Schemes

"How can Uncle Lin be so biased? I can't stand it," Natalie fumed.

 

"You've called him dad for so many years. Doesn't that mean anything compared to blood?"

 

Naya, who had been silent, felt guilty. She had blamed Saira for not telling them the truth, making them believe Zuri was adopted. But seeing Saira lose her room, get hurt by Zuri, and now being ignored by Uncle Lin in favor of Zuri, Naya thought Saira was truly pitiable.

 

Naya said seriously, "Complaining won't solve anything. We need to come up with a plan to make her life at school unbearable."

 

Natalie's eyes lit up. "You're right, Naya. Do you have any ideas? Tell us."

 

Everyone turned to look at her.

 

Naya smirked. "It's simple. She's offended quite a few people in her class. We can get in touch with them and have them take action."

 

A glint of hope flashed in Saira's eyes, though her face showed hesitation. "Isn't that a bit too much?"

 

Natalie put an arm around her shoulder. "Saira, you're too kind. After what she's done to you, you're still thinking about her."

 

"If you keep letting her get away with it, she'll just walk all over you," Natalie added.

 

Naya patted her on the shoulder. "Don't worry, nothing will happen."

 

As they schemed, Zuri was sitting in the car on her way back to the Lin house. In the backseat, Aaron and Zuri sat on opposite sides, the tension palpable.

 

Aaron held back his anger, not wanting to lose face in front of others.

 

Once they were home, Zuri headed straight upstairs. "Stop," Aaron called out.

 

Zuri turned, coldly looking at him. "What?"

 

"What? You tell me! Your first day at school and you're already causing trouble. What are you thinking? You're supposed to study, not fight," Aaron scolded.

 

Zuri sneered. "If they hadn't provoked me, I wouldn't have fought back. If I swallowed my anger today, they'd think they can bully me anytime. As a Lin, if I can't even protect myself, it's not just me who loses face, but the whole family."

 

Aaron had to admit she had a point. Those families weren't wealthy; they were third-rate at best. There was no need for Zuri, his daughter, to endure such indignity. With this in mind, Aaron stayed silent.

 

"If there's nothing else, I'll go rest now," Zuri said, heading upstairs.

 

Aaron didn't stop her.

 

The next morning, Saira got up early and went to the dining room, surprising the maids.

 

The young miss, who never came down until the last minute, was up half an hour early.

 

"Hurry up, I'm in a rush," Saira urged.

 

The maids quickly served her breakfast.

 

As Saira finished eating, Dalia walked in and asked in surprise, "Why are you up so early today?"

 

"The student council has some matters I need to handle early," Saira replied.

 

Dalia patted her cheek. "You've worked hard."

 

After eating, Saira called out, "Arianwen, is the car ready?"

 

Arianwen appeared, "It's ready, but Miss Zuri hasn't gotten up yet."

 

The family had two drivers: one for Chairman Lin and another for daily use, including driving the young misses to school.

 

If Saira left now, Zuri would have no one to drive her.

 

Hearing this, Saira felt a pang of irritation. She used to have everything her way, but now that Zuri was here, even the servants were treating her differently, fawning over her.

 

Saira was angry but kept her composure.

 

She turned to Madam Lin, looking helpless and anxious.

 

Dalia said, "You have urgent matters, go ahead."

 

With Dalia's permission, Saira happily left.

 

Arianwen hesitated, unsure how Zuri would get to school. The Lin family's villa was halfway up Qingyun Mountain. Without a car, it would take at least forty minutes to walk down to the base of the mountain and another twenty minutes to the bus stop, with buses running every half hour. By the time Zuri reached school, it would be after ten.

 

Arianwen wanted to speak up but was stopped by the other maids.

 

"Arianwen, don't. Can't you see? Madam prefers Saira over Zuri. Speaking up will just get you into trouble."

 

Arianwen sighed heavily.

 

When Zuri came down for breakfast, she noticed Saira wasn't there but didn't think much of it. After eating, she learned Saira had left fifteen minutes ago.

 

"Would you like me to call a taxi for you?" Arianwen suggested.

 

"No need," Zuri declined, waving her hand.

 

Saira never missed a chance to make things difficult for her.

 

"Where's the garage?"

 

Arianwen led Zuri to the garage. Inside were various luxury cars, collected by generations of the Lin family heads. Zuri took a key from a cabinet and walked to a blue sports car, opening the door.

 

"Second Miss, are you..." Arianwen began.

 

"I'm driving myself."

 

Zuri got in, closed the door, and drove off, leaving Arianwen in shock. She realized too late that the blue sports car was the eldest son's favorite. He treasured it, and now the Second Miss had driven it away. If he found out, he'd be furious.

 

The roar of the sports car echoed through the mountains. When it entered the school grounds, it immediately drew a crowd.

 

"Who is that?"

 

"This car is gorgeous."

 

"Looks like a limited edition Bugatti LCV, over thirty million. My brother wanted one, but my dad refused."

 

"Who's driving? Must be someone fearless."

 

As everyone buzzed, the car door opened, revealing a girl with long, flowing black hair. Her stunning face left everyone speechless.

 

"Wow, she's gorgeous."

 

"Prettier than our school beauty, Jazmin."

 

"Does anyone know who she is?"

 Sure! Here is the translated text:

 Everyone present knew of Zuri, but none had seen her, so naturally, they did not recognize her. As Saira walked among the crowd, her face changed slightly upon seeing Zuri, then she revealed a strange smile.

 

"You are really bold, daring to use my brother's things."

 

Even she didn't dare to touch this sports car.

 

But Zuri had dared, clearly courting death.

 

Saira discreetly took a photo and sent it to Christian, who was abroad.