Chapter 1 The Reunion

Just above the rooftop of Moore Group's Riversdale subsidiary, a helicopter hovered, descending with deliberate slowness.

As it approached the landing, the door slid open, and a tall, striking woman sprang lightly onto the roof. Close behind her came Hannah Hawking, her assistant.

A man in a suit hurried forward, his voice taut with nervousness. "Welcome, Ms. Moore. It's been a long journey. Would you like something to eat before we move on?"

"No. Take me straight to the office," Nancy Moore replied with a detached calm.

Her sculpted, striking face held no expression. Her eyes seemed distant, but the effortless poise of a high-born lady remained, impossible to hide.

The man immediately nodded and took the lead.

As they walked, he couldn't resist asking, "Ms. Moore, are you truly starting as a manager? With your background and talent, you could step into the CEO role without effort."

Nancy's reply was cool and measured. "I'm here to take things step by step. Becoming CEO right away would only invite too many questions."

The moment Nancy stepped into the office, a video call request popped up. She answered, and immediately her parents, Ian Moore and Freya Lindt, filled the screen.

Freya's voice came, heavy and hesitant. "You've finally arrived, Nance. Are you truly planning to return to your birth family, the Lidells? They're just a minor family. What if you don't belong? Or worse, what if you're hurt?"

Her head sank low as she wiped the tears away.

Ian's brow furrowed, his tone firm and unwavering. "That's nonsense! The Lidells are Nance's blood. Though they lost her by accident, they've surely searched for her all these years. Nance must visit them.

"Should they treat her well, she'll find twice the love. If not, then such a family isn't worth the pain. We will remain her strongest support as always!"

A warmth blossomed in Nancy's chest. Her lashes fell, shielding tears that gleamed at the edges of her eyes.

She murmured, "Thank you, Mom and Dad. But after all these years apart, I honestly don't know if the Lidells will accept me."

Ian shot that down without hesitation. "How could you even think that? We invested everything in raising you, and you graduated from top schools with dual degrees at such a young age.

"The tutors we hired couldn't stop singing your praises, claiming they'd never seen anyone learn so quickly or master so many skills. You shine in every realm—arts, academics, and beyond.

"Your talents stretch across medicine, finance, and a wide array of fields. Influential figures are lining up to take you under their wing. You're so lovable, so how could the Lidells possibly fail to welcome you?"

Freya's voice flared with anger. "Exactly. Nance, you're remarkable, and the Lidells are fortunate beyond measure to have you as their daughter.

"If they weren't your blood, we wouldn't have been quietly funnelling resources their way. That's how they rose from an insignificant family to one of Riversdale's five great families in such a short time!"

Overwhelmed by Ian and Freya's unwavering pampering and support, Nancy felt a helplessness wash over her. Her eyes shimmered with a gentle redness, and she nodded slightly.

"I understand. Thank you, Mom and Dad. No matter what happens, you will always be my parents."

Freya and Ian smiled, the weight of relief softening their faces.

"You've just arrived, and it's already late. You should get settled. We won't keep you any longer," said Ian.

After a few final words, the call ended.

Nancy's eyes drifted to the window. Riversdale, ranked just below Boraska in importance, was home to her birth parents.

It had been only a year since she learned she wasn't truly a Moore. Soon after, the Moores had quietly helped her track down her birth family.

Her journey to Riversdale was about more than just nurturing the subsidiary. She had come to meet her birth parents. As that thought took hold, a sudden, unexpected nervousness began to stir.

"Is everything ready?" Nancy asked.

Hannah answered promptly, "Don't worry, Ms. Moore. Everything is prepared. When would you like us to leave?"

After hesitating for a moment, Nancy said, "We'll head out after I freshen up."

"Understood," Hannah replied.

Once showered and changed into fresh clothes, Nancy emerged to find the company's files and project documents already laid out on the desk.

Her eyes caught a familiar name, and she murmured, "Lidell Group..."

