Lily Wang was upset. "Mina, watch your tone!"
Mina Sue threw down her fork and left, not wanting to stay a second longer!
Lily turned to Grace Howard and apologized, "I'm sorry, she's always been like this..."
Grace gave a wry smile. "Ma'am, it's best not to compare her to others in front of her. No one likes that."
Grace knew this all too well. Every time her aunt asked about her grades, she'd scold Sophie Howard for not measuring up, even to someone who'd lost their father. Sophie would then take out her frustrations on Grace, making her life miserable.
Lily sighed, feeling guilty. "It's my fault. I didn't consider Mina's feelings. I'll find a time to apologize to her."
Grace suddenly felt a pang of envy for Mina. She had such a gentle mother, while she...
Back in her room, Mina was fuming. With no other outlet, she smashed the vase on her dresser to the floor!
Seeing the mess of broken pieces, she felt a bit of relief.
Maybe it was just bad vibes, but from the first moment Mina met Grace, she didn't like her. And the more she saw her, the more annoying she found her.
She finally understood why Aunt Christine disowned her daughter. If it were her, she'd do the same!
Christine Smith hurried over, concerned. "What's wrong, Miss?"
Mina Sue fumed, "It's your precious daughter again. Mom's acting like she's known that outsider forever! If she likes her so much, I might as well leave and let her be Mom's daughter!"
Christine quickly covered Mina's mouth. "Don't say such things!"
Mina pushed Christine's hand away, frustrated. "Isn't there a way to get rid of her? I don't want to see her face anymore!"
Christine's eyes darted around, and she whispered something into Mina's ear.
After hearing it, Mina smiled. "Alright, Aunt Christine, you really do care about me!"
That night, Grace Howard tossed and turned in bed.
Even though the room was tidy and the bed was soft, she just couldn't fall asleep.
Christine had come home late and went straight to another room without even a fake greeting, let alone a pat on the head or a hug.
Maybe it's best to leave tomorrow. The atmosphere here is just too uncomfortable, and Mom is probably hoping I'll leave soon too.
Grace Howard made up her mind quietly.
The next day, just when Li Wan thought Mina Sue might throw a fit and skip the meal with them, Mina surprisingly showed up.
"Grace, you haven't really explored my house yet, have you? After we eat, I'll show you around. The flowers in the garden are blooming beautifully right now," Mina said casually.
Grace was taken aback. "Oh? Uh... sure."
Li Wan was delighted to see her daughter change her attitude. "You two enjoy the tour. People your age have more in common to talk about!"
Grace felt a bit awkward. She had planned to leave right after the meal.
Oh well, I'll take the tour and then say goodbye. Leaving immediately would seem rude.
After eating, Mina took Grace on a ride in the estate's golf cart, giving her a tour of the entire Sue residence.
The last time Grace visited, she was already stunned by the luxury of the place. Now, seeing it in full detail, she realized that a wealthy person's home wasn't just big—it was a work of art!
The tall, white main buildings resembled castles from fairy tales. Mina just needed a crown to complete the picture. A girl like her, blessed by fortune, was the modern-day princess of urban legends.
Seeing the envy in Grace Howard's eyes, Mina Sue couldn't help but smile with a hint of pride.
This was nothing; the real show was yet to come!
Mina led Grace to her walk-in closet.
As soon as they entered, Grace felt like she had stepped into a mini shopping mall!
Towering shoe racks like Ferris wheels, rows upon rows of dazzling designer clothes, and jewelry boxes filled with sparkling gems—it was a scene she couldn't even dream of!
Mina watched Grace's awestruck expression, clearly enjoying her reaction. She led her to the ring box and asked, "What do you think of these rings?"
Grace glanced at them, each one adorned with large diamonds and gemstones, so dazzling they made her head spin. "They're all so beautiful."
"If you like them, pick any one you want. Consider it my apology," Mina tempted.
Grace was taken aback but then smiled and shook her head. "No need, really. I wasn't upset in the first place."
Mina tried to persuade her a bit more, but Grace politely declined. Mina shrugged, "Alright then, let me show you around some more."
"Actually, there's no need to go through the trouble. I was planning to leave today," Grace hesitated but finally admitted.
Mina Sue was surprised. "Huh? Leaving so soon?"
Grace Howard came up with a reasonable excuse. "Something came up at school. They need me back quickly."
Mina's eyes flickered with concern. "Why don't you stay for dinner? It's getting late, and if you rush off without eating, my mom might think I was being rude to you."
Grace had no choice but to agree.
When Mrs. Lee heard that Grace was leaving so soon, she felt quite disappointed.
"Why the rush? I was planning to take you and Mina to see a musical."
"Thank you for the offer, ma'am. Maybe next time," Grace replied, sensing Mrs. Lee's disappointment and trying to comfort her.
The final dinner was a lavish affair, and Mina was unusually agreeable. Just as the atmosphere was harmonious, Mina's maid hurried into the dining room and whispered something in her ear.
Mina let out a small gasp, looking quite surprised, and her eyes fixed on Grace.
Grace felt uneasy under Mina's gaze. "What is it?"
Mina hesitated, then spoke gently. "Grace, did you happen to take something small from my closet?"
Lily Wang's eyes widened as Grace Howard hastily denied, "No, I didn't!"
"Then why is my diamond ring missing? The surveillance only shows you coming in and out. Of course, I'm not saying you stole it. Maybe you were just curious and wanted to try it on. Although the ring isn't very expensive, my boyfriend gave it to me, so it has special meaning. Please, could you return it?" Mina Sue pleaded.
Grace's heart tightened as she waved her hands, explaining, "I didn't take it! It's a bad habit to mess with other people's things. I would never do that!"
"Mina, don't jump to conclusions..." Lily started to say, but Christine Smith arrived just in time.
"What's going on, ladies? Why all the noise?" Christine asked.
Before Lily could send her away, Mina quickly said, "Aunt Christine, my little ring is missing, and it might be Grace who took it. Could you please talk to her? That ring is really important to me! If she returns it now, I promise I won't call the police or tell anyone."
Christine looked at Grace coldly. "Did you hear that? Miss Sue is being generous by not making a fuss. Don't be ungrateful. Hand over the ring, you shallow-minded girl!"