Chapter 13: Chapter 13

“You!” Yolanda stood up, her temper flaring. I can’t compete with Jessica. Her father is successful, and her mother has an impressive background. But who does Annie think she is? A country girl trying to be a princess after just a few days?”

“Enough! You’re family. Why the commotion so early in the morning?” Amanda interjected.

Yolanda shot Annie a fierce glare before reluctantly sitting back down.

Amanda offered a warm smile to Annie. “Feeling hungry, dear? Take a seat and have some breakfast.

Despite the caring words, Annie’s expression remained indifferent.

The Sanders family all lived together under one roof. Amanda was the only elder among the bunch. She had three sons and a daughter. Yet, Annie’s father, Yosef, wasn’t biologically related to Amanda, Yosef, John, and Zachary shared the same father but had different mothers, Due to work commitments, Annie’s parents often traveled abroad. Originally, they had planned to take her with them, but she found it hard to adapt to life overseas, especially with her heart pining for Jeremy. This left Annie on her own, while Jessica and Yolanda basked in the supportive glow of their parents.

The other Sanders folks were somewhat astute. They understood that Yosef was the key to the family’s prosperity, so all seemed to take a shine to Annie. Even Amanda, who was typically stern, displayed added kindness towards her. But in reality, her past excessive makeup, fake bling, and imitated style were all part of their game plan–destroy her through flattery.

Maisie, a nanny, swiftly delivered Annie’s breakfast. Yolanda, who happened to sit nearby, slyly extended her foot.

“Ouch!” Maisie stumbled, and the tray of breakfast flew straight towards Annie.

Annie swiftly dodged, but a splash of milk still landed on her.

“Can’t you see? Are you that clumsy?” Yolanda snapped, getting up in a fit of anger, scolding Maisie loudly and blaming the nanny entirely.

Maisie stuttered an apology. “S–Sorry, it was an accident.

“It’s fine, not much mess. Just prepare another breakfast.” Annie had no intention of blaming Maisie, especially after getting a good look at her face.

Seeing the situation brushed off so casually, Jessica, who had been silent, sneered, “Annie, you’re so considerate to the servant. Do you see a reflection of yourself in her and empathize?”

Yesterday’s humiliation in front of Jeremy seemed to have really ticked off Jessica, as she usually carried herself with grace and wouldn’t stoop to making sarcastic remarks like these.

Annie picked up a glass of water from the table, smirking subtly. “Why don’t you give it a shot and see if you can relate??

1 she planning to splash me? Jessica stared at Annie’s usually composed face, shocked. But then she smirked slightly. If Annie dared to splash her in front of Amanda, things would be much simpler.

Yet. Annie just raised the glass to her lips and took sip.

Jessica suddenly realized she was being played and grew furious.

Yolanda seized the opportunity, complaining, “Grandma, look at Annie. She’s so caring toward. others, yet she treats us like enemies. Yesterday was Jessica’s birthday celebration, but she made at mockery of her in front of everyone. Truly heartbreaking, isn’t it?”

Amanda didn’t blame Annie at all. “Annie had it rough growing up. Don’t hold a grudge over these small things. Include her more in gatherings and dinners, spend more time together, and things will work themselves out.”

This old lady had some smarts. She swiftly came up with a plan for Jessica and Yolanda in just a few words. She thought nobody could change overnight, so Annie’s unusual behavior yesterday was just a blip. If they took her where Jeremy was, she’d end up embarrassing herself.

Jessica and Yolanda chuckled immediately, “Grandma, you’re right.”

Annie also raised her lips. ‘What’s the point of these little tricks? Let’s play big if you’re going to play.’