The Morgan family stood at the pinnacle of prestige in Flanmery, and their villa was considered among the city's most opulent homes.
Only the Evans family's Mist Estate could compare, as it belonged to Flanmery's most powerful lineage.
Inside the Morgan villa, Emmalyn wore a flowing white dress. Her hair had been elegantly styled, and she radiated all the poise expected of a young woman making her social debut.
Harold Morgan and Carole Morgan, parents to Hayley, fussed over their adopted daughter's appearance, each touch and adjustment revealing just how proud they were of her.
"Emmalyn, Mr. Evans will be arriving soon to propose. You must look your best. If the Morgan family form an alliance with the Evans family, we'll secure our place among Flanmery's true elite," Harold reminded her with a pleased smile.
Today's turn of events had been a pleasant surprise. Kaden, who had previously rejected any talk of engagement, suddenly called to announce his intention to propose. Harold could hardly believe their luck.
"Don't worry about a thing, dear. You're exceptional, both beautiful and intelligent. I'm sure Kaden will be taken with you." Carole's confidence was unwavering.
"I'll do my very best," Emmalyn promised, her smile bright and her eyes filled with hope.
An engagement between the Morgan family and the Evans family had been on the table for years, but Kaden's reluctance had kept everything in limbo.
Now that Kaden suddenly wanted to propose, was it possible he had fallen for her looks and finally chose to act on it?
Surely, that was the reason.
She felt certain she was one of a kind.
"Mr. Morgan!" a servant suddenly called out as he hurried over.
Harold's excitement was immediate. "Is someone here from the Evans family?"
The servant shook his head, looking anxious. "No, sir. It's..."
"Out with it," Harold pressed, impatience creeping into his tone.
"It's Miss Morgan. She's returned."
"Miss Morgan?" Harold echoed, then gave a dismissive snort. "That's ridiculous. Emmalyn is standing right here."
"No, sir... I mean Hayley..."
Hearing that name left Harold, Carole, and Emmalyn momentarily stunned.
"Hayley?" Harold's brow knitted as a memory surfaced. His expression soured. "That's right. She was supposed to get out of prison today."
"Honestly, why couldn't she have stayed locked up forever?" Carole's irritation flared. "Of all days to show up, she picks this one. Is she trying to ruin Emmalyn's engagement?"
Harold felt the same unease and quickly took out a wad of cash. "Give her ten thousand dollars and tell her to stay somewhere else tonight. I don't want her setting foot in this house today."
The servant's discomfort only grew. "We tried, sir... But she won't be stopped."
"How can you let her walk right in? She's always been so weak..."
Before Harold could finish, a sharp, icy voice cut through the room.
"Dad, Mom, you don't sound very happy to see me."
Harold looked over and noticed the slim figure nearby.
It had been four years, and while Hayley appeared much the same, subtle changes were clearly there.
Emmalyn's eyes narrowed, resentment burning behind her gaze.
How had Hayley managed to get inside? If the Evans family ever learned she had a sister who'd been to prison, the engagement could fall apart.
"Hayley..." Trying to salvage the situation, Emmalyn forced a strained smile and reached for Hayley's hand.
Hayley only gave a mocking grin, then swung her hand and struck Emmalyn hard across the face.
A hush fell over the room as everyone stared in disbelief.
No one had expected such boldness from Hayley.
She had always been the quiet one, never raising her voice. Yet now, she struck Emmalyn without a second thought.
"This is what you owed me four years ago," Hayley announced, her voice clear and unshaken.
Back then, she had pleaded with Emmalyn to tell the truth, but instead, Emmalyn had slapped her, put on an act and claimed she was just scared.
To make matters worse, Harold and Carole had sided with Emmalyn without question.
Carole's anger exploded as she lunged at Hayley, ready to retaliate.
With a single motion, Hayley caught her mother's wrist and fixed her with a steady gaze. "You haven't changed at all, Mom. Four years have passed, but you still defend her blindly."
"Emmalyn has thought about you every day since you left. She only wanted to welcome you home. How could you strike her like that?" Carole snapped back.
"How could I not?" A cold smile crossed Hayley's lips. "I have every right. I'm a real Morgan. As for her..."
Her eyes locked on Emmalyn. "She is just an adopted daughter. She doesn't even share the Morgan blood."
"Since you know you're part of this family, you should also respect who holds the authority." Harold's tone grew harsh. "Let your mother go, now."
"Dad, no one doubts your authority as head of this family." Hayley remained calm. "But are you really willing to scold me for Emmalyn's sake? Or should I speak with Grandpa about how you sent your own daughter to prison when she was the one who committed the crime?"
