Chapter 5

Audrey was torn. On one hand, there was Ada’s hopeful gaze. On the other, there was her adoptive parents’ usual coldness. But seeing Ada’s bright eyes, she couldn’t bring herself to refuse. She said softly, “Alright, but I need to tell my family first. Otherwise, they’ll worry.”

Ida’s eyes lit up, and she smirked mischievously. She leaned closer to Audrey, urging her, “Why don’t you stay at my place these days? After all, we’ll be going to the same school from now on. It would be so convenient to go to school together every day. We can also chat and talk with each other.”

Audrey quickly waved her hand, her face showing obvious reluctance. “That wouldn’t be right, would it? I’ve already disturbed you all night. How can I ask you to bother yourself any longer? I’m truly sorry.”

Since childhood, she’s been accustomed to putting others first. Even though she longs for a place where she can relax and be at ease, she doesn’t want to cause any trouble for others.

“It’s nothing, really,” said Ada, waving her hand nonchalantly with confidence. “My parents are wonderful people, very hospitable. They’ll definitely welcome you warmly. Even if you weren’t my friend, and even if we didn’t know each other, they’d still treat you kindly.”

That’s certainly true. William Russell and Bella Fisher are gentle-natured people who’re always kind-hearted and sincere in their dealings with others. They never act in a way that would be befitting someone from a wealthy family.

The car came to a steady stop in front of Audrey’s house. It was a plain residential building, which seemed rather simple compared to Russell’s villa. Ada said, “Wait for me downstairs for a moment. I’ll park the car and then come up with you right away.”

Audrey nodded eagerly, her eyes filled with concern. “Yes, take your time and be careful.”

Aida turned around and smiled at her, her tone slightly arrogant: “Don’t worry, no one in this area can touch me.”

Sure enough, in less than a minute, Ada parked the car on a vacant spot not far away. She quickly walked back, took Audrey’s hand, and led her upstairs.

As soon as they entered, Mrs. Cheng came forward to greet them. Her gaze first fell on Audrey, then swept over Ada’s expensive clothes and the Porsche parked outside. A barely noticeable glint of greed passed in her eyes. Her attitude immediately became polite and enthusiastic. “Oh, Audrey’s back! Why didn’t you call in advance? I could have had Daisy go pick you up. Come on, please have a seat. This must be your classmate, right? Heh, she certainly has great charm and is very beautiful.”

With a formulaic smile on her face, Ada spoke in a calm tone, “Hello, auntie. My name is Ada Russell. I’m Audrey’s friend. You can just call me Ada.”

She despised Cheng’s mother’s fawning behavior deeply, but out of consideration for Audrey, she managed to put up with it.

Mrs. Cheng’s eyes narrowed into slits from smiling. She quickly said, “Audrey, please bring your classmates to our house more often. Ada, you should also visit Auntie’s place frequently. Don’t be shy—just treat this place as your own home.”

Aida twitched the corners of her mouth and forced out a reply, “Hehe, don’t worry, Auntie. I’ll do it.”

At that moment, Audrey’s voice rang out timidly, her tone gentle as if she were admitting a mistake: “Uh… Auntie, I’ve come back because there’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

She kept her head lowered, her fingers tightly gripping the hem of her dress. Her cautious demeanor was completely different from how she had joked with Ada in the car earlier. Ada stood by, silently observing Mrs. Cheng. She said nothing, but a coldness appeared in her eyes—with her around, Audrey wouldn’t suffer the slightest injustice.

Mrs. Cheng’s smile faded slightly, and her tone became indifferent. There was no longer any enthusiasm she had shown for Ada earlier. Not even a trace of a mother’s affection for her daughter remained: “Hmm, if you have something to say, just say it. Don’t dawdle.”

Ida felt a tightness in her heart and couldn’t help but wonder: What kind of life does Audrey lead in this household? Even a well-behaved child wouldn’t fear their own mother to this extent. This submission wasn’t the result of proper upbringing—it was fear, born from years of oppression. Which parent would willingly let their child live like this? At these thoughts, Ida’s heart ached as if pierced by needles. Her pain went far beyond what one would feel for a mere friend.

Audrey took a deep breath and mustered her courage to say, “I… I’d like to stay at a friend’s place for a few days. Do you think that’s okay?”

Her voice was as soft as a mosquito’s, and her eyes were filled with pleading. It was as though she was begging Mrs. Cheng for mercy. In this world, it seemed like children were trying to please their parents—a absurd and heart-wrenching situation.

Mrs. Cheng waved her hand, a hypocritical smile appearing on her face again. “It’s just staying at a friend’s house for a few days. What’s wrong with that? You’re all friends after all. It’s normal to spend time together. Go ahead.”

From beginning to end, she never asked where Audrey was going to visit a friend, nor did she remind her to be careful. All she cared about was pleasing Ada. That hypocrisy made Ada feel disgusted.

Ida took the initiative, wearing a cute smile on her face. “Thank you, Auntie! I knew you’d be wonderful and agree to this. Audrey insisted on coming to tell you in person, afraid of upsetting you.”

These words hit Cheng’s mother right in the heart. Her vanity was instantly satisfied, and she smiled even brighter: “You really know how to talk, don’t you, haha.”

“Then we’ll be going now. Goodbye, auntie.” Aida helped Audrey up. Without waiting for Mrs. Cheng to say anything else, they hurried out, afraid that staying another second might make them unable to resist tearing off her fake mask.

