Chapter 409
Serena didn’t even glance at the champagne. She picked up a pastry from the bottom layer of the container and took a bite. She moved with an easy grace, chewing slowly.
The flavor was clearly to her liking, as her striking, slender eyes narrowed slightly in pleasure. Paired with her coolly exquisite face, she was breathtakingly beautiful.
Isabella found the sight blindingly irritating.
After swallowing the pastry, Serena casually lifted her gaze to Isabella, her eyes calm and unrippled. Her voice was devoid of emotion. “What’s the matter? Are you in such a hurry to rush over here because you’re afraid people *don’t* know my identity? So eager to expose yourself… as the fake heiress p>
Isabella’s expression froze, and her chest heaved. “You p>
She glanced around frantically, terrified someone might have heard what Serena had just said. As she did, she caught sight of Edward and Catherine walking toward them.
Isabella dug her nails into her palm. She knew they must have seen Serena and had hastily ended their conversation to come over. All for Serena.
Digging her nails in deeper, she suppressed her overwhelming jealousy and deliberately put on a more aggrieved, innocent expression. Her tone was sincere. “Sister, please don’t be so hostile toward me. I’m well aware of my position in the Lancaster family… I never wanted to compete with you for anything p>
She kept her parents in her peripheral vision, speaking just loudly enough for them to hear. “I’m the one who stole your life and enjoyed Mom and Dad’s love for all these years. I’m already content. I truly want to get along with you, if only for Mom and Dad’s sake p>
As she spoke, she flashed her signature charming smile. “I don’t mean anything by it. I was just worried since you grew up in the country, and after the Wynns took you in… I doubt they ever brought you to a banquet of this caliber, or… any banquet at all p>
“I was just afraid you wouldn’t fit in.” Isabella’s gaze fell on the ebony food container. “You see, everyonez at a banquet is socializing. Bringing outside food like this is actually agamst etiquette. People will laugh. 1 was just trying to give you a friendly reminder p>
Every word was heartfelt and earnest, crafting an image of herself as a grateful victim, willing to retreat again and again just so Serena would grant her a place in the Lancaster family. At the same time. she was insinuating that Serena was an uncultured country girl who knew nothing of etiquette and would only embarrass them in such a setting.
Just as she finished, Edward and Catherine arrived.
Their eyes landed on Serena’s face, which wore only a touch of lipstick yet was intensely beautiful, and her fiery red gown. They were nearly spellbound. They knew their precious daughter was beautiful, devastatingly so. But they never imagined that with just a little effort, she could be this breathtaking.
It was no wonder Serena had refused the elaborate makeup and styling. If she had been fully done up, she might have truly stolen Brianna’s spotlight and outshone the host. Serena had been very considerate.
Seeing that the small food container in front of Serena was nearly empty, Catherine rushed forward with concern. “Serena, you must be exhausted. Is there anything else you want to eat? I can have Patton ask the kitchen to make you something p>
Edward glanced at Isabella, his voice growing heavy. “Serena, don’t listen to Isabella. If you want to eat something, just say the word. Even if you wanted a ten- course meal served right here, Dad could convince Old Mr. Blackwood p>