It was a project from her birth parents' company, seeking to form a partnership with Moore Group's subsidiary.

Nancy leafed through the documents swiftly. Lidell Group didn't meet the criteria for partnership by any usual standard. Yet after some thought, she approved the project and handed it to the executive manager.

Soon, she was ready to set off toward the Lidell household. When it came to choosing a car, she paused and weighed her options before deciding on the plainest one.

The Lidells were a relatively insignificant family next to the Moores, and Nancy feared that arriving in a flashy vehicle might make her birth parents uneasy.

…

As one of the five great families of Riversdale, the Lidell residence was undeniably grand.

Today, it was adorned with sumptuous decorations in honor of Raine Lidell, the family's heiress. She'd been crowned first in Riversdale Piano Competition and was now preparing to compete nationally.

Warmth lingered in the living room, soft and inviting.

Regina Olcott, Raine's adoptive mother, spoke with admiration, her eyes bright with love. "You're amazing, Raine."

Raine's lips curled into a faint smile, but it vanished almost at once, her brows drawing together as a shadow of worry darkened her features.

Regina's voice softened with genuine concern. "Raine, what's troubling you?"

Fergus Lidell, Raine's adoptive brother, said nothing. But his gaze was heavy, filled with silent worry as he watched her intently.

Raine bit her lip, caught in a hesitation before she finally spoke. "I'm worried about Nancy's return. What if we can't get along? I've held her place for so many years. What if she ends up hating me?"

Her eyes glistened with tears, the weight of her fear plain to see, and both Regina and Fergus were struck by a poignant wave of sympathy.

With a calm and tender tone, Regina reassured her. "Don't let your worries take hold, Raine. The years have stretched far behind us, and you have long been part of this family, as much as our daughter.

"We haven't laid eyes on Nancy in ages. I give you my word. Should she ever return, it won't change your place here, not one bit!"

A faint glow of gratitude stirred in Raine's eyes, though the shadow of unease lingered still.

She was about to speak when her adoptive father, Andrew Lidell, came bounding down the stairs, his excitement unmistakable.

Eagerly, he announced, "Duran Corporation has agreed to partner with us!"

A spark of surprise and delight lit Regina's features. "Really?"

Andrew nodded. "I just got the news. They've invited me for negotiations tomorrow, and there's an 80% chance the deal will be sealed."

"That's wonderful! It actually worked!" Raine said, a smile breaking free despite herself.

Andrew regarded her with a curious frown. "Raine, what do you mean by that?"

She scanned everyone around her, then pursed her lips. After a pause, she finally spoke. "The truth is, I met with the CEO of Duran, asking him to give Dad a chance. I never imagined it would actually happen."

Regina's eyes glowed with a tender pride as she said, "Raine, so it was you who worked quietly behind the scenes all along. You're truly the Lidells' lucky charm."

Raine's smile was soft and humble. "Supporting the family is the least I can do."

Yet, almost instantly, her smile faded, and her gaze dropped with weight. "Mom, Dad, Fergie… Nancy is coming back after all this time. I know it'll be difficult for her to see me.

"Do you think it would be better if I moved out first? That way, you'd have more space to rebuild your relationship with her."

A chorus of firm, unwavering voices rose from Andrew, Regina, and Fergus. "No way!"

Fergus scowled. "Raine, you're my sister in every way that counts!"

Regina's tone was just as earnest. "That's right. We've considered you our daughter for years! Nancy coming back simply means we'll have two daughters, and we can afford that."

Andrew chimed in firmly, "Don't ever say something like that again."

The Lidells molded Raine into the very image of a society lady—elegant, capable, and polished. This time, she had achieved even more, securing them a partnership with Duran Corporation.

Though Regina and Andrew had no idea what Nancy was like now, they were certain she could never measure up to Raine.

They had barely mentioned Nancy when she appeared.

A maid came in to announce, "Mr. Lidell, someone has arrived."

