Chapter 5
Vanessa Linwood’s poise and charm were nothing more than a façade, built from the wealth and resources of her family
In contrast, she had nothing
The Linwood family could neither shower her with love nor provide her with wealth, yet they still blamed her for not being as elegant and sophisticated as Vanessa
Even now she couldn’t understand why they had brought her back.
In this household, her sole purpose seemed to be highlighting just how cherished Vanessa, the false heiress, truly was X
There’s a saying that the unloved one is always–the outsider, and it fit her perfectly.
Once, she would have been hurt by their unfaimess, but now, she couldn’t care less.
She glanced around the storage room, noting that the only clothes available for her to change into were on old high school uniform of blue and white.
Five years ago, she’d received an acceptance letter from Prestige University, the most esteemed institution in Vesperia.X
But the Linwood family had only thrown a grand party for Vanessa’s college acceptance.X
That celebration had brought together all of Cresthaven’s elite.
n the Linwood
Eighteen–year–old Vanessa, in her custom–made gown worth a fortune and a diamond–studded tiara, had stood between couple like a princess adored by all.
Meanwhile, she had been dressed in drab clothes, a stark contrast to the glamour around her, and had been taken away by police in front of everyone, spending the next five years in prison instead of at university.
Five minutes later, Claire, having changed, made her way to the Linwood family’s grand hall.X
On the way, the house staff glanced of her curiously.
“Who’s that girl? Why is she hero in a high school uniform?“W
“She’s probably a waitress from the Grandeur Hotel, looks like a student working a summer job.”
“The master and mistress do go all out for Miss Vanessa, inviting the head chef from the Grandeur Hotel to cater this party.”
“Indeed, they do.”
One of the maids stopped her briefly, saying, “The party’s about to start. Make sure to change into your uniform quickly. You can’t be careless when serving these distinguished guests from Cresthaven.”
With that, the maid moved on, leaving Claire standing there, suddenly reluctant to go to the party.
Ethan had only mentioned that Nathan and Adah Linwood were hosting a welcome home party for her; he hadn’t said anything about inviting outsiders.
Returning from prison wasn’t something to flount. Was there really a need for such a grand spectacle?
Years ago, she had been handcuffed and taken away in front of Cresthaven’s elite.
Now, they wanted to flaunt her retum in front of the same crowd, making her post public once more, leaving her without a shred of dignity.
A mix of bitterness and anger welled up within her, and she didn’t want to stay any longer.
She turned to leave.
Ethan appeared, his eyes filled with disdain as he noticed her attire.
He frowned and approached her quickly, chastising loudly, “Didn’t I tell you to change into a dress? Why are you dressed like this? Do you even know what today is?”
Claire opened her mouth to explain, but Ethan cut her off.
“You were a mess when you got out, and now you want to play the victim in front of everyone, making it seem like we, the Linwood
family, have wronged you Claire, your tactics are us despicable as ever. You’re beyond help.”
He reached out to grab her, continuing his tirade, “Go change your clothes and stop embarrassing us…”
Claire oldestepped him, avoiding his grasp.
Ethan’s anger flared, “How dare you dodge me?“k
Looking into his eyes, she saw only animosity.l
She had endured this look of dislike and impatience from the Linwood family for three years.
Every time she met his gaze, her heart felt like it was being tom apart, her tears met only with his accusation of her being manipulative.
Perhaps she had grown accustomed to such disdain.X
Or maybe those five years in prison had eroded her self–respect.
Now, as she faced his eyes full of loathing, she felt nothing.!
His feelings towards her no longer stirred any emotion within her.
