Chapter 3

The drama hit its peak at the weekend party.

The King family was hosting a big shot, some heavyweight in his field that Samuel was desperate to cozy up to for business.

Before the party, Samuel and Rachel gave me a serious warning. "Behave yourself tonight. Don't say a single thing you shouldn't. If you mess this up, you'll regret it."

I nodded like crazy, determined to just be a pretty face and keep my mouth shut all night.

The guest was a man in his fifties named Peter Sterling.

Word was, he cared a ton about whether his business partners had a picture-perfect family. The Kings only got on Peter's radar because they'd just reunited with their real daughter after years apart.

Vanessa was dressed up like a perfect little doll, sitting sweetly next to Peter and kept flattering him.

I huddled in the corner, focusing all my attention on a lobster, doing my best to blend into the background.

Everything seemed perfectly harmonious on the surface.

Peter praised Vanessa for being so well-mannered and refined.

Vanessa flashed her best innocent smile. "Mr. Sterling, I'm so flattered. I still have a lot to learn from Anna. She just got back home, and she's really... simple and plain."

I rolled my eyes inwardly and kept working on my lobster.

I seriously don't get why Vanessa was always out to get me. Even at a big event like this, she just couldn't resist taking a jab at me.

Trying to be polite, Peter turned to me. "I heard you just got found and brought home, Anna. Are you settling in okay?"

Inside, I gave myself a mental warning, 'Just keep your mouth shut, smile, and nod.'

I looked up, put on my best good-girl smile, and nodded.

But that one little nod was like flipping a switch.

Before I could stop myself, my voice rang out. "Yeah, I'm settling in. Except there's this fake girl always playing the sweet angel in front of me, and my folks trust everything she says."

Peter's silver spoon clattered into his bowl, splashing soup onto his pricey suit.

Samuel's face went from red to white to livid.

Rachel almost lost her grip on her wine glass.

Vanessa looked like she'd seen a ghost.

Peter looked mortified, awkwardly trying to smile. "You're humorous."

I knew right then—the King family's whole plan to get in Peter's good graces was officially dead in the water.

Samuel shot to his feet, his finger trembling as he pointed at me, looking ready to explode.

Before Samuel could blow up, I snatched up my napkin, wiped my mouth, and said, "Oops, looks like I let the truth slip out. Don't want anyone here dropping dead from shock, and for my own safety, I'll just make myself scarce."

As soon as I got home, I started tossing my stuff into a bag.

I had no idea what kind of weird rules these rich families had. If they decided to lock me up, I'm screwed.

Honestly, my mouth was even more stubborn than I was. It'd never back down or say sorry, even if it got me in trouble.

And just like I thought, things played out exactly as I expected.

By the time my family got home, I'd already packed my things and was sitting on the couch watching TV.

I figured I should at least say goodbye. It was polite.

Samuel stormed in and smashed a vase worth over ten grand. "Do you have any idea how much effort I put into building a connection with Peter?"

Rachel gave me a reproachful look. "Anna, how could you say something like that at the party? You really have no sense at all."

I threw up my hands. "Oh, sure, I have no sense at all. I was doing just fine at the orphanage, but you insisted on dragging me back here. Have you even cared about me at all these past few days? If it weren't for your deal with Peter, you wouldn't have bothered to find me in your entire lives!"

Samuel was so furious that he couldn't even finish a sentence. He just pointed at me and stammered, "You... You..."

Vanessa quickly hid the spark of joy in her eyes, putting on a pitiful, teary look. "Mom, Dad, please don't be upset. Maybe it's better if I leave instead. I can explain things to Peter for you."

Rachel stroked her head with fondness and reassurance. "Good girl, you don't need to worry about this."

That was the perfect daughter the King family wanted.

Rachel saw my suitcase by the couch, and just when she was about to calm down, her temper flared right back up.

She pointed at my suitcase and glared at me. "What's that supposed to mean? We've been giving you everything—good food, a nice place to live—what could you possibly be unhappy about?"

Vanessa snuggled into her arms, looking all soft and pitiful. "Maybe it's better if I leave instead..."

"If anyone's leaving, it's her," Samuel shouted, pointing at the door. "Get out, now!"

Honestly, that was exactly what I was hoping for.

I was thrilled. I didn't waste a second before making my grand exit.

Now, where should I go next?

Honestly, I'd already made up my mind. I went straight to the police station.

Since I couldn't keep this mouth in check, might as well put it somewhere it'd actually do some good.

Time to take my superpowered truth-spewing mouth and turn myself in to the authorities. I'd see how much I could do for my country.