As soon as the maid finished speaking, Nancy emerged from the sunlight. She wore a white T-shirt and jeans, radiating youthful energy. Her delicate, flawless face held a beauty that drew and held the eye.

Chapter 2 The Fake Heiress

Nancy bore a subtle resemblance to Regina, but Nancy was much prettier.

Raine's nails dug into her palms. She had expected the long-lost Nancy to be mousy and dowdy, never this dazzling. Regina and Andrew were just as stunned.

Nancy let her gaze travel over the faces in the room before breaking the silence. "Hello, I'm Nancy… Your daughter."

Her tone was even, her composure unshaken. It felt less like a reunion than the opening of a negotiation.

Regina seemed to wake from a daze. Her first glance, however, went to Raine, worry clouding her eyes. Only then did she speak. "Nancy, come here. Have a seat."

Nancy crossed the room and settled onto the couch. All eyes were on her, and she felt a faint unease stirring within.

Raine's gaze lingered on the details of Nancy's clothing, and a quiet breath of relief escaped her. Nancy was exactly as she had imagined.

Though beautiful, Nancy bore no trace of a designer label. She could only have come from an ordinary family.

Raine's voice was soft. "You're back, Nancy. We've all missed you."

The moment Nancy's gaze settled on her, she knew—this was the fake heiress who had taken her place in the Lidell family. She answered only with a short, noncommittal hum.

Raine's eyes brimmed with sudden redness. "Do you not like me, Nancy?"

Nancy frowned, her voice carrying mild confusion. "Why wouldn't I like you?"

Raine lowered her head, her words faltering. "I know you must hate me for taking your place. I'm truly sorry. If you don't want me here, I can leave right now."

Fergus' face darkened at once. Stepping forward, he positioned himself squarely in front of Raine, his body a shield as his cold gaze locked on Nancy.

"The fact that you two were switched wasn't Raine's fault. There's no reason for you to take your anger out on her!"

Feeling the sudden surge of hostility, Nancy fell silent again. Her glance swept over Raine, and a low, mirthless chuckle escaped her.

"I don't recall saying anything to you. There's no need to put on an act. If I'm not welcome here, I can just as easily stay away."

The words settled heavily, a flicker of guilt rippling through the room.

Regina caught her hand in hers. "Nancy, that's not what we meant."

Then, turning to Raine, she said, "Raine, Nancy has no intention of driving you out, so there's no need for you to be so tense."

Raine's smile tightened for the briefest heartbeat, then bloomed again into something bright and cheerful. "Alright. Nancy, welcome home. I even brought you a gift!"

She set out a set of high-end skincare products.

Nancy's eyes flicked over them before she reached for her own gifts. "Dad, these are coffee beans from Southridge. Mom, this is a Chanel scarf for you."

When it came to Fergus, she saw no point in trying to please someone who clearly disliked her.

Fergus looked her way several times, and when he realized no gift was coming, a faint disappointment touched him.

Raine looked at the gifts in astonishment. "Nancy, that's incredible. This Chanel scarf is a discontinued design. Back then, Mom couldn't get one at all, but you did.

"And these coffee beans from Southridge cost a fortune. Only Boraska's century-old families can get them—"

The words tumbled out before Raine seemed to realize her misstep. She broke off abruptly, lifting a hand to cover her mouth.

Chapter 3 Loved Unequally

There was a subtle shift in Regina's and Andrew's expressions. They questioned silently whether those gifts could be counterfeit. Suspicion and uncertainty intertwined in their gazes.

Still, given that Nancy had been raised by ordinary folk, it was only natural she might fail to recognize a forgery. Gradually, their features softened, settling into a composed, indifferent calm.

"No matter what, these gifts carry Nancy's heartfelt intentions. Lunch is ready. We should eat first," Regina said lightly.

Nancy caught the flicker of their reactions and roughly grasped the thoughts swirling behind their eyes, yet she held back from explaining. Even if she tried, she doubted they would believe her.

Fergus eyed the items with disdain. He never imagined those were counterfeit, and he was relieved that Nancy hadn't given him a gift.

