Chapter 3

Benjamin Gibson, a prestigious heir from the capital, and the big shots from wealthy families all gathered around me, eager to make small talk.

"Miss Goodwin, are you the chef for tonight's welcome home party? Looks like I'm in for a real treat."

"Miss Goodwin, would you ever consider working for us? My mom can't stop thinking about your cooking lately."

The talking continued.

Suddenly, the piano music cut off, and everyone instinctively turned to look at Sharon.

She grabbed the microphone, her eyes burning with intensity as she fixed her gaze on the crowd around me.

Sharon declared, "Let me introduce myself. I'm Daniel's one true love. The person you're all crowding around is just a substitute who doesn't belong here.

"If you're trying to curry favor, you'd better make sure it's with the right person. Otherwise, you'll regret it."

Everyone looked at each other, their faces full of bewilderment. Then they shrugged it off and continued chatting with me, ignoring Sharon's dramatic announcement.

Sharon was sure that while she was gone, I'd gotten everyone on my side.

She was absolutely livid. Then something clicked, and a sneer tugged at her lips.

She walked over, holding up her dress, her smile flipping on like a switch as she looked at me.

"I played pretty well just now, but rumor has it Miss Goodwin's piano skills are even better. How about you play a song to liven things up for everyone? If you refuse, you're snubbing us," Sharon said.

She looked like she was waiting for some drama to unfold.

She knew I was born tone-deaf, and couldn't carry a tune to save my life. Forget about the piano, I couldn't even plink out a melody on a toy keyboard.

If I went to perform, I'd be making a complete fool of myself in front of everyone.

And then Daniel would finally realize the substitute was nothing like the real deal.

Sharon looked downright smug, like she was already picturing my epic humiliation.

"Whoever told you that got it all wrong. I can't play the piano at all," I said straightforwardly.

Sharon's smug expression faltered, and she stared at me in disbelief.

"You just said it out loud? In all those romantic novels, the substitute always tries to imitate the true love, even if they're totally clueless. Why aren't you playing along?" she demanded.

By the end, her composure was slipping.

This was a meticulously planned welcome home party, all arranged by Sharon to embarrass me in front of everyone.

Just then, Daniel finished up his work and walked over. Seeing Sharon's eyes all red, he immediately looked concerned.

"What's wrong?" he asked.

She pouted and dove into Daniel's arms, whining, "Daniel, Casey is picking on me."

Daniel shot me a frown, and I quickly raised my hands in defense. I said, "I swear, I didn't do anything."

Everyone started chiming in at once, all trying to fill Daniel in on what happened.

Daniel rubbed his temples, looking exhausted.

"Just go play something, and I'll bump your overtime pay up to twenty times," Daniel said.

I instantly lit up with a huge smile. "Mr. Ford, you're so generous!"

I walked up to the piano and hammered away at the keys, making a racket that sounded nothing like Sharon's graceful performance earlier.

Sharon smirked, her eyes scanning the crowd, practically itching to see everyone burst out laughing at my disaster. She was savoring the moment, waiting for the show to start.

But the guests just kept toasting each other, acting as if nothing had happened.

Sharon jumped up from her seat, utterly in disbelief.

"Why aren't you making fun of Casey? Isn't this where you all call her out for being from some small-time family, not fit for the spotlight?" she blurted out.

Some people were confused.

"She just can't play the piano. What's there to make fun of?"

"Besides, it's not like playing piano is the only thing that matters. Miss Goodwin might not know her way around a piano, but her cooking is fit for a state event. Everyone has things they're not good at. It's normal for people to have flaws."

Sharon fired back, her anger barely contained, "Aren't you all just background props, waiting to laugh at the substitute when she embarrasses herself? So why aren't you laughing?"

The room went so quiet, one could hear the fizz from the champagne.

Benjamin let out a cold laugh.

"Guess us background props are outclassed in Mr. Ford's party. Since that's the case, we'll leave instead of being an eyesore," he said.

Most of the guests got up and left, ignoring Daniel's apologies.

Daniel was at his wit's end, but Sharon continued making a scene.

"Let them walk out if they want. I'm Daniel's true love. Anyone who dares to cross me will pay for it. Tomorrow, I'll have Daniel ruin their whole family," she declared loudly.

As soon as she said that, the rest of the guests looked at Sharon like she was nuts, then couldn't get out of there fast enough.

The welcome party ended on a sour note, everyone quietly slipping away.

I was about to leave when Sharon grabbed me by the wrist.

"You can't leave!" she demanded. "Daniel, the welcome home party ended up like this because Casey was trying to embarrass me on purpose.

"You have to stand up for me and teach her a lesson."

Daniel's face darkened, and the disappointment in his eyes was impossible to hide.

"Sharon, can you please stop causing trouble? What's gotten into you lately?" Daniel asked.