Chapter 3 You expect me to kneel to your adopted sister?

When asked about it, Liam Walker instantly brightened and winked at Nathaniel. “You might not have heard, being abroad and all, but it has been juicy gossip here in Lunvaria! Victor has an adopted sister whom he dotes on like a rare gem. But Emily? She’s optimistic enough to bring investments into the marriage, saving the Callum family from bankruptcy.”

He paused and took a deep breath, feeling sorry for Emily. He continued when the man sitting across from him remained silent and quietly sipped his wine.

"And what's the payback? A year later, and it is still Victor's sister by his side at every social event. The entire Callum family adores her, while Emily, who bore a Charles, is treated like she is merely there to serve, without any respect!" Liam clicked his tongue. “Victor is really something. Regarding looks and personality, Emily, the former top wealthy lady, is much better. How can he overlook such a beauty at home and instead fawn over that adopted sister with an unknown background?”

After a brief pause and no reply, Liam turned around to find that the man who had been sitting on the sofa opposite him had disappeared, walking away toward the door.

Immediately, he stood up. “Hey, wait up!”

Emily had just finished signing her name and was looking for a spot to grab some refreshments when a loud, angry voice caught her attention.

“Emily, who allowed you to come to this event without my permission?”

She turned to see Susan, dressed in a glamorous gown, clinging to Victor's arm as they approached her. Susan's face was a picture of pure innocence, but her eyes gleamed with arrogant satisfaction.

“Victor, don’t be angry at Emily. Maybe she is upset that I am your date and came here early to stir up trouble. Perhaps I should leave,” Susan said innocently, looking up at Victor with a false sense of hurt, her eyes already getting misty. “I don’t want to upset Emily,” she added with a sniff.

Victor looked at Emily with a cold expression. She had changed out of an unsuitable outfit into a dress that flawlessly showcased her poise and elegance. Her graceful figure and confident demeanor seemed to bring back memories of when she was the top wealthy lady in Lunvaria—aloof and confidently pretentious.

Victor sneered. “Having a spoiled, arrogant woman at my side would ruin the Callum family's reputation at this event.”

He affectionately patted Susan’s hand, and his tone softened. “You have been by my side at every event since we were kids; you will always be the one.”

Their synchronized performance as always made Emily appear small in front of everyone.

“Why does Mrs. Callum even bother coming?” whispered the onlookers. “She knows her husband prefers his adopted sister, yet she keeps trying to compete only to embarrass herself.”

However, Emily responded with a poised smile. “Yes, with Susan as your date, I’m much more relaxed.”

Nobody anticipated Emily’s change from her typical emotional self to a portrayal of a virtuous and considerate wife.

Susan was momentarily taken aback, thinking Emily had become docile after Victor's reprimand. She felt pleased until Emily finished her sentence: “At least she is more decent than a prostitute.”

A flash of anger crossed Susan’s eyes, and tears welled up as she faced Emily.

“Emily, I know you are targeting me because Victor shows me more attention. I don’t mind. Coming from a wealthy family, you might feel entitled to look down on us. But remember this, the Callum family isn't some ordinary family you can insult freely. If you have issues with me, direct them at me, not at others.”

Emily could barely hide her scoff. When she married Victor, the Callum family was in decline, and the media portrayed it as Victor marrying a rich wife, which always bugged him. Any mention of family background would quickly set off his sensitivity, making him believe Emily was looking down on him when, in truth, it was his own insecurity.

Susan had perfected this tactic, always escalating their arguments to make it seem like Emily was showing off her family background, which would inevitably trigger Victor's intense anger toward her. As expected, Victor turned to Emily sharply. “You owe her an apology! I used to think you were just a spoiled woman acting high and mighty. But now you've turned wild and rude. Is this how the Charles family raises their daughter? What's so special about your family?”

He glared at Emily, a warning spark in his eyes. “Apologize to Susan now and hand over the necklace you’re wearing! Be genuine, and maybe I might forgive you!” His expression was severe, and his tone was authoritative. In the past, Emily would have been scared of this attitude and agreed to any unreasonable demands just to avoid his cold shoulder for a month.

But now, faced with his harsh words, Emily had to decide how to respond. “What? You expect me to kneel to your adopted sister?”