chapter1167

Lucinda swept into the room in her gorgeous gown, gift in hand, a proud smile playing on her lips. Being the daughter of the city's richest man really did open doors. That's exactly why she kept her real background a secret. If everyone knew she was just the Norwood family's stand-in heiress, would they still treat her like royalty? The answer was pretty obvious. Not a chance.

She had barely stepped inside when someone called her name from behind.

"Lucinda?"

She turned, a bit puzzled, and saw two girls about her age walking in together. One of them looked familiar, but Lucinda couldn't quite remember where she'd seen her before.

"You are...?"

The girl beamed. "Hi, I'm Yara. Lucinda, I can't believe I'm running into you here. What are the odds?"

Yara had come at Marilyn's invitation and dragged her best friend, Tina, along for the occasion. She definitely hadn't expected to run into Lucinda right at the door. And Lucinda wasn't just anyone. She was Garrett Norwood's own sister. Yara had wanted to meet Lucinda for ages, but there was never an opportunity. If she could get close to Lucinda, then getting to know Garrett would be a breeze.

Lucinda finally remembered. Wasn't Yara the one from the Capital Med School forum? The one who was always competing with Lydia and stirring up drama? That made her... an ally. Instantly, Lucinda felt a lot warmer toward Yara.

"Nice to meet you," Lucinda said, and she meant it. There was nothing better than meeting your enemy's enemy.

Tina, standing beside Yara, looked at Lucinda with wide, admiring eyes. "Hi, Miss Norwood. I'm Tina, Yara's friend."

So this was the daughter of the richest man in town. Rumor had it her whole family spoiled her rotten. Plus, she had a fianc with a crazy impressive background. Some people really had all the luck.

Lucinda smiled and greeted her. "Hi."

Just like that, the three of them fell into easy conversation, laughing together as they made their way toward the banquet hall.

Meanwhile, Lydia and Juna entered

the hall with Lincoln and immediately spotted Marilyn. She was standing with her father, Erik to Marilyn was lady dressed in something

greeting the guests. Neet

eye-catching-probably Marilyn's mom.

Before they got any closer, Juna leaned in and whispered, "See that woman? That's Erik's mistress. And next to her, that's their daughter. I think her name's Marilyn. She goes to your school."

Juna had no idea why Lydia

suddenly wanted to come to the

Bland family's birthday banquet, but she was happy to tag along. The Bland family really was something else. The old lady was celebrating her birthday, and her son was out here welcoming guests with his mistress and their daughter, not his actual wife. Honestly, it was kind of scandalous.

Lydia had done her homework before coming. That's when she found out Marilyn was actually the illegitimate daughter. These days, though illegitimate kids had legal rights, and this year, Marilyn and her moved right inte

man Gianna.

the Bland family's main house. Meanwhile, the real Mrs. Bland, Krista, was sick and stayed at the old family home, keeping to herself.

Juna kept whispering, I heard Mrs. Victoria Bland used to be strict with her daughter-in-law. But ever since the mistress moved in, she's been keeping quiet. It just doesn't seem right..."