"What has Saira ever done to you to deserve your curse?"
What has she done?
Did Dalia really not know, or was she pretending not to?
Saira had enjoyed the affection, warmth, and happiness that should have belonged to Zuri.
Zuri had suffered through Saira's hardships—cold, hunger, and abuse.
Even after the truth came out, Saira remained the glamorous eldest Miss of the Lin family, while Zuri was seen as the unrefined, ill-mannered second Miss.
In her past life, when everyone praised Saira, did they ever think that Zuri was the true eldest Miss of the Lin family?
As long as Saira was in the Lin family, everyone compared Zuri to her. They compared a girl raised with elite education to one who had barely survived in a slum. Was that fair?
Though she had lived in poverty, she was still human, with blood, flesh, dignity, and temper. Yet they trampled on her last shred of dignity.
They never cared if she was sad or humiliated. They never wondered why she couldn't compare to Saira.
They only saw Saira's excellence. Did they ever consider what kind of life Zuri had lived?
How could she compare when all she ever wanted was to stay alive, her biggest luxury to be warm and fed?
After enduring the hardships meant for Saira for so many years, how could Dalia now accuse her of lacking conscience? Should she be grateful to the one who took everything from her?
Sorry, she couldn't do that.
Looking at Dalia, who was enraged, Zuri's lips curled in mockery.
This was her biological mother, who never had a place for her in her heart.
She didn't expect much from Dalia, only a bit of fairness. Just a tiny bit. But even that was too much to ask.
Since Dalia didn't see her as a daughter, Zuri decided to treat her as a stranger bound by blood.
"If you think I cursed her, then let it be so. As long as it makes you happy," Zuri said indifferently.
Her attitude infuriated Dalia, who raised her hand to slap Zuri.
Zuri grabbed her hand coldly. "I didn't come back to be slapped."
She shoved Dalia away, causing her to stumble and crash into the dining table, crying out in pain.
Without a glance back, Zuri left the dining room.
Arianwen hurried to help Dalia up, consoling her. "Madam, you misunderstood Miss. She just said she was going upstairs to see the eldest Miss."
"Arianwen, look at her! She's doing this on purpose. She resents us, resents Saira." Dalia's exquisitely made-up face was full of grievance and anger.
How could the second Miss not resent them!
Seeing Dalia prioritize Saira in everything, Arianwen sighed internally. She knew better than to voice her thoughts.
"I was too impulsive just now. Go take some food to her," Dalia said.
Arianwen felt a bit relieved. Dalia still cared about the second Miss, and she hoped Zuri would understand.
Windsor International School, the most prestigious institution in Oceanic City, was known as a noble school due to its elite international education and exorbitant tuition. However, it admitted a group of outstanding students each year, offering full scholarships and stipends.
Stepping into the school again, Zuri felt a sense of surrealism. Many students noticed the stunning girl standing on the avenue, like a blooming rose.
She closed her eyes, sensing the decadence beneath the blooming flowers, a wicked smile on her lips.
Dear classmates, Zuri is back. This time, I will play with you all.
Just then, a commotion arose from behind, accompanied by girls' screams and boys' chatter.
"Ah, Arthur is here!"
"Arthur is so handsome."
"I wish I could be his girlfriend."
"Ha, don't even think about it. He's Saira's fiancé."
"So what? Saira isn't even the Lin family's daughter. That means she's not Arthur's fiancée either."
"Don't forget, there's still the real Lin family daughter."
"That woman? God, no. I heard she lived in a slum. Women from there aren't even fit to shine Arthur's shoes."
"I heard the women there are dirty, doing unspeakable things. Do you think the Lin family's daughter is the same?"
"Probably."
"She's supposedly going to our school this year. The thought of being classmates with someone like that is disgusting."
"Poor Saira. She was the rightful Lin family daughter, but now she's just an adopted daughter. And that dirty woman has taken her place."
"Some people just don't fit, no matter what they wear. Poor Saira, having to go through such a cruel thing. My heart breaks for her."
Listening to the surrounding gossip about Arthur and eventually herself, Zuri remained indifferent. Even the slander didn't anger her.
She found it all quite ridiculous.