The group gathered around the dining table, greeted by a generous spread of salmon tartare and other luxurious dishes, including king crab.

Regina paused, surprised by the lavish fare. She didn't think she had asked the kitchen to put together such a spread.

Smiling, Raine placed a king crab on Nancy's plate. "Mom and Dad specifically asked them to prepare plenty of delicious food to welcome you back.

Nancy's gaze fell on the unfamiliar tools beside her plate. "How do I use these?"

The air around her suddenly grew perceptibly chillier.

"I'll show you," Raine said, smiling as she demonstrated how to crack the crab's shell.

Nancy picked it up quickly but found the process a bit bothersome. After all, at the Moore household, they never had to deal with removing the crab shell themselves.

Out of her deep care for Nancy, Freya refused to let her handle any of these things.

Regina and the others were overwhelmed by a deep sense of disappointment. They'd known Nancy came from a rural background, yet the chasm between her and Raine was far greater than they had imagined.

Should the truth of Nancy's parentage within the Lidell family come to light, they worried the family name would be irreparably tarnished.

"You should try this, Nancy," Raine urged, eagerly piling more food onto Nancy's plate.

Fergus frowned. "She has her own hands, Raine. You don't need to do that."

"It's fine, Fergie. Nancy just came back, and I want to help her settle into the family quickly," Raine responded thoughtfully.

Fergus's gaze softened immediately, sympathy shining through. She truly was considerate.

Yet, Nancy quietly pushed the food away.

Tears welled in Raine's eyes as she asked, "Do you hate me, Nancy?"

"I just had seafood. I could go into shock if I eat these," Nancy explained evenly.

Regina was somewhat startled by Nancy's reply. It was clear Nancy wasn't as clueless as they had thought.

Raine looked down, her voice tinged with apology. "I'm sorry, Nancy. I didn't mean it. I should've been more careful. I was just too happy and failed to notice. Please don't be mad at me."

Fergus snapped, "Nancy, if you can't eat it, then don't. Must you speak to Raine that way? She didn't do it on purpose!"

"Is being honest wrong?" Nancy retorted, her frustration apparent.

"What's with that attitude?" Fergus shot back, displeasure flashing in his eyes.

"Enough!" Andrew slammed his hand on the table. "Nancy just got home. Stop arguing and eat your food!"

Only then did the room finally ease into silence.

When the meal was finally over, Raine spoke gently. "Nancy, let me show you around the house."

Nancy cast a glance at Regina before nodding in agreement.

The Lidell residence sprawled before them, a collection of villas each framed by gardens in front and behind. As Raine guided the tour, pride colored her words.

At the doorstep, Raine offered a knowing smile. "Nancy, it must've taken great effort for you to find us. You've been raised among commoners for so long.

"Now that you've returned home, you should leave their bad habits behind."

With no one else nearby, she crossed her arms and scrutinized Nancy from head to toe, her eyes blazing with contempt and arrogance.

Nancy remained unruffled. Her voice was steady as she replied, "Commoners are good people. At least they aren't two-faced."

A quiet confidence shone in her gaze as she stared Raine down in return. A sudden, overwhelming pressure pressed down on Raine, her expression flickering with surprise.

How could Nancy possess such a commanding presence? And her face was so stunningly beautiful. It was nothing like what Raine had built in her mind.

"Nancy," she said, reaching out to touch Nancy's hand. "Say what you will, but don't ever think you can come home."

The moment Raine's skin met Nancy's, it was like an unseen force erupted, hurling Raine violently to the ground. She collapsed and broke into loud, uncontrolled sobs.

Chapter 4 Exposing Her Hypocrisy

Andrew, Regina, and Fergus, gathered in the living room, were drawn like moths to the sudden disturbance outside.

Fergus was the first to spring forward. When he took in the scene, rage surged through him like a tempest. Swiftly, he helped Raine to her feet and struck Nancy sharply across the face.

