Chapter 3

On TV, I was wearing a mask and a hat, with bodyguards escorting me the whole way.

The Rivers family always kept things private, so the reporters couldn't get a shot of my face, though they did manage to snap a picture of my dress.

I forced myself to stay calm, meeting the questioning stares from everyone at the table.

I wondered if I should just come clean.

Honestly, proving them wrong right here wouldn't be so bad.

But Helen just snickered. "Sophie, look at you, all jumpy, acting like this whole thing has anything to do with you."

Serena shot me a look of pure disdain. "Mom, if you were really the heiress, wouldn't that make me a silver spoon kid? Sadly, looking at you, I just don't see any trace of that rich bloodline."

Henry just scoffed, "Seriously, if your mom were the heiress, people would be lining up to celebrate her birthday. She wouldn't have to drag us here just for company."

Jenna looked down at my skirt. "Same dress, but when the real heiress wears it, she looks classy. You? No matter what you put on, you just look broken."

I couldn't help but laugh sarcastically. "Well, that's because I married into a broken family. No matter what I wear, I end up looking just as broke."

Jenna was stunned, her face scrunched up like she'd just tasted something sour.

Henry instantly switched into his dutiful son mode. "Sophie, did you take some crazy pills today? Every time Mom says something, you talk back. When did you get so mouthy?"

"Well, you'd better get used to it," I replied coolly, watching the waiter bring out the food. Inside, I was feeling pretty damn good about myself.

As the dishes were set out one by one, Serena's jaw practically hit the floor. "Abalone, lobster, crab..."

Across from me, Henry looked furious. "I'm not even gonna say anything about that pricey cake you bought, but now you ordered all this expensive food?"

Jenna backed up her son. "Are you trying to make us live on air after today? How did I end up with such a spendthrift daughter-in-law?"

"Well, maybe you racked up too much bad karma, and fate sent me here to teach you a lesson," I retorted, coolly picking up my fork.

After I spent over thirty years as an orphan, this was the first time my real family threw me a birthday dinner. No way I was letting this moment slip by. I was going to enjoy every single bite.

But just as I picked up a piece of abalone, Serena suddenly grabbed my arm. "Mom, isn't it time for you to go?"

I froze. "Go? Go where?" I asked.

Serena tugged at my arm with an impatient huff. "The cake's been cut, so your birthday's done, right?

"You don't even deserve a spread like this. Helen's joining the Rivers Group today, and we're throwing her a party next. You don't belong here, do you?"

The abalone plopped onto the table.

I stared at Serena's pretty face. "Serena, why exactly do you think I don't deserve a dinner like this?"

Serena frowned. "Mom, Helen is Dad's principal wife. You're just a concubine. At events like this, only the principal wife gets a seat at the table. Concubines aren't even supposed to be here. Didn't you know?"

Her gaze was steady and dead serious. She meant every word.

Helen couldn't help but laugh at what Serena said.

My face flushed with anger." Who taught you this stuff? You're only twelve. Do you even know what a concubine is?"

"Of course I do. Dad said the first woman a man marries is his wife, and the second one is the concubine," Serena replied matter-of-factly.

My nails dug into my palms as I glared furiously at Henry. "Is that really what you told her?"

Henry awkwardly rubbed his nose. "Honey, Serena picked it up from some period drama. I just broke it down so she'd understand."

"Oh, really?" I sneered. "I don't think it's breaking down. It's humiliating."

I forced myself to stay calm and spoke softly to Serena, "Serena, stuff like 'concubine' and 'principal wife' are just old-school labels from way back. These days, it's all about one man, one woman. Nobody uses those terms anymore."

Helen suddenly let out a laugh. "Why make such a fuss over a simple word?"

She leaned conspiratorially toward Serena. "Serena, let me tell you. A 'concubine' in ancient times was just what we'd call a 'mistress' these days."

Serena's expression shattered. "Mom, you're so shameless." She shoved me hard. "Get out. I don't want a mistress for a mom."

Serena's words hit me like a sledgehammer, crushing my heart.

I rushed to explain myself. "Serena, look, I'm not some mistress. I met your dad after he and Helen split up. Then we got married, had you, and we're a legit family."

But Serena just screamed, "Dad and Helen only split up because they were being impulsive. They still loved each other the whole time.

"If you hadn't been so clingy with Dad, they would've gotten back together ages ago. I don't want a mistress for a mom. Just leave and let Helen be my real mom."

My mind exploded, like I'd just been struck by lightning.

Fury surged through me as my hand lashed out again.

The slap landed hard, leaving Serena's cheek flushed red.

I was shaking all over, my voice trembling. "Serena, are you sure you want Helen to be your mom?"

"I'm sure," Serena yelled through her tears.

"Fine," I snapped.

I jabbed a finger at the four of them. "The dishes are mine. All of you, get the hell out."

Jenna's eyes went wide. "You want us to leave? Do you think you can finish all this food by yourself?"

"None of your damn business," I screamed, my voice raw with rage. "Trying to take advantage of me? You wish."

After more than a decade of marriage, this was the first time I'd ever lost it like this.