

Cousin Caro was already standing with Wendy’s mother. To those unaware of the truth, they appeared more like mother and daughter, while Wendy seemed like an outsider. "Sister, where have you been? We’ve been waiting for you, and Mother asked me to find you several times." "Mother," Wendy approached, finally seeing her mother clearly. Dressed in a luxurious gown, adorned with countless sparkling jewels, she looked elegant and regal, fanning herself gently. She looked exactly like Wendy’s real-life mother, but her eyes held a faint trace of disdain for Wendy, making her uncomfortable. Wendy didn’t know what Caro had done behind her back to make her mother look at her this way. It saddened her. Seeing Mrs. Mitchell’s expression, Caro smiled smugly. She had always humbled herself in this family, aiming to replace Wendy, who she believed was inferior in every way. "Sister, you’re finally here. Mother and I were so worried. Where’s the ring?" "Here, I have it." When Caro took the ring box, her eyes brimmed with triumph, eager to expose the fake diamond ring to their mother. Impatient and malicious, aren’t we? "Oh my! Sister! This isn’t Mother’s ring! It’s a fake!" Her shrill voice was heard by everyone present. "Wendy, where’s the real ring? I know that ring is unique and precious, but as Mother’s daughter, you will inherit it eventually. Why rush now?" What? Just like that, she placed the blame on me? Seeing Wendy silent, Caro became more aggressive, her tone sharper, "Sister, where’s the real ring? Stop playing around. We’re family!" The party was about to start, and the hall was filled with noble ladies and daughters. Conversations ceased as they turned to watch. Their gazes implied Wendy had stolen her mother’s ring and replaced it with a fake, only to be caught by her cousin. But as a noble daughter of the Mitchell family, why would she do such a thing? Wendy’s eyes met her mother’s steadily as she spoke, "Mother, Caro asked me to get the ring. The servants in the room can attest that I didn’t do anything." "But on your way from the room to the hall, you could have stolen the real one. Who can prove otherwise?" Caro insisted, smug. Hearing the word "steal," Mrs. Mitchell frowned. Though she disliked her daughter, she was still her daughter and represented the Mitchell family. The idea that Wendy might have stolen from her was painful. Caro, lost in her imminent victory, failed to notice Mrs. Mitchell’s changing expression. "So, you’re accusing me of stealing from the Mitchell family?" A gentle yet firm voice came from behind Wendy. The Viscountess stepped forward, and everyone fell silent. She was the granddaughter of a founding hero and the wife of the most esteemed Baron. "Madam, it’s just Caro’s prank. How could it be true?" Mrs. Mitchell hadn’t seen the Viscountess standing behind Wendy. "From the moment Wendy went to get the ring until she handed it to Caro, I was with her. I can testify that she never opened the box, nor had time to switch the ring." The Viscountess’s clear, authoritative voice reached every corner of the hall. "With your testimony, we believe you. It must be a misunderstanding," Mrs. Mitchell hurriedly agreed, smiling. "But..." Caro began, only to be silenced by Mrs. Mitchell’s glare. The Viscountess looked at Caro, "Since you misunderstood your sister, you must apologize." Caro glanced at Mrs. Mitchell, hoping for leniency. Seeing none, she asked to speak to Wendy privately to apologize and resolve their misunderstanding. Wendy knew Caro’s intentions weren’t good, but she also had her own plans. Hand in hand, the two girls walked into the garden, seemingly harmonious. Once in the garden, Caro immediately pulled her hand away. "How dare you! From childhood, you’ve caused countless problems, and I always saved you. Now you have someone backing you? I’ll never apologize to you!" Angry, Caro tried to grab Wendy’s arm. Wendy realized that Caro, two years older and stronger, often bullied her. Quickly, Wendy grabbed Caro’s wrist and pulled forward, making Caro lose her balance. Caro grabbed Wendy’s sleeve, but Wendy, having learned some taekwondo before becoming a singer, swiftly kicked Caro to the ground. "Remember this: not everyone can be bullied by you! The Mitchell family raised you, and you should know gratitude!" Wendy vaguely recalled Caro’s collusion with their rivals contributing to the Mitchell family’s downfall. As Wendy was about to leave, she noticed a man outside the railing, smiling slightly. She waved at him, and he entered through a side gate. She guessed he had seen everything. "Say less, live longer," Wendy softly warned, her voice filled with threat. The man laughed lightly. "Thank you, ma’am, for your help. My sister apologized to me," Wendy said to the Viscountess, who nodded in satisfaction. She turned to Wendy, "You’re Wendy? You and my son were betrothed as children. He’s coming over soon. It’s time you met. The future Baroness of the Baron family shouldn’t be bullied by outsiders in her own home." Wait, a betrothal? Wendy suddenly remembered her childhood engagement.