Nancy recoiled just in time, her eyes narrowing into a cold, unyielding glare. "What do you think you're doing?"

Raine sobbed uncontrollably. "Fergie, please don't. Nancy has every right to be angry. I'm the one who stole her place as the family's heiress. It's all my fault!"

As she spoke, she deliberately revealed the scratches on her arm.

Regina's eyes clouded with pain. "Raine, what are you saying? Nancy, how can you push her? She's lived with us all these years. To us, she's no different from family.

"Besides, you being switched with her has nothing to do with her whatsoever!"

Nancy's face remained composed, yet the air around her thickened with unspoken storms. The tension settled so densely that all four of them struggled to catch their breath.

Her voice dropped, cold as ice. "I pushed her?"

Before the moment could stretch further, Raine jumped in. "Nancy, it's all on me. Mom, Dad, Fergie, please don't blame her. From now on, I'll keep out of Nancy's way."

Her words, soaked with self-reproach and understanding, struck deep into the hearts of the trio, wrapping them in a shared grief that was impossible to shake.

Andrew's voice cut through the tension with undeniable authority. "Nancy! Apologize to Raine!"

Nancy's eyes narrowed. "And what if I refuse?"

Fergus shouted, "We, the Lidells, have no place for those who harbor wicked hearts. Refuse to apologize, and you're not welcome here!"

Nancy shut her eyes briefly. Then she pulled out her phone and played a recording.

"Nancy, it must've taken great effort for you to find us. You've been raised among commoners for so long. Now that you've returned home, you should leave their bad habits behind."

From the recording came Raine's voice, heavy with scorn.

"Commoners are good people. At least they aren't two-faced."

"Nancy, say what you will, but don't ever think you can come home."

Without warning, the recording unleashed a flood of raw sobs into the air.

Regina, Andrew, and Fergus stood frozen, eyes locked on Raine in utter disbelief.

Raine's face drained of color in an instant. She silently questioned when Nancy had started the recording.

Nancy was such a bitch. A country bumpkin like her was always brimming with cunning, deceitful schemes.

Regina's voice, laced with both shock and disappointment, broke the silence. "Raine, did you stage this? How could you deceive us like this?"

They wondered if she was the soft and thoughtful Raine they once knew. The voice on that recording was unrecognizable, steeped in cruelty and selfishness.

Raine met the heavy disappointment in her family's eyes, and tears instantly streamed down her face.

She dropped to her knees, crying out, "I'm sorry, Mom and Dad! I was wrong. I was just so afraid of losing you. Please forgive me for letting you down!"

Fergus was taken aback, then his heart softened at the sight of her anguish. Gently, he helped her to her feet and said, "Silly goose, you've always been everything to us."

He then turned to Andrew and Regina. "Mom, Dad, can't you see Raine's true nature yet? She's always been pure and innocent. She behaved that way solely out of a fear of losing both of you."

Regina's face twisted with concern as she watched Raine sob until she struggled to catch her breath. Gradually, her heart gave way.

She turned to Nancy, only to find she was already walking away. A sudden unease washed over Regina as she called out, "Nancy!"

Fergus sneered with disdain. "If she's bold enough to leave, then let her be! Her temper is unbearable, as if we're the ones begging for her return!"

Regina reproached him softly. "You're impossible. Nancy is still your sister."

"Raine is the only sister I recognize," Fergus said firmly.

At first, he had been curious about Nancy, but after today's encounter, he saw how volatile and fierce she truly was. She wasn't half as endearing as Raine.

Regina's anger simmered beneath a veil of helplessness. Finally, she turned to Andrew. "What do we do now, darling?"

Andrew paused thoughtfully before replying evenly, "To be part of a great family is never an easy path. Nancy grew up in the countryside. She's fiery-tempered and unrefined.

"It may be best for her to spend some time away and settle herself before she returns."

Regina said, "That's true. Nancy is, after all, a child raised far from these refined circles. She is unaware of the subtle complexities and silent rules that govern high society.

