Chapter <b>351 </b>


    Born into an ordinary family, Lily was never a match for the prestigious Prescott family.


    Terrell, her husband, never amounted to much either. They had been living off the family trust for years.


    With her own family in decline and her husbandcking ambition, Lily not only failed to win her mother inw’s favor but was sloo constantly looked down on by Maggie, who was wealthy and powerful.


    Now that Henry had finally got a daughter–inw whom the family didn’t approve of, Lily hade today to watch the drama. She didn’t expect Ka to show up and ruin her fun.


    Lily took a couple of deep breaths, forcing a smile. “I heard the Kingsley family is loaded, and they gave you pretty generous wedding gifts. Good thing you’ve got money. Otherwise, in the Prescott family…”


    Lily stopped herself just in time, letting the suspense hang in the air.


    Ka finally realized what Lily was up to. She was trying to stir the pot and cause drama.


    Ka thought, ‘Ridiculous!


    “I’ve put up with enough nonsense from Maggie. I’m not about to let Lily pull the same tricks.


    “And now Lily thinks she can try her tricks on me? Not a chance!‘


    “The Kyle family also gave me the wedding gifts,” Ka said, ncing up from her game with a confident smile. “Both my brother are doing pretty well at making money.”


    Lily felt another blow.


    “I envy you,” Lily said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “You’ve got the guts to go toe–to–toe with your inws. I could never do that. My family’s way too broke.”


    “Don’t be so modest, Lily,” Ka replied, her tone light but firm. “The Prescott family is distinguished. How poor could you be?”


    “You’ve always had money growing up,” Lily shot back, bitterness in her voice. “You have no idea what it’s like for people who have to scrape by.”


    “If your family ever needs a little extra, I can spot you,” Ka offered sincerely.


    Lily looked touched. “Ka, you’re so thoughtful! But we’re good for now. I’ll let you know if I ever need help.”


    “Alright,” Ka said, keeping her eyes on her game.


    Lily kept peeling her mango, letting out a casual sigh. “You’re so understanding and kind, I don’t see what Maggie has toin


    about.”


    Ka raised an eyebrow.


    ‘Wow, she’s <i>not </i>even trying to hide it,‘ Ka thought. ‘Does Lily think I’m clueless?‘


    People kepting and going into the kitchen. After giving it a few minutes, Maggie would hear all about Ka’s attitude.


    “Lily, are you here just to stir the pot today?” Ka called out, making sure everyone could hear.


    Lily blinked in surprise, feigning innocence. “Ka, what are you talking about?”


    “My mother inw might be strict,” Ka replied, her tone steady, “but she’s only looking out for me toff’s her only son, and bra day I’ll be running the household. I need to learn the ropes.”


    Ka’s response left no room for argument.


    Lily’s face turned red with frustration. “I’m just trying to help you! Why are you calling me out like this?”


    “Lily, if you want what’s best for me,” Ka said, her voice steady, “please don’t talk about my mother–inw in front of me.”


    “You!” Lily snapped, her face flushed with anger as she got up from her seat.


    Lily left the kitchen, still fuming.


    Ka just kept ying her game.


    Sure enough, it didn’t take long for word of the incident to spread.


    Maggie was surprised at first when she heard about it. Then, a satisfied smile crept onto her face. “She’s quick on her feet,” thought Maggie.


    “Oh, you,” Betty said, her tone full of meaning, “don’t be so picky. That girl’s a good one. She had a tough life, and none of that was her fault.”


    Maggie, still riding high from Ka’s defense, replied, “I’m just putting her to the test.”


    “You talk tough, but you’re soft inside,” Betty said, shaking her head. “Your sharp tongue always gets you in trouble.”


    When ites to mothers- and daughters–inw, if both sides are always trying to get the upper hand, it’s only a matter of tir before things blow up.


    “Betty!” Joyce called out as she walked in, carrying a gift.


    She was dressed in an elegant chiffon suit that made her look sharp and professional, her long, wavy hair adding a touch of


    femininity.


    “Joyce, you’re here,” said Betty, smiling warmly at Maggie.


    Maggie shifted ufortably, a hint of guilt in her voice. “I… didn’t invite her…”


    But so what? A guest was a guest.


    No one wanted even the slightest bit of unpleasantness to ruin such a joyful day for Betty.


    “Betty, wishing <i>you </i>health and happiness for many years toe!” Joyce said with a warm, elegant smile.


    “Wonderful. Come on, have a seat!” Betty replied, beaming.


    “Betty, I hope you <i>don’t </i>mind me dropping by without an invitation,” Joyce said with a gentle smile.


    Betty smiled and said, “Not at all!”


