chapter seven

I stepped into the grand dining hall of the Zu family's mansion, my expression calm, yet my heart beat with a quiet intensity.

This place had once been my home, but for the past fourteen years, I had been nothing but a ghost to them.

Now, I'm was back—not as the forgotten daughter, but as someone who would reclaim her rightful place.

The long dining table was adorned with an elegant display of dishes, the air rich with the aroma of expensive cuisine.

At the head of the table sat Madam Zu, my mother—at least in name. The woman's face, usually reserved and dignified, softened into a warm smile as she gestured toward me.

"Emily, come sit next to me," Madam Zu said, her voice laced with an unfamiliar gentleness.

I didn't hesitate. I moved gracefully, my every step measured, as I took the seat my mother had pointed to.

A sharp clatter echoed through the room. Sonia's spoon had fallen onto her plate, her fingers visibly trembling as she clenched her fists beneath the table.

Sonia Zu—Madam Zu's beloved adopted daughter. The girl who had taken my place when I was stolen away all those years ago.

A forced smile curled on Sonia's lips as she quickly picked up her spoon, but her knuckles remained white.

Her eyes flickered toward their brother, Harry , who sat on the opposite side of the table. She didn't need to say a word. Harry, always her protector, immediately noticed her distress.

Harry frowned, his gaze shifting between Emily and their mother. "Mother, Sonia always sits beside you. It's been that way for years. Why change it now?" His voice carried a hint of irritation.

My mum didn't waver. "Sonia has always been by my side, but Emily has been gone for fourteen years. Now that she's back, I want to make up for lost time."

Sonia's smile stiffened.

Though she appeared calm, anger coiled within her like a serpent. She had spent years securing her place in this family. She had molded herself into the perfect daughter—obedient, charming, and indispensable.

And now, Emily was threatening all of that with her mere presence.

But Sonia knew better than to let her emotions slip too far. Instead, she tilted her head, her voice sickeningly sweet.

"Of course, Mother. You're right. Emily has been away for so long. She needs all the love she can get." She reached for her glass and took a small sip of wine, using the moment to school her expression.

Harry, however, was not as composed. He still sensed Sonia's unhappiness, and his protective instincts flared. With a flick of his wrist, he began piling Sonia's plate with her favorite dishes—braised duck, sautéed prawns, and a delicate truffle pasta.

"Sonia, eat up," Harry said firmly. "You didn't eat much at lunch. These are your favorites."

Sonia gave him a grateful look, but her nails dug into her palm beneath the table. Harry's efforts to please her only reminded her that she had lost something. She didn't just want Harry's silent loyalty—she wanted the entire family to continue revolving around her, as they always had.

I, meanwhile, observed the exchange with quiet amusement. I had expected resistance. It didn't surprise her that Sonia and Harry would struggle with my presence.

But what truly interested me was how Sonia would react. Would she lash out? Or would she play a different game?

Sonia's eyes flickered with calculation. If she openly opposed Emily, it would only make her look insecure, and that wasn't her style. No, she needed to be clever about this.

A slow, almost thoughtful smile curved on her lips. Then, as if an idea had just occurred to her, she set her wine glass down and clapped her hands lightly together.

"You know," Sonia began, her tone bright and full of warmth, "Emily's return is such a blessing. We should celebrate it properly."

My mom raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

"A welcome party!" Sonia announced. "Something grand—after all, Emily was gone for so long. This is her homecoming. It should be a moment to remember."

A brief silence followed her words. My mum looked mildly surprised, while Harry frowned, not quite understanding Sonia's sudden enthusiasm. Even the servants around the room exchanged wary glances.

I studied Sonia's face, searching for the cracks beneath the performance.

A welcome party?

It was such a sudden suggestion, yet I could already see through it. Sonia wasn't trying to celebrate my return—she was trying to put me on display.

"Same old trick. Nothing changed" I thought to myself.

A large gathering meant all the prominent figures of society would be present. The wealthy, the powerful, the influential. If Sonia could twist the narrative in her favor, she could subtly paint me as an outsider, a long-lost sister who didn't quite belong anymore.

Clever.

Harry looked at Sonia with suspicion. "Are you sure, Sonia? You weren't exactly thrilled a moment ago."

Sonia feigned a hurt expression. "Harry, how could you say that? I'm happy Emily is back. She's my sister."

I finally spoke, my voice smooth and composed. "That's very generous of you, Sonia. But are you sure a party isn't too much trouble?" I asked.

Sonia turned to me with a dazzling smile. "Not at all, Emily. You deserve this."

Her words were honeyed, but her eyes held a flicker of something darker.

My mom, seemingly convinced, nodded approvingly. "A welcome party is a lovely idea. It will be good to reintroduce Emily to everyone."

Harry remained skeptical, but he didn't argue. "If that's what Mother wants."

Sonia clasped her hands together excitedly. "Then it's settled. We'll make sure everything is perfect."

I met Sonia's gaze and smiled. "I'm looking forward to it."

And I truly was.

Because while Sonia thought she was setting a trap, shehad no idea that I had already started laying the groundwork for her own game.

The battle had begun.