June, just after the college entrance exams had concluded.

Scarlett Garrison had just completed her discharge paperwork alone and returned home. As she stepped through the doorway of the Garrison Family villa, a suitcase landed with a thud at her feet.

A glamorous woman stood at the entrance, looking down at her. Her gaze swept over the girl's delicate features and snow-like skin, a flicker of jealousy passed through her eyes, soon replaced by undisguised disgust, "I've packed your things. From today onwards, you'll get out of this house and go back to your biological parents!"

Scarlett Garrison didn't even glance at the suitcase on the floor. Her almond-shaped eyes looked coldly at Emma White, the woman she had called mom for seventeen years.

The commotion at the door caught the attention of those inside, and soon, Scarlett's father and his two children stepped out.

Scarlett's father looked at the suitcase at Scarlett's feet, then at his wife, his tone slightly reproachful, "Emma, what is this about? Scarlett is a daughter we've raised for eighteen years after all."

"She's a thankless burden!" Emma White glared at Scarlett Garrison, "I clearly told her to give the city image representative spot to Isolde. She ignored my words! If I hadn't inquired about the final list, we'd still be kept in the dark by her! If she had any conscience at all, she wouldn't have taken her sister's spot!"

At Emma's words, a flicker of envious hatred flashed in Isolde Garrison's eyes, but she quickly masked it, showing a hint of grievance and sadness on her face. However, she said, "Mom, don't be like this. The opportunity to be a city image representative is rare; it's normal for sister not to want to give it up. Maybe there's something I didn't do well enough, otherwise, I wouldn't have been chosen…"

"What do you lack compared to her? Everything she has wasn't because of the Garrison Family." Emma White gently comforted her daughter.

Scarlett Garrison just watched the mother and daughter perform. She had seen such performances countless times since childhood. This time, not only did she feel no waves in her heart, she even wanted to laugh a little.

Four days ago, she was hit by a car and thrown twenty meters away while trying to save Isolde. Everyone thought she wouldn't survive.

When Emma White and the Garrison Family rushed to the scene, their first reaction was not to check on her injuries, but to comfort the tearful Isolde who was inconsolable after the accident.

Scarlett Garrison lay on the ground, feeling dazed and with icy hands and feet. What chilled her more was the conversation between Scarlett's father and Emma White—

"The front of the car is smashed; she likely won't make it."

"Well, if she dies, it means she really took Isolde's great misfortune in her life, which makes all the years we raised her worth it…"

Scarlett Garrison had always known she was merely a tool the Garrison Family raised to shield Isolde from hardship.

As a child, she didn't understand why every time Isolde got sick, Emma White would demand she take care of Isolde around the clock, and each time under her care, Isolde would quickly recover, while Scarlett would fall seriously ill afterward.

Later, she met a mentor who enlightened her that she and Isolde's birth dates belonged to the complementary halves of the Harmony Technique.

The two halves of Harmony, and she was the good half.

The Garrison Family kept her by Isolde's side to actually use her own fortune to mitigate the misfortunates Isolde carried, and through these acts of shielding, Isolde's fate gradually improved, while Scarlett's would slowly venture towards decline.

If Scarlett Garrison hadn't prepared in advance, she might have already exhausted her fortune and died in that car accident four days ago.

It was also because of this accident that her biological father unexpectedly found her.

"Are you done talking? If so, can I leave?"

Having heard this couple coldly discussing her death, any last shred of hope Scarlett Garrison had for the Garrison Family vanished completely.

She felt not the slightest reluctance in leaving the Garrison Family.

"Scarlett, don't blame your mother. In this instance, you were indeed in the wrong." Scarlett's father finally came forward, his expression as stern as ever, "Since you've found your biological parents, you should go back with them."

Isolde Garrison also spoke up, her voice soft and timid, "Sister, don't be mad at mom, she did everything for me."

As she spoke, she suddenly took out an envelope from the side and handed it to Scarlett, very considerately adding, "This is your travel money. Dad said your biological parents live in the mountains, their home is poor, and the network in those places is underdeveloped, so it's better to carry some cash."

Emma White snorted from the side, "Don't say we didn't consider the many years of affection; this money is enough to last a year in the mountains. Our family has been more than good to you."

She sneered again, "Once you go back, I guess you won't have a chance to return. I heard there are many old men in those mountains who can't find wives; you could marry there, since you wouldn't get into college anyway with your grades."

Scarlett Garrison glanced at Emma White's face, which was full of malice even as she feigned generosity, and merely gave her a light glance, "You have some deep frown lines, which is a sign of excessive scheming and accumulated debts. Instead of worrying about me, perhaps you should use that few thousand to buy a facial mask."

