Three cars arrived at Norburgh Airport to pick up the Murphys. James had important business at the company, so Lily, Giselle, and Hazel went home before him.
An hour and a half later, they reached the Murphy residence. After exiting the cars, Lily welcomed Hazel into the house. "Hazel, we're home. Your grandma and your brothers are staying with us." Hazel nodded in response.
Leading the way, Giselle announced, "Grandma, we're back."
After handing her bag to the housekeeper, she quickly headed to the living room, flaunting her status as part of the Murphy family.
A young boy, about six or seven years old, dashed out of the living room. It was Alex Murphy, the third child of James and Lily.
"Giselle, you're here! Did you bring me any presents?" Alex exclaimed eagerly.
"What kind of gifts could you expect from the boonies?" An elderly voice came from the living room.
"Good point. It's not worth getting my hopes up," Alex grumbled as he sank back into the couch, returning to his video game.
Hazel trailed behind Lily as they entered the luxurious living room decorated in lavish Baroque style.
Mildred Barker sat gracefully on the couch, savoring a cup of coffee with an air of elegance. She had grayish hair and was dressed in lavish attire.
Giselle quietly settled beside her and poured her another cup of coffee. "Grandma, where's Gideon?"
Mildred sipped her coffee and said, "He flew out to Emberwood around noon. He said he was visiting a biological institute."
Lily was saddened at the news.
Before leaving this morning, she had informed her eldest child, Gideon Murphy, that they would pick up Hazel. It was a significant day because it marked the reunion of the Murphy family, and she hoped they would all be home together.
Gideon always did things his own way, but he consistently made the Murphys proud, so Lily couldn't bring herself to scold him because of this. Pushing aside her sadness, she led Hazel forward.
"Mom, we've brought Hazel back," Lily said. Then, she introduced Hazel to Mildred, saying, "Hazel, this is your grandmother."
"Grandma," Hazel called out softly.
Mildred ignored her. She set her cup down and called for the housekeeper. "Judy, please bring out the rest of the caviar so Giselle can enjoy it."
"Sure," Judy McCoy replied. She returned shortly after with the caviar.
"Thank you, Grandma," Giselle said graciously. She then deliberately lifted the caviar and enjoyed a bite, almost as if she were flaunting it. "It tastes amazing."
"Take your time, dear. There's no rush. You must be exhausted after spending the day in the car. Enjoy some good food to recharge, and remember to take care of yourself so that Mr. Gaskell will be smitten by you."
Mildred affectionately tucked a stray hair behind Giselle's ear.
Giselle nodded with a sweet smile and hummed in response. Noticing Hazel being left out, Giselle's satisfaction with herself grew even more.
Lily noticed Mildred was purposefully ignoring Hazel. She called, "Mom."
"Oh, you're back," Mildred said, pretending she had just noticed Hazel and giving her a once-over.
Hazel had a delicate face with her hair neatly braided. Her unexpectedly fair skin contrasted with her cold eyes and thin lips.
Mildred's gaze drifted down. She saw Hazel wearing a dirty, torn dress that hugged her figure tightly. She carried a worn bag, and her white shoes were covered in mud.
Mildred wrinkled her brows disapprovingly at Hazel's outfit choice, convinced it reflected her less sophisticated upbringing.
She thought Hazel held no significance to the Murphys, yet they were obliged to support her financially.
"Judy, get her a pair of slippers. Don't let her track dirt into the house and ruin the wool carpet I had air-freighted from Lumoria," Mildred instructed.
"Got it," Judy replied, promptly fetching a pair of slippers for Hazel. "Ms. Hazel, could you please change your shoes?"
Hazel stayed silent.
Lily noticed Mildred's disdain for Hazel from her gestures and remarks.
When Lily and James began dating, the Murphys were still farmers in the countryside. However, their fortunes changed when they discovered a valuable mine underground, turning them into overnight millionaires.
Mildred started acting snobby, turning her nose up at folks from the countryside. She pushed Lily and James to break up, and the whole family eventually moved to Norburgh.
In Norburgh, they launched a company, bought a grand mansion, and splurged on luxuries. It was all to rise in social status and shake off the label of being newly rich.
It was only when James insisted on marrying Lily and she became pregnant with a son that Lily finally gained acceptance into the Murphy family.
The memories of her past made Lily feel uneasy whenever she thought about it.
Hazel had just gotten back from the countryside. Lily could already predict that Hazel would face even more disapproval from Mildred.
"Mom, life in the mountains is rough. Hazel has been through a lot since she was young-"
"That's enough. Hurry and help her freshen up and change into something more suitable," Mildred impatiently cut in and waved her hand.
"Hazel, I'll show you to your room," Lily said.
Hazel simply nodded, catching the disdainful look on Mildred's face.
Giselle's appetite for caviar vanished instantly when she witnessed Lily's kindness toward Hazel. She felt entitled to that affection from Lily, and seeing Hazel receive it instead only fueled her resentment. Fuming with jealousy, Giselle turned to Alex, who was engrossed in his video game.
"Alex, are you giving up on your study room?" Giselle asked.
Frustrated from losing a game, Alex cursed under his breath. He promptly left the game console behind and rushed to the third floor.