Chapter 4

Charlotte looked down at her reflection in the mirror, gritting her teeth as she spoke each word with icy determination. "Evelyn, you really think just coming back means you can steal everything from me?

"Keep dreaming."

That night, half of the elite social circle in Capital showed up at the Reed family's welcome party.

On the surface, everyone was there to congratulate the Reeds on finding their real heiress, but deep down, they were all just waiting to see Evelyn make a fool of herself.

After all, in the world of the rich and powerful, only the strong mattered. Blood ties meant nothing.

So what if she was the real heiress?

She'd been out there for eighteen years, with no experience, no manners, and no connections. How could she ever hope to compete with Charlotte?

In the dressing room, a bunch of socialites were gathered around Charlotte.

"Charlotte, you look drop-dead gorgeous tonight," one of them gushed.

"Well, obviously. Charlotte has been groomed as the Reed family's princess since forever. It's not like some random girl can just come back and compare." another snickered.

"Oh, and that dress you picked out for your so-called real sister, she's not seriously going to wear it, is she?" someone else mocked.

At that, the whole group couldn't help but crack up.

The dress looked stunning at first glance, but the waist had been sabotaged. If Evelyn put it on, she'd either be gasping for air or risk having a wardrobe malfunction in front of everyone with every step.

That was savage, and downright embarrassing.

Charlotte lowered her eyes and smiled, her voice still soft and gentle.

"Don't say that. It's Evelyn's first time at an event like this. I was worried she wouldn't have anything suitable to wear." Charlotte said.

"Besides, even if there's a little mishap, no one will blame her. They'll just feel sorry for her." she added.

That word set everyone off, they laughed even louder, barely able to contain themselves.

A real heiress just found after all these years, and she embarrasses herself at her first big event? The only thing she'll get is pity.

On the other side of the mansion, a maid carried the dress into Evelyn's room.

"Miss, this is the gown Charlotte prepared for you." the maid said respectfully.

Evelyn sat at her vanity, giving the dress a quick once-over. She reached out and traced the waistline with her fingers, a faint smile curling at the corners of her lips.

Just as she expected. Someone tampered with it.

She didn't even bother trying it on. Instead, she stood up, opened her closet, and picked out a black gown.

No elaborate designs, no sparkling jewels. Just pure minimalism, almost too plain to be called evening wear.

But as soon as she slipped it on, the maid was left speechless.

Because some people didn't need designer dresses to command attention. They were born to stand out.

She stood there, the black dress hugging her slender figure with effortless grace. Her hair was loosely pinned up, revealing the long, elegant line of her neck, so cool and refined, she looked like a shard of snow in the night.

"Miss, aren't you going to wear any jewelry?" the maid asked.

Evelyn reached up and picked out a pair of plain diamond studs, barely giving them a second thought.

"That's enough." she said.

It's never the jewelry that makes someone stand out.

It's all about the person.

The banquet hall was bathed in bright, dazzling light.

Charlotte was surrounded by a crowd, her smile soft and her manners impeccable, still the flawless, high-and-mighty Reed heiress everyone looked up to.

Someone purposely asked, "Charlotte, why isn't Evelyn coming down yet? Maybe she doesn't even know how to wear a gown?"

"Well, she's never been to anything like this before. It's normal to be nervous." another added.

"By the way, now that the real heiress is back, doesn't it bother you?" someone else teased.

Charlotte lowered her eyes, her smile a bit strained, trying to look mature and understanding.

"It's good that Evelyn's back. Why would I be upset? As long as Mom and Dad are happy, I'm fine with anything." she said.

She sounded so considerate, but also a little pitiful. Everyone couldn't help but feel sorry for her.

Just then, the area by the staircase suddenly went quiet.

It was like someone had vacuumed up all the sound in a split second.

Everyone's heads snapped up at once.