"When the time is right, we'll need to find someone to teach her the proper manners and etiquette."

Still, Regina felt a deep, unshakable ache. After all, Nancy was her own flesh and blood.

Noticing the change in Regina's demeanor, Raine glanced toward her and suddenly said with a smile, "Mom, Ms. Jackson is here at Riversdale. She's agreed to meet me!"

Regina's dark mood lifted instantly, giving way to heartfelt happiness as she said, "Ms. Jackson serves as a judge for the National Piano Competition.

"Having her mentorship will make winning the championship far more attainable. Let's go meet her."

…

Nancy had already reached the gates. No one moved to stop her, yet she felt no disappointment. This was precisely what she had anticipated.

Raine was, as expected, hypocritical and loathsome. The Lidells' unwavering devotion had only served to strengthen her arrogance.

Since their affection belonged solely to Raine, what reason did Nancy have to remain? Her only regret was that she hadn't taken those gifts with her.

After settling into the car, Nancy noticed her hunger was far from satisfied. Without delay, she made her way to a well-known restaurant in Riversdale.

The moment she arrived, she asked for a private room.

The waiter regretfully responded, "I'm afraid all our private rooms are taken. Would you be comfortable at a regular table instead?"

Unused to eating in public, Nancy paused uncertainly. At that moment, someone suddenly brushed past her from behind. When she glanced up, her eyes widened in shock.

Chapter 5 Running Into Gideon

Why on earth would Gideon Fuller be here?

"Nancy?"

As Gideon called her name, Nancy faltered for a moment before answering, "Mr. Fuller?"

Gideon was the Moores' fiercest adversary.

For years, their two families had been entangled in a relentless rivalry, each vying for supremacy within Boraska's exclusive elite. Yet neither side had ever secured a clear victory.

Though only 28, Gideon commanded the Fuller legacy with a ruthless, unyielding hand.

His tactics were sharp and unforgiving, so much so that Ian, usually the calm and composed one, had been driven to frustration, cursing Gideon's name loudly at home more than once.

Though Nancy and Gideon seldom saw one another, she recognized him at once.

It wasn't merely his proud, icy bearing that set him apart. It was the flawless sculpting of his face, so striking it lingered in memory.

A faint shadow passed over Gideon's face as he asked, "Do I really look that scary?"

Nancy released a small, helpless sigh. "Not really."

"What brings you to Riversdale?" he asked.

Nancy blinked in surprise. She'd always regarded Gideon as cold and distant and never imagined he would steer a conversation toward something so casual.

Flatly, she answered, "I came to find my birth parents."

It had never been a closely guarded secret that she was the Moores' adopted daughter. While not everyone knew, it wasn't exactly something hidden away either.

Suddenly, Gideon's expression became solemn. "Did Ian kick you out?"

Nancy was surprised by the sudden edge in his tone. A flicker of irritation crossed her face as she replied, "My dad wouldn't do that. I chose to come here on my own."

Gideon regarded her in thoughtful silence.

"Mr. Fuller, would you like to head to the private room?" the waiter asked.

Gideon responded with a low hum.

Nancy couldn't resist asking, "But didn't you just say there aren't any private rooms here?"

"Ma'am, this place is owned by Mr. Fuller himself. There's a private room reserved exclusively for him."

Nancy found herself momentarily speechless.

Just as she was about to leave, Gideon broke the silence. "Since you're already here, why not join me for a meal?"

She hesitated, uneasy at the thought. If Ian found out she was eating with Gideon, he might be upset.

"Are you really that controlled at home? It sounds like Ian's pretty petty," Gideon said indifferently.

"My dad's nothing like that!" Nancy shot back swiftly.

She glared at him, then paused to consider. Finally, she relented.

Business was one thing, and on a personal level, there was no need to treat Gideon as an adversary. Besides, there was no reason to refuse a free meal.

The private room was a vision of elegance, its floor-to-ceiling windows unveiling a sweeping panorama of Riversdale.