    “I just got back from a business trip to Norava,” Joyce said warmly. “I hurried over as soon as I heard it was <b>your </b>birthday. It’s <b>been </b>


    -715


    08:00 Men A


    Chaser #61


    betty has moved you a tea


    “That’s so thoughtful of your Maggie replied with a enda. “We are gens note the cambert Emily is the party, Sar your parents are off enjoying themselves abroad, so we


    Joyceughed. “My parents love having fun these days.”


    “Let them go and enjoy themselves, Betty said. “They should have fun wefits they’re stiff up for it


    “You’re right, Betty,” Joyce agreed.


    While the women were gossiping, the men were busy ying cards and talking business.


    Tuff hadn’t been home in ages. He was making the rounds with Landen, introducing him to everyone.


    “My son!” He introduced Landen to everyone with a single sentence.


    His smugness was honestly off the charts.


    Raymond wasn’t a fan of Landen. Word was that the Kyle family had a few crazies in their bloodline Who knew of Landen would turn out the same when he grew up?


    However, Raymond was a master at keeping his emotions in check as the head of the Prescott family. He didn’t let any of that show. He just nodded and said, “I’m counting on everyone here to keep an eye on my grandson from now on


    Then nobody dared look down on Landen again.


    Tuff grinned and said, “Thanks, Dad!”


    “Don’t thank me just yet,” Raymond said with a smirk. “I’m still holding out for a grandson of my own, you know.” “Got it!” Tuff said, nodding eagerly and ying the smooth talker as always. “Once I’ve had fun, I’ll get right at it!”


    As for when he’d be done having fun? That all depended on when Ka finally got her health back.


    And if Ka never recovered, well, he could just keep dragging it out forever.


    Ka was busy today, shuttling between the kitchen and the party hall. No matter where she was, she always found time to sneak in a few rounds on her phone.


    Maggie knew Ka wasn’t helping out, but as long as Ka wasn’t causing trouble, that was good enough for her. Maggie just turned a blind eye.


    As the party began, the three Prescott brothers were the first to toast Betty, followed by their wives and then the grandchildren, When it was Ka’s turn, all eyes immediately turned to her<i>. </i>


    Everyone sized up Ka, the Prescott family’s new granddaughter–inw, with curiosity. Then their gaze shifted to Joyce.


    Everyone knew Tuff owed the Lambert family a huge favor. The whole n had expected him to marry Joyce. But in the end, he turned around and married someone else.


    <b>08:00 </b><b>Mon</b><b>, </b><b>25 </b>Aug


    <b>“</b>Ka,” Joyce greeted softly.


    Joyce slid into the seat right next to Ka after they sat down.


    Ka was a bit surprised but nodded. “d you could make it.”


    “Yeah,” Joyce replied with a smile.


    This table was meant for the Prescott family’s grandkids, and Joyce shouldn’t have been there by the seating arrangement. But with everyone watching, Ka just let it go.


    “Eating.” Tuff shot Joyce a silently sharp look, warning her not to stir


    up


    trouble.


    Joyce cut straight to the chase. “Tuff, you don’t think I’m still hung up on <i>you</i>, right? You’re not worried I came here to throw down with Ka, are you?”


    Awkward silence fell over the whole table.


    The girls all exchanged anxious nces, feeling secondhand embarrassment <i>for </i>Tuff.


    “Of course… not,” Tuff said, watching Ka’s reaction out of the corner of his eye.


    Ka stayed perfectlyposed. “An adopted sister is still a sister. There’s no way you’d ever cross that line. Let outsiders gossip all they want, but we’re not about to turn on each other over some stupid rumors.”


    Zara gave Ka a big thumbs–up. “You said it, Ka!”


    Zara was the youngest at the table, and her admiration for Ka was written all over her face.


    Joyce, realizing her opening move had backfired, could only smile. “Ka, you know how <i>to </i>handle things. Tuff is lucky to have you.”


    “Of course,” Tuff said proudly. “Marrying Ka is the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”


    Maggie, seated at the main table, kept ncing over at Ka, quietly observing her.


    Ka was gracious andposed, always knowing when to advance or retreat. She had the poise of someone raised in privilege.


    She would have been a true socialite if she hadn’t been kidnapped as a child. She was perfectly matched with the Prescott family. What a pity…


    Maggie felt a pang of regret, and even the wine tasted dull in her mouth.


    Suddenly, <i>someone </i>screamed<i>, </i>“Blood!”


    Everyone turned to see Ka standing in the aisle, her face as white as a sheet. Bright red blood was pooling at her feet, and it <i>kept </i>streaming down her legs.


    ‘Is she… having a miscarriage?‘ The thought shed through everyone’s mind, sending a chill through the room.