"Tsk, look at that Zoya, throwing such a grand party every year. She's just a foster daughter and really thinks she's the princess."
"Oh, Zoya is a foster daughter?"
"You didn't know? Let me tell you, the Jian family has three children. The eldest son, Leopold, and the youngest daughter, Lily, are biological, but Zoya is adopted."
"I heard Zoya is an orphan. Her parents died, and her biological father was good friends with Mr. Jian, so Mr. Jian adopted her."
Hearing this, someone sighed.
"The Jian family treats this foster daughter too well. I heard both Leopold and Zoya joined L&S Group after graduation. Only Lily started her own business, opening a photography studio."
"Mrs. Jian always takes Zoya out and talks about how outstanding Zoya is, rarely mentioning Lily."
"Well, Zoya is indeed excellent, and she's been with the Jian family since she was young, so she's practically a biological daughter."
"It's also because Lily is spoiled and unruly, known as the little princess. Besides her pretty face, what else does she have?"
"Having a pretty face isn't bad either. She's about to marry into the Zhou family, isn't that impressive?"
"Exactly, no matter how favored Zoya is in the Jian family, Lily will marry into the Zhou family. Unless Zoya marries someone from the Zhou family, she won't surpass Lily."
The one from the Zhou family.
Without mentioning names, the women unanimously thought of one person.
"You mean..."
Bang— "Ah!"
A sharp crash suddenly echoed in the hall, followed by a terrified scream. Everyone instinctively looked towards the sound.
They were all stunned.
...
Lily hadn't planned to cause a scene tonight.
She didn't have the energy for it. Having taken Mrs. Mei's seven-figure appearance fee, she just wanted to eat, drink, and play the role of a good sister. After all, causing trouble after accepting money would be unkind.
But, despite her intentions, trouble found her.
Lily had performed a touching sisterly act with Zoya in front of everyone.
After the act, she glanced at Royce, who was happily chatting with someone, knowing he would take a while. She turned to the second floor to lie down and sober up.
Turning into the bathroom, she bumped into someone rushing out.
Lily was just about to dodge when someone forcefully bumped into her shoulder. She staggered back two steps and barely managed to steady herself against the wall.
Smack—a delicate ladies' handbag fell to the ground, its zipper open, and the contents spilled everywhere.
Rubbing her shoulder, Lily glanced down and her eyes landed on a crystal-clear emerald earring at her feet. At first glance, the earring looked familiar. She was about to bend down to pick it up when a hand beat her to it.
Lily looked up and froze. "Nadia?"
Seeing her rival, Lily immediately thought of Royce. Did he bring her here? The thought was quickly dismissed. Impossible. Royce protected Nadia very well, and no one knew about their relationship. He wouldn't bring Nadia to such an event where Lily would be present.
In Royce's eyes, Lily was now the villainous viper, and he feared she would bully Nadia. He wouldn't bring Nadia here.
While Lily was stunned, Nadia had already gathered all the items and stood up, placing the earring she had tightly grasped into her bag. Only then did she respond to Lily.
"Zoya invited me."
Lily then remembered that Zoya and Nadia were college friends and had a good relationship. It seemed reasonable for Zoya to invite Nadia to her birthday party.
"You..."
"I have something to do. I have to go."
Before Lily could say anything, Nadia was already rushing out with her bag, seemingly in a hurry.
Lily watched her retreating figure but didn't chase after her. She did want to have a good talk with Nadia, but today wasn't the day.
Coming out of the restroom, Lily returned to her room and played a couple of games. Just as she started a third game, someone knocked on the door.
It was the housemaid, Aunt Zhang. "Miss, have you seen the missing earring? Madam asked me to check with you."