Chapter 3
“Trying my best, trying my best. You know I’m used to life abroad–staying here for long is a bit much for me…”
As I exchanged affectionate pleasantries with my mother–in–law, Rossa, standing to the side without a title or status, was so envious that her mouth twisted in
frustration.
After all, I still held the title of the Walter Family’s eldest daughter–in–law, while she remained nameless and unacknowledged.
A year ago, I divorced William–or so we claimed. In reality, we were merely separated; the paperwork was never finalized.
Though Rossa had moved into William’s villa and posed as the new young madam. of the Walter Family, the truth was that they hadn’t registered their marriage. Legally, they had no ties.
-50% 12:4
1/6
Chapter 3
This was one of William‘ s struggles. Any official change in marital status would immediately expose him to his mother.
And if his mother found out he had kicked me out to bring in a mistress, she would break his legs.
So, although everyone in the room knew the tangled relationships among me, Rossa and William, not a single person dared to bring it up.
As I chatted with my mother–in–law, our conversation grew lively. At one point, she reached into her bag and pulled out an enormous emerald pendant, pressing it into my hand.
“Dana, I got this at the royal auction in France–a flawless emerald once part of their royal collection. Not too expensive, just a little over a hundred million Dollar. Consider it a homecoming gift from me to
you.
Her birthday banquet hadn’t even started
CSING 12:48
2/6
12:48
Chapter 3
52
+9
and she was already giving me a gift. clear how much she valued and liked me.
That gesture alone was enough to make everyone else burn with jealousy.
I accepted the pendant happily.
“Thank you, Mom. I’ve prepared a gift for you too–I promise it’s something you don‘ t already have!”
Out of the corner of my eye, I glanced at Rossa. Her face was already contorted with jealousy and she was biting her lip so hard it was about to bleed.
I couldn’t help but feel a surge of smug satisfaction.
Before I could present my gift, Rossa couldn’t hold back any longer. She stepped forward eagerly, addressing my mother–in–law.
“Madam–oh, I mean, Mother Walter! I wish you boundless happiness and longevity. I’ve also prepared a gift for you
50% 12 48
3/6
12:48
52
Chapter 3
and I’m sure you’ll love it.”
With that, she turned and brought out a painting, unfurling it with a flourish before my mother–in–law.
“Madam, look! This is Tranquility of Bamboo and Feathered Pair, a rare
masterpiece I acquired at great cost from a private collector!”
It seemed Rossa had done her homework, knowing my mother–in–law loved antiques and traditional art.
As expected, my mother–in–law’s face lit up with delight. She reached out to touch the painting, her expression one of pure joy.
“This painting is a priceless treasure. How much did you pay for it?”
“One hundred million.”
As she said this, Rossa glanced smugly around the room, as if challenging everyone: Who here can give a gift more
65 12 48
4/6
Chapter 3
precious or thoughtful than mine?
She had a point. From what I could see, the pile of birthday gifts by my mother–in- law‘ s side had already grown into a small mountain, undoubtedly from other family members who had arrived before me.
So far, it seemed none of those gifts could surpass Rossa‘ s in value or appeal. It was unlikely anyone would outdo her today.
Her intentions were clear.
First, she wanted to curry favor with my mother–in–law, laying the groundwork for the day she revealed her relationship with William.
Second, she wanted to impress the Walter Family, proving she had the qualifications. and ability to replace me as the young madam.
But here’s the thing: my family had been dealing in antiques and art for generations. The moment I saw the painting, I could tell it was a fake.
50% 12:48
5/6
Chapter 3
Though it was a decent imitation, it completely lacked the texture and spirit of the original. At best, it was the work of a third–rate artist and worth no more than a few thousand dollar.
I knew this because I had been present at the auction where the original painting was sold. I even knew which collector currently owned it.