Behind an ornate screen, the soft strains of a harp wove through the air, lending the space a serene and gentle ambiance.

Yet despite the tranquility, Nancy felt a subtle tension as she sat opposite Gideon. His faint cologne drifted over to her, mingling quietly with the stillness as she took a sip of water.

When the dishes arrived, her focus shifted immediately to the meal before her.

Her eyes lit up at a single bite. "This is absolutely delicious."

Gideon's gaze lingered on her, a faint smile playing at the corners of his eyes. "If you like it, help yourself to more."

Without hesitation, Nancy lifted her fork again.

"You're different from the rest. Most socialites nibble just enough to be seen," Gideon remarked.

"I'm not a socialite. You have to eat well if you want the energy to get things done," she replied.

"That's a fair point," he said.

Their eyes met unexpectedly, and the subtle glee in Gideon's eyes sent an unexpected heat coursing through Nancy's chest. Embarrassed, she looked away, feeling the heat rise to her ears.

She wondered how Gideon could be so different from the man she had pictured. That smile was just dangerously enchanting.

While she was still eating, a message arrived. It was from Yvette Jackson.

"Nance, I heard you're in Riversdale. I'm here on a business trip too. Where are you now? Do you want to grab a meal? I booked a private room at The Golden Crescent."

The Golden Crescent was exactly where Nancy was.

She replied swiftly, "Okay, I'll come find you soon."

Once she had the room number, she said to Gideon, "I have a friend here. I'll just meet her for a bit, then I'll be back."

"Alright."

Nancy had just stepped outside and was about to find the private room when voices caught her attention nearby.

"Ms. Jackson isn't someone easily impressed. If you want to learn from her, you've got to work hard," Regina said, giving Raine's hand a gentle pat.

"Don't worry, Mom. I'll give it my all. I heard Ms. Jackson is close friends with Nanette. And Nanette's judging the National Piano Competition this year. Maybe I'll even get to meet her!"

Raine's eyes gleamed with reverence when she mentioned Nanette. To any piano student, Nanette's name was legendary.

She rarely appeared in public. Despite all efforts to learn more about her, people only ever saw the outline of her youthful figure.

Still, each video of her performance caused a stir as her talent was undeniably exceptional. Nanette's role as a judge was a surprise to Raine, making her excitement all the greater.

Smiling, Regina said, "You're so talented. I'm sure everyone's going to adore you!"

Yet no sooner had she spoken than she noticed Nancy standing nearby, and her eyes widened with surprise.

Raine, too, looked startled but quickly regained her composure. "Nancy, have you been following us?"

A sharp wave of revulsion stirred within Regina. She had expected Nancy to be proud, distant even, but she never imagined her to be so intrusive, practically stalking them.

Regina took a deep breath before saying, "Raine has important matters to attend to today, Nancy. You should wait for me by the restaurant entrance."

Nancy's brow knitted in a frown. "You guys are here looking for Yvette?"

Raine scowled. "Nancy, how can you just call Ms. Jackson by her first name? That's incredibly rude!"

Regina couldn't help but show her disdain, silently thinking that Nancy was clearly a country bumpkin with no manners at all.

Her tone sharpened with impatience. "Nancy, don't set a bad example for Raine!"

At that very moment, the door to the private room opened, and Yvette's face immediately brightened at the sight of Nancy.

But before Yvette could utter a word, Nancy cut her off. "Since you have guests, let's catch up another time."

She spun on her heels and walked off.

Disappointment settled over Yvette like a sudden shadow.

She looked toward Raine, who quickly explained, "Ms. Jackson, please forgive her. That's my sister. She knew we had plans to meet you and got a bit jealous, so she followed us here.

"She even rudely called you by your first name earlier, but my mother and I have already lectured her. Please don't take it to heart."

Yvette's expression changed to one of incredulity, as if she had heard a ridiculous joke. "Jealous? Don't you realize who she is? She's—"