Chapter 1 An Adopted Daughter
In Webston, the Spencer’s mansion.
Dazzling lights filled the hall, where wine glasses clinked and laughter echoed in every corner.
“I heard that girl never went to school during her days in the countryside. The village where she grew up didn’t even have electricity. Her parents passed away early, and she’s been clinging to her elderly grandmother. What a poor girl.”
“She got adopted by the Spencer family, suddenly moved up in social class, and became wealthy overnight. Why feel sorry for her? She’s not pitiable at all, you know.”
“You should’ve felt sorry for the Spencer family’s biological son and daughter. Since the adopted daughter also has inheritance rights, there’s suddenly an extra person vying for their wealth.”
“That girl is so flirty. She looks nothing like someone raised in the countryside. This adoption deal? Definitely fishy.”
“That makes sense. I heard Mr. Spencer’s son is about to graduate and return from abroad. So Mr. Spencer found him a concubine-like servant… well, you know. After all, keeping one like that at home… is more discreet.”
At the banquet, guests gossiped non-stop.
Those harsh words cut through Rosalie Hudson like knives, the star of this family banquet.
She wore a light blue long gown, her dark hair pinned up to show a fair and graceful neck.
Her countenance was exquisitely pretty. She had ivory skin, and her eyes wove a hypnotic charm, where innocence and allure wove a hypnotic spell, holding onlookers in rapt fascination.
She was a truly rare beauty.
Dominik Spencer, head of the Spencer family, and his wife, Karen Cole, seemed deaf to the whispers of ridicule swirling around them, instead thanking guests who came to offer blessings. Phoebe Spencer, their eldest daughter, linked arms with Rosalie affectionately, standing close by her side.
They posed as a picture-perfect family of four—were it not for Rosalie’s icy, distant expression.
Dominik checked his watch, then turned to Rosalie with a smile. “Rosalie, let’s greet the elders first, then I’ll formally introduce you to everyone.”
The banquet had been specially arranged to publicly declare the Spencer family’s adoption of Rosalie.
Rosalie nodded indifferently.
“Dad, don’t worry. I’ll take good care of Rosalie,” Phoebe chimed in, smiling. “Rosalie, take it easy. Everyone here is friendly.”
Karen’s face softened with relief.
“Phoebe, you’ve really grown up, so thoughtful, looking out for your sister.”
Phoebe pouted playfully. “Mom, I’ve always been thoughtful.”
“Yes, yes, you’ve always been so sensible, never gave me a worry,” Karen laughed warmly.
Rosalie stood off to the side, watching in cold silence. Her eyes were calm, as if none of this had anything to do with her.
It seemed she was just a bystander, watching a play unfold.
Once the affectionate exchange ended, the four of them headed toward the room where the Spencer family elders were gathered.
“Well, that face is made for seduction. I wonder what tricks she used to weasel her way into being the Spencer family’s adopted daughter.”
Rosalie stopped in her tracks, turned slowly, and looked straight at the speaker. Their eyes met across the room.
The girl froze for a second, then lifted her chin defiantly, wearing an expression that screamed, “I’m talking about you. What are you gonna do about it?”
Rosalie’s eyes narrowed slightly. She turned and stepped toward the girl, saying, “Say that again.”
Her voice was cool and even, but it sent a chill through everyone’s bones.
The crowd around them turned to stare, shock written all over their faces.
They wondered, ‘A newly adopted daughter, not even settled into the family, is bold enough to make a scene in public?’
Those guests had bet she wouldn’t, and that was exactly why they had gossiped so brazenly.
No one had expected Rosalie to be such a fighter, who wouldn’t tolerate any mistreatment.
The girl whom Rosalie addressed stood frozen, speechless.
In an instant, a deathly hush radiated from Rosalie’s position.
Dominik and Karen, sensing the brewing storm, rushed to intervene.
“Rosalie?”