She paused deliberately, as if adding as an afterthought, "Although it probably wouldn't help much."

Scarlett's words were earnest, but they made Emma White's face suddenly grow sharp with anger. She shouted, "You little brat, who gave you the nerve to talk to me like that!"

Saying so, she raised her hand to strike Scarlett across the face.

The latter merely watched coldly, slightly stepping aside so that Emma White's slap hit nothing but air.

Emma White stared incredulously, "You even dare to dodge…"

Isolde hurried forward, pulling Scarlett, "Sister, don't make mom angry; just speak calmly, and she will forgive you."

Her words sounded kind, but her real intention was to hold Scarlett so she couldn't dodge Emma White's slap again.

Scarlett Garrison raised her hand, ready to push her away, but her eye caught sight of something, and her gaze froze. She saw the Jade Bracelet on Isolde's wrist.

Swiftly, she grabbed Isolde's wrist, coldly demanding, "Why is the bracelet with you?"

Isolde had intentionally worn the bracelet today to flaunt it. Now that Scarlett actually noticed it, and grabbed her by surprise, she put on a frightened face, crying out in pain, "Ah, it hurts…"

As soon as Isolde cried out, Emma White's expression changed instantly. She grabbed Scarlett's hand, pulling it away, and screamed angrily, "Scarlett Garrison! What do you think you're doing?!"

Scarlett, however, kept her gaze fixed on Isolde, her voice cold, "That bracelet was left to me by Grandma."

"What do you mean your bracelet?! That was left for the Garrison Family's daughters; you're not even part of this family anymore, so of course, it belongs to Isolde!"

Scarlett Garrison bit her lip, letting go of the suitcase handle and looking at Scarlett's father, "I won't take a single thing from the Garrison Family, I only want the bracelet Grandma left for me."

If there was anything left in the Garrison Family that she cherished, it was Grandma.

Grandma was the only person in this family who truly loved her. Even on her deathbed, she worried about how Scarlett would fare after she was gone.

That bracelet was the only memory Grandma left her.

...

Timothy Garrison, who had been silent, finally spoke, his youthful features mirroring those of his father, carrying a trace of dissatisfaction and heartache,

"Scarlett, that belongs to Isolde. When did you become so greedy and insatiable?"

Scarlett Garrison's hand, hanging by her side, secretly clenched, then she heard him add, "If you listen obediently and give the spot to Isolde, I can persuade mom and dad to let you stay."

Josiah Garrison thought he was giving her the best choice, and she should be grateful.

Timothy Garrison also said,

"Although you are adopted, I have always treated you as my own daughter. Our Garrison Family is a decent family, not the kind to let our daughter go back to her birth parents without even taking her luggage. Your biological parents don't have good conditions, you should bring what you need."

However, he did not mention a word about giving her the bracelet.

Isolde Garrison also spoke up at this time, with grievance,

"Sister, I know you really want this bracelet, but, after all, it's something from grandma... how about this, I can transfer you some money? Is ten thousand enough? If not, twenty thousand?"

The implication was clearly saying she wanted the bracelet to sell for money.

Scarlett Garrison immediately glared coldly at Isolde Garrison.

Isolde Garrison shivered at her glance, shrinking slightly.

Scarlett Garrison looked at the three people in front of her, her expression very indifferent, and spoke decisively and unequivocally,

"I don't need your money, and I don't need you to speak for me to stay."

Once, to gain their approval, she learned etiquette, made amulets for them with her own hands, treated them genuinely as her real family, doing her best for them, but never received a true heart in return.

Even when she nearly died for Isolde Garrison, she couldn't get even a glance from them.

Such a family, she would never cherish again.

Josiah Garrison's face turned a bit unsightly at her unwavering refusal, thinking Scarlett Garrison truly did not know what was good for her.

Without the Garrison Family, what good days could she possibly have?

Emma White blocked in front of Isolde Garrison, angrily reprimanding,

"Josiah, why are you telling her this? Even if she cries to give up her spot now, our family won't want her! She had better not even think of taking a single thing from the Garrison Family!"

Seeing this, Isolde Garrison approached again, trying to persuade, but used a voice only the two of them could hear, with a somewhat proud gloat,

"Sister, I forgot to tell you, Patterson confessed to me the day before yesterday. We plan to get engaged in a few days. I know you always liked Patterson, but I still hope you bless us."

Scarlett Garrison looked at her boastful face, expressionlessly asking her back,

"Who told you I like him?"

Isolde Garrison was startled, obviously not expecting such a reaction.

In her imagination, hearing one's crush confess to someone else, Scarlett Garrison ought to be so devastated she'd fall to her knees in tears, shouldn't she?

