As I let Katnis drape a string of pearls around my bare neck, I felt nothing but irony.
After all, I was their biological daughter, yet I did not even have a single piece of jewelry worth showing off.
Even this necklace was left over from last year, picked out by Kendall and left to gather dust in the closet.
Had it not been for today's special occasion, it likely would never have ended up in my hands.
My mother reluctantly took my arm and led me to the table, while Kendall sat on the other side.
Below the stage were the invited media reporters and the prominent young ladies from the influential families of Rosette.
"Thank you all for coming. Today, I have some joyful news to share with everyone…"
"Thanks to the kindness of the Halton Family of Harlette for choosing my daughter to marry into their family. I’ve never had the chance to introduce her to you all.”
“This is Lilian Princeton, my biological daughter. Technically speaking, she is the second young miss of the Princeton Family. In a few days, she will be marrying into the Halton family of Harlette…"
Second daughter?
After my initial shock, I mockingly glanced at my mother beside me. She was so heartbroken over Kendall that she couldn't bear to let her suffer even the slightest injustice.
Even if I were to sacrifice my own happiness, I could never regain the identity that rightfully belongs to me.
As soon as she finished speaking, the crowd began to whisper and gossip.
"The Princeton Family has another daughter? I've never heard of her before.”
“Yes. Didn't the Princeton Family always claim that Lilian was an adopted daughter? She wasn't even included in the family tree..."
"You can’t see through this? It’s obvious the Princeton Family couldn’t bear to marry their precious daughter to that foolish Princeton, so they brought in an adopted daughter as a substitute.”
“Wow! Mrs. Princeton is really clever. After all, Mrs. Halton only mentioned the Princeton Family’s daughter, not naming anyone specifically. This way, it doesn’t count as deception."
"However, I heard that Lilian was born to a nanny. Mrs. Princeton felt indebted to the nanny for saving her life, so she raised Lilian. Marrying such a woman into the Halton Family of Harlette is truly a bargain for her!"
I glared at the crowd pointing and whispering about me, while Kendall gave me a defiant glance from afar.
I returned her glance with a contemptuous smile, slowly withdrew my hand and spoke in a low, firm voice, "You all are unaware..."
"In truth, the Princeton Family has always had only one daughter. Kendall is the one you all claim was born to a maid!"
My mother never expected me to expose her lie on the spot. She frantically reached out to cover my mouth.
"Shut up! Don't dare to speak such nonsense!"
However, everyone present was seasoned and had already formed their own opinions. They exchanged glances between me and Kendall.
"Blood ties are no trivial matter. Without concrete evidence, one would never dare to make such claims in public. Judging by Mrs. Princeton’s nervous demeanor, what Lilian said is likely true…"
"I also notice that Lilian has the demeanor of a true heiress. No wonder I always felt that Kendall had a certain air of petty-mindedness."
"But how could someone abandon their own daughter and instead spoil a maid’s child like a precious treasure?"
Kendall, feeling scrutinized, blushed fiercely and shook her hands in shame. "No, you all got misunderstanding! Lilian, why are you saying such things?"
I snorted coldly, "What? After all these years of using my family’s identity, have you really forgotten your own name, Elena Baker?"
"What?! So, her real name is Elena Baker? She reeks of poverty—she must definitely be the nanny’s child!"
Several young ladies laughed out loud and Kendall's face turned red in embarrassment.
"Enough! Don't you dare speak to Kendall like that!"
My mother immediately stepped forward and embraced Kendall.
"Lilian! You’re both daughters of the Princeton Family. Why must you pick on Kendall and embarrass her in public?"