Mrs. Cheng was still hypocritically shouting from behind, “Take your time, and be careful on the road!”

As soon as she got into the car, Ada let out a long sigh. The smile on her face disappeared instantly, and her tone was full of irritation. “I can’t stand it anymore. It’s always others who judge me by my expression. When have I ever suffered like this before? Just look at that hypocritical face of hers—it makes me sick.”

She turned to look at Audrey, her voice filled with concern. “Audrey, is this how you live at home every day? Trying so hard to please them, acting according to their moods?”

Audrey lowered her head, a helpless wry smile playing on her lips. “Heh, yes. I’ve gotten used to it. It’s always been like this over the years.”

“Oh my God, that’s too much to bear.” Ada frowned, her anger flaring up again. “I really wanted to rush over, tear off her fake mask, and see just how hypocritical she really is.”

“It’s okay,” Audrey gently patted Ada’s hand, her voice soft. “It’s all in the past now. I’ve gotten used to it. I don’t find it difficult anymore.”

Ida stared straight ahead, saying nothing. But in her heart, she was filled with curiosity about Audrey. She wanted to know exactly how much suffering this seemingly fragile girl had endured to become so cautious and careful in her behavior. She wished she could understand Audrey completely in just one moment, and bring her out of that suffocating home right away.

The car sped along, and soon they arrived at Russell’s villa. At 7:40 p.m., Ada and Audrey stood at the villa’s entrance. The heavy doors slowly swung open. Maidens on both sides bowed neatly and said in unison, “Good evening, miss.”

Audrey had never seen anything like this before. She was so scared that she stepped back slightly. She gripped Ada’s hand tighter and whispered, “Ada, I’m so nervous. What should I do? I’ve never been to a place as luxurious as this before.”

Aida patted her hand and comforted her gently, “Don’t be nervous. It’s not like we’re entering a dangerous place. It’s just my home. Once you come here more often, you won’t feel nervous anymore.”

Audrey nodded gently, inwardly marveling at the extravagance of the wealthy. But more than that, she felt an unprecedented sense of relief. Here, she didn’t have to be cautious or consider others’ reactions. The oppressive feeling in her heart vanished instantly. It wasn’t greed for wealth, but rather a genuine sense of liberation.

Aida led Audrey into the living room, asking along the way, “Sister Li, where are my parents?”

Maidservant Sister Li wore a gentle smile as she replied respectfully, “Madam, Master and Madam are in the living room, chatting with Young Master Finn Townsend.”

“Brother? What’s he doing here?” Ada frowned and muttered, her tone showing reluctance.

“Young Master Finn Townsend said he’s here to see you, miss,” replied Auntie Li truthfully.

“Looking for me? Why didn’t he call instead?” Ada took out her phone in confusion. When she saw the screen, she was stunned—over thirty missed calls, all from Finn Townsend. She stuck out her tongue and muttered to herself, “So he really was looking for me after all. Oh no, I’m definitely going to get scolded now.”

She took a deep breath, pushed open the door to the living room, and wore a flattering smile on her face. “Dad, Mom, Brother, I’m back.”

Wei Fenn Townsend sat on the sofa, his face so dark it seemed like water could drip from it. When he saw Ada, he immediately started scolding her: “You brat, you actually came back? You ignored all my calls. Are you becoming more and more unruly by the day?”

Ida immediately put on a pitiful expression, grabbing Weifen Townsend’s arm and whispering, “I didn’t mean to ignore the call. I had something to do. It’s that damn phone that didn’t alert me to the call.”

William Russell put down the newspaper in his hands and looked at Ada with a concerned tone. “A phone call? What kind of phone call? What’s happened?”

Aida stopped acting coy and recounted in detail the events of the afternoon: the kidnapping call, the mistake of kidnapping Audrey instead, and how she went to rescue her. Upon hearing this, William Russell’s expression turned sad. After remaining silent for a moment, he stood up and went upstairs silently. Bella Fisher glanced at him worriedly and quickly followed him.

Only three people remained in the living room. Weifen Townsend glanced at Audrey, his tone tinged with confusion. “Who is this girl?”

Ida pulled Audrey closer to her, her tone cautious. “Leave this alone. First, tell me why you came looking for me. I have no time for idle chatter.”

She’s always been like this: she speaks directly and doesn’t like to beat around the bush.

Wei Fenn Townsend shook his head helplessly, his tone becoming a little more gentle. “Alright, I’m not arguing with you anymore. Here’s the thing: My friend Xu Zijun’s birthday is coming up soon. He wants to invite you to his birthday party.”

Aida frowned, her tone dismissive. “Invite me? Just because he says to go, I’m supposed to go? He really thinks he’s so important. I’m not going.”

“Stop making a fuss,” Wei Fenn Townsend said patiently. “Do me a favor and go. Zijun has good intentions. Besides, we’re all friends. It wouldn’t be right not to go.”

After much hesitation, Eida looked at Weifen Tonsend’s pleading eyes and finally nodded. “Alright, for your sake, I’ll go once.”

Weifen Townsend immediately broke into a smile. He rubbed Ada’s hair gently. “That’s much better. Why didn’t you do this earlier? I’ll be leaving now. I’ll come pick you up tomorrow.”

“I know, go now.” Ada waved her hand impatiently. She watched as Weifen Townsend left before finally sighing in relief. Turning to Audrey, she smiled gently. “Audrey, let me take you to your room to rest. Tomorrow, we’ll have a great time together.”