Scarlett Garrison just looked at her with eyes as if watching a fool,

"Even though you're blind, I will still bless you, after all, when two pests are together, they can't harm others anymore."

That's good.

Isolde Garrison's pupils shrank at her words, almost changing her expression.

Scarlett Garrison no longer paid her any attention, instead, she looked at the other members of the Garrison family,

"I will repay the upbringing expenses from childhood. From now on, I have no relation to your family anymore."

The Garrison Family calculated her fate chart, she severed this connection, and the calamities Isolde used her to shield in the past would double back onto Isolde herself in the future.

Repaying the upbringing expenses, she rendered the debt of nurturing from the Garrison Family.

All favors and causalities were cut off; even if she acted against the Garrison Family in the future, she would bear no karmic debts.

She took a final glance at the bracelet on Isolde's wrist and said,

"You won't be able to keep this bracelet. It won't be long before I make you return it to me personally."

After saying this, Scarlett Garrison, without any lingering attachment, walked out of the Garrison's villa gate alone.

Emma White looked at her retreating back, so angry she could hardly find the words.

"See, truly a thankless wretch! If it weren't for Isolde's sake, I'd have driven her out long ago!"

Isolde Garrison soothed her anger by wrapping her arm around her, "Sister probably just found out she's being sent back to such a poor place and couldn't accept it for a moment. Mom, don't be angry with her."

"You, you're just too kind," Emma White said helplessly, looking at her younger daughter, then glanced in the direction Scarlett Garrison left, cursing under her breath,

"Getting hit like that and not dying or getting hurt, it must be some monster possessing her. Luckily, we got rid of her just in time, or who knows how she'd harm our family."

"Alright, enough, stop talking," Timothy Garrison spoke in a deep voice, decisively ending the topic.

The Garrison family of four did not know that just when Scarlett Garrison stepped out of the Garrison family garden, the sun that hung over them seemed to be covered by dark clouds, causing the surrounding temperature to drop a couple of degrees.

In the shadowy corners, there seemed to be a rustling sound of laughter and discussion.

"She left, she finally left."

"This house is ours now, hee hee hee."

...

Scarlett Garrison walked towards the villa area gate, under the scorching sun overhead, yet no sign of heat appeared on her, not even a bead of sweat at her temple, as if her body automatically warded off the summer heat.

She pulled out her phone from her pocket, Timothy Garrison had previously given her contact information for her biological parents, but she had not yet contacted them.

Scarlett Garrison knew little about her biological parents.

But living in the mountains, being not wealthy was a certainty; the college entrance exam just ended, after university, if her biological parents couldn't afford to support her education, she could find a way to earn money herself.

As for worrying about being sold off to marriage after going back, Scarlett Garrison never feared such a thing.

In this world, there probably wasn't anyone who could sell her.

As she was thinking about this, she found the phone number, ready to press the call button, when she heard a loud commotion from the helipad not far away.

Raising her eyes, she saw not far from the helipad, dozens of black helicopters were landing in orderly fashion.

The villa area where the Garrison house was located, though not the top villa area in the city, often had luxury cars coming and going, but having over a dozen private helicopters landing at once was a first for Scarlett Garrison.

She assumed it was some rich owner in the community showing off and was about to leave.

But unexpectedly, as she moved to the side, the guards from those dozen helicopters ran up like a military formation, lining up in front of her in two rows.

Then, the helicopter doors opened, and pilots clad in black suits with white gloves quickly disembarked and stood in formation, evidently well-trained.

At this moment, the door of the central helicopter slowly opened.

Scarlett Garrison saw first a long leg clad in dark gray suit trousers step out, the man walking down from the cabin, tall and slender, wearing a well-tailored same-color suit, which made his exceptionally handsome features appear even more noble and elegant.

The man looked at her, walked slowly closer, then spoke, his voice low and pleasant, "Scarlett Garrison?"

Scarlett Garrison observed the familiar similarities in his features to hers, vaguely guessing his identity, "I am."

The man glanced at the phone in her hand that was still at the dialing interface, tut-tutted, reached out, and suddenly pressed the call button for her.

The next second, a melodious mobile ring tone sounded from his pocket, he took out his phone, held the caller display interface in front of Scarlett Garrison, accommodating her height, slightly bent down, and smiled,

"Nice to meet you, I am your brother, Donovan Jennings."

Scarlett Garrison: ...

Scarlett Garrison silently assessed the extremely handsome "brother" in front of her, then looked past him at the helicopter fleet and the well-trained pilots and bodyguards behind him, and finally found her voice,

"I heard, my parents live in the mountains..."

Implying, this scene doesn't seem like my family at all.

