I haven't gathered enough information about Spencer yet. I'm not leaving now. Evette thought.

Nathalia smiled and said gently, "Evette, please listen to mum. Let's go home." ​​

Having been spoiled by her parents all these years, Evette was annoyed hearing what Nathalia said and scowled at her "No. I'm not leaving."

Shocked by Evette's response, Nathalia stepped backward and lowered her head in silence, looking hurt and helpless.

The crowd watched and wondered Tut, Tut, tut it seems like the Carters aren't really a family of love and peace like people think they are.

Mrs. Carter was furiously frustrated, but she couldn't voice herself. She simply grabbed Evette's hand and dragged her away, Evette looking sour-faced.

Nathalia said goodbye to the ladies one by one politely and respectfully before following the other two. Though she had only made a short appearance, she had definitely left a good first impression on everyone. Some would say it was perfect.

She had successfully changed her used-to-be bad-tempered, ugly, and mean image fabricated by Mrs. Carter and Evette. From now on, people would see her as an amiable, understanding and pleasant Nathalia Carter while the fabricators earned their name as

two-faced and uncaring step-mother and half-sister.

When Frank. Carter returned home the same night, and he was astounded to find his wife looking disgruntled. "What's the matter, sweetie? What upset you?"

Didn't you say you were going to the party and planning on having the spotlight on Evette? Didn't it work out? Did something go wrong?

Mrs. Carter threw herself into his arms, shook her head sulkily, and complained, "It's your daughter! I don't know what to do with her anymore." Frank. Carter's face was distorted in anger, and shortly he picked up the phone and called Nathalia to come downstairs.

Nathalia answered the phone calmly, a smile adorned her face, thinking Someone sounds angry. Ha. She must have told him HER side of the story. Nathalia knew it was still too early for them to show their true colors as they had not gotten what they wanted. She had to be patient until the day she was prepared and could finally escape from them. For now, she would watch and play along.

But, it did not mean she would just allow them to take advantage of her.

To treat others the way they treat you. But if it is an unpleasant way they treat me, then I make sure they will be treated ten times more unpleasantly.

Nathalia grinned at her father, "Hey, Dad, what's up?"

Seeing the father, she once admired and loved, she felt an odd sense of déjà vu.

Though in his mid-fifties, Frank Carter was still in very good shape. His sharp facial features remained evident; the confidence in his eyes unveiled a charm of maturity; his commanding presence convincingly demanded respect from the society. He was wealthy, successful, and powerful.

But, hidden under his neat and smart mask was a calculating malicious heart.

Who could believe that this man murdered his wife, my mother?

Why? Why did he do it?

Couldn't he just leave her if he didn't love her?

Why did he have to kill her?

Wait. It was for money! She was silly. Why couldn't she see it?

Assuming it was all Nathalia's fault, Frank Carter glowered at Nathalia "Nathalia, why did you upset your mum again? Apologize right now!"

Huh. Aren't you blind? Why do you believe whatever your cunning mistress says?

She suddenly recollected something-just half a year after her mother died, her father married Anne (now Mrs. Carter), and the two children, Evette and Zack, moved in.

What she found shocking was that Evette was only a year younger than her, which meant her father had kept his mistress for years.

Did they see my mother as a stumbling block from the very beginning?!

Sharp pain and a sense of resentment filled up her heart and grabbed her like a giant's grip, refusing to let go.

But she had to collect herself soon and disguised her emotions. She looked down at the floor so as not to meet her father's eyes, and replied as calmly as she could. "Dad, it wasn't me. It was Evette…"

Patiently and gently, she explained what happened and deliberately detailed and exaggerated the parts where her step-mother and Evette completely lost face. Cleverly, she pretended to feel shame about it.

Nathalia knew her father well. He cared about fame and reputation more than anything. He couldn't stand being humiliated.

Frank Carter was stunned and threw his wife a questioning look as if to say, "Is this true? Why didn't you tell me so?"

Mrs. Carter wished she could defend herself, but she knew what Nathalia said was true, though exaggerated. If she lied to him now, he would find out soon. It was a small community. People talked.

She looked at her husband helplessly, almost in tears.

Seeing her face, Frank Carter simply gave in. He would never say a harsh word to her.

Instead, he turned to Nathalia, "But you should have been a good daughter and sister and helped your family."

Nathalia sneered inside and thought, Mum?! Sister?! Bullshit. They are never my family.

They robbed me of everything I had. They even took my life. That's what you call family?!

She didn't show a tiny bit of her real thoughts, but nodded and agreed with her father, "Yes, dad. You are right. I'm sorry."

Mrs. Carter glanced at Nathalia suspiciously, then smiled lovingly at her husband "It wasn't a big deal. Nathalia's still young. Please don't be mad at her."

She could feel something was different from Nathalia, and she had to be more careful.

Nathalia watched and listened to Mrs. Carter carefully, thinking Impressively repulsive. Who are you? Are you a chameleon or something?

Frank Carter changed his attitude and patted Nathalia on her head gently. "Your mum is so protective of you. Nathalia, don't forget how much your mum loves you."

What a sweet loving couple you two are! Nathalia thought sarcastically.

She looked into their eyes with great sincerity, "No, I will never forget."

It was a vow she made to herself.

Never forget how you have treated me. Never forget to seek revenge.

She bit her lower lip slightly and said apologetically, "Mum. I'm sorry. I should have been better behaved today. Please don't be angry with me. I'm still your good daughter, no?"

Mrs. Carter felt a bit relieved. Softly she replied, "Of course, you are. You are my favorite girl, as always. Don't be silly. I'll always love you."

Seeing Nathalia's calm and smiling face, Mrs. Carter thought I must be thinking too much. She seems normal. Nothing unusual. What happened today must have just been accidental. She's nothing but a naïve stupid girl. She can't be that smart.

We have had her in control since the beginning. She's little more than a puppet. If it wasn't for the money, she was dead long ago.