Chapter 10: The Favoritism Fallout
1149 Words
Chapter 10: The Favoritism Fallout
Vivian Shen’s face turned a sickly shade of green.
She was seated right beside Livia, which meant she had a clear view of the velvet box nestled delicately in her cousin’s hands. Others in the room might not have recognized the jade pendant, but Vivian certainly did.
In her previous life, when she had married into the Lancaster family, she had seen that very pendant—only it hadn’t been given to her. Despite receiving plenty of luxurious gifts from Mrs. Hughes, none had come close to the value of that particular piece.
The jade pendant was a rare heirloom, part of Mrs. Hughes’ dowry, and held immense symbolic significance. It was said that whoever carried it could walk into any establishment owned by the White family in southern provinces and never pay a single dime. It wasn’t just a gift. It was a key to an empire.
That pendant had been reserved for Amelia’s biological daughter, Chloe.
So why was it now in Livia Shen’s hands?
Vivian seethed with envy.
And she wasn’t the only one. Even Charles Shen and Eleanor looked visibly unsettled. Since arriving at the Lancaster estate, they had been little more than wallflowers, barely acknowledged. The Hughes' attention had been laser-focused on Livia.
They couldn't understand it. Livia wasn’t anything special in their eyes—timid, forgettable, obedient. Yet somehow, she had captivated two of the most influential people in their circle.
Madeline Lancaster observed the shift in energy with quiet calculation. With a sigh, she signaled a servant.
“I saw this necklace at the boutique the other day,” she said smoothly. “Thought it would look lovely on you, Vivian.”
Relief swept over Charles and Eleanor’s faces.
Still, Vivian remained rooted to her seat, her lips pressed into a tight line.
Eleanor gave her daughter a subtle nudge. “Vivian, your Aunt Madeline is talking to you.”
Vivian glanced briefly at the necklace, a dazzling piece by any measure—but nowhere near the jade pendant in Livia’s hands.
The imbalance felt like a slap.
She stared straight ahead. “I don’t like it.”
The room went deathly quiet.
Madeline’s gracious smile stiffened.
Even Mr. Hughes and Amelia frowned in displeasure.
Charles’ jaw clenched. Rage simmered behind his forced calm.
“Vivian!” he snapped, his voice sharp but still restrained. “Mind your manners.”
Eleanor jumped in with a nervous chuckle. “She didn’t sleep much last night, poor thing. Probably exhausted.”
“She’s been a bit spoiled,” she added, trying to smooth things over. “Don’t mind her, Madeline.”
Madeline’s expression softened a touch. “It’s fine. Girls should be raised to have a bit of spirit.”
Eleanor quickly latched onto the sentiment and began chatting away, trying to steer the conversation back to safer ground.
Madeline had originally intended to keep the Shen family for lunch, but news soon arrived that the elderly Mrs. Lancaster had taken ill again. Madeline excused herself, citing the need to visit the hospital, and the Shens made a polite departure.
As soon as the door closed behind them, Amelia let out a soft sigh. “What a shame I didn’t get a moment alone to thank Livia properly.”
Madeline arched a brow. “You really didn’t need to give her that pendant. There were two girls—you singled one out. Of course the other would be upset.”
Amelia bristled. “I won’t pretend to be neutral. That girl saved Chloe’s life. If it weren’t for her, my daughter’s future would’ve been ruined. Livia earned it. I don’t care how valuable it is.”
She paused, eyes narrowing. “And if you’re thinking of letting that other one marry into your family—I’ll be the first to object.”
Madeline said nothing, though her brow furrowed slightly.
“She showed her true colors today,” Amelia continued. “She hasn’t even married into the family and she’s already acting like royalty. Can you imagine what she’d be like once she has real power?”
Amelia leaned in. “Livia is calm, respectful, and knows how to conduct herself. If you want someone to manage your household, she’s the obvious choice.”
Madeline gave a noncommittal nod. Yet inside, her thoughts swirled.
Vivian was transparent, easy to read, and—most importantly—easy to control.
Livia, on the other hand, was a mystery. She said all the right things and never stepped out of line, but Madeline couldn’t read her. And that made her dangerous.
Her son Julian had a wild streak, and Madeline knew he needed someone who could balance him—someone firm beneath a gentle surface. She wasn’t convinced Livia could handle that role.
“Father,” she finally said, turning to Mr. Hughes, “what do you think?”
Mr. Hughes took his time answering. “Julian is your only son. You must consider what’s best for him.”
He sipped his tea. “But I will say this—Livia Shen is no ordinary girl. I hope we see more of her soon.”
Amelia beamed. “I’ll invite her to the house next time myself.”
---
Meanwhile, outside the estate, Livia clutched the velvet box to her chest like it was a fragile treasure.
Vivian stormed a few steps ahead before suddenly turning back, her face contorted with fury.
Startled, Livia froze. “Vivian? What’s wrong?”
“Don’t get smug,” Vivian hissed. “You think this means you’ve won?”
Before Livia could respond, Vivian lunged, grabbing her by the wrist.
“Give it to me,” she growled.
Livia jerked back. “No! It’s—”
“You dare say no to me?” Vivian shrieked. “Do you have a death wish, Livia?”
“Vivian!” Charles barked. “What is wrong with you?”
Eleanor rushed forward, trying to pull her daughter away.
“Sweetheart, not here! This is still the Lancaster estate!”
Even she was losing patience.
Vivian had been acting strangely ever since talk of the Lancaster and Grant family proposals began. Eleanor wasn’t even sure her daughter knew what she wanted anymore.
“Mom, stay out of it! She needs to learn her place!” Vivian shouted.
But before the scene could spiral further, a calm voice rang out.
“Is this how you welcome guests in your family?”
Everyone turned.
Julian Lancaster stood at the gates, surrounded by a few well-dressed young men.
One of them whistled. “Another drama at your house, Jules? First at the Hughes’ party, now here. Getting repetitive, don’t you think?”
Julian frowned, clearly unimpressed.
“Same characters, same tired script,” he muttered.
Another added dryly, “Might want to clean this mess up before it stains the marble.”
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