Donovan Jennings thought she was going to say something and just replied, "The home is indeed in the mountains."

Paused, then added, "But that mountain is our family's."

Scarlett Garrison: ...

So, her biological parents' family was not only not poor, but... they also owned an entire mountain?

Who could privately own an entire mountain?

Does the nation even allow that?

...

"Family sent me to pick you up. They specifically instructed that our first meeting should be formal, so I temporarily borrowed a helicopter team. It's not too many, but it'll have to do."

Scarlett Garrison stared in silence at the bustling helicopter crew blocking nearly the entire villa entrance.

You call this... making do?

Then Donovan Jennings waved to the people behind him and suddenly signaled, "Call her."

"Miss!" The uniformed pilots behind him shouted in unison, their voices as neat as a military chant. "Welcome home, Miss!"

Scarlett Garrison: ...

Why in the world did this feel so embarrassingly melodramatic?

Perhaps because of the cold reception she often received at the Garrison Family, Scarlett Garrison wasn't adept at dealing with such enthusiastic occasions. She opened her mouth and managed to squeak out, "Let's go."

Let's go quickly.

Didn't you see the villa security running over?

Donovan Jennings watched her reaction with a smile, then suddenly seemed to remember something. His charming almond eyes narrowed slightly as he surveyed her and asked,

"But why are you here alone?"

At this hour, appearing alone at the villa entrance, she couldn't have just stepped out to buy some soy sauce, right?

Scarlett pursed her lips at his words. She didn't want to say that she'd been kicked out early by the Garrison Family. Just as she was contemplating how to dismiss it, another voice suddenly rang out.

It had a hint of indifference, like the clear and quiet sound of a cold spring, deep and pleasant, with a touch of impatience.

"Are we not leaving?"

Scarlett looked towards the voice and then noticed there was another person on the initial helicopter.

Just one glance almost blinded her.

Inside the aircraft, the man had his long legs slightly bent. From her angle, she could only see half of his body hidden in the shadow of the helicopter door.

His wrist rested casually on the handrail of the stairs, his elegant posture exuding a composed aura, even the wrinkles on his suit seemed to carry an inexplicable allure.

But more than that, it was the golden light emanating from the man that truly bedazzled Scarlett.

Since childhood, she could see things others couldn't, and people's fortunes had many colors. Golden light she had only seen on those who contributed to the nation.

But looking at this nearly blinding golden light.

Had this man stolen the nation's fortune?

The moment the man spoke, Donovan quickly responded with a laugh, not asking any further questions.

"Let's go, let's go."

He said, pushing Scarlett's shoulder and steering her that way. He then lowered his voice, muttering quietly, "Tsk, the Great Demon King really has no patience."

And so Scarlett was taken in front of the "Great Demon King," placed in the seat beside him in the aircraft.

From this close, the golden light was even more blinding.

Bearing the risk of having her eyes blinded, Scarlett finally got a good look at his true face.

As stern as the sharp timbre in his indifferent voice, his features were like they were carved with a knife, angular and handsome, carrying a cold and hard beauty; his thin, slightly pursed lips radiated a cool demeanor, like ice and snow descending from a frigid mountain, engulfed in his deep, obsidian irises.

Realizing that she was staring too hard, he slightly glanced in her direction, his gaze seeming to capture all her curiosities and emotions.

Scarlett was very curious about the golden light around him but worried he might think she's an idiot. After pondering, she asked,

"Are you my brother too?"

With just one question, Donovan Jennings, sitting opposite them, let out a chuckle, while the man beside her merely cast him a cold glance, then silently withdrew his deep gaze.

"No."

And he didn't say another word.

Fortunately, Donovan Jennings was also there in that helicopter.

"This is Samuel Chalmers, not your brother. You only have me as your brother."

Scarlett found the name vaguely familiar, but she couldn't recall where she'd heard it before.

However, among the Four Great Families of Sea City, two of which were the Chalmers and Jennings.

Was it a coincidence?

Then she heard Donovan explain, "I came to pick you up today, and he's tagging along for a seat."

Scarlett nodded understandably at his words, but just as she was about to respond, the man, who had already looked away, suddenly glanced at Donovan, his thin lips parting as he spoke coolly,

"You used my helicopter team."

As the head of the Chalmers family, he certainly didn't need to piggyback on anyone's ride.

Donovan remained unfazed, even reluctantly spreading his hands. "I had no choice. All the company's vehicles were sent out, and among the people I know, you're the only one who has their own personal helicopter team set up."

Samuel Chalmers, the high-end obsessive-compulsive who even insisted that his subordinates wear the same color and style of socks.

Not to mention his helicopters, which even had foot mats that matched perfectly.

While the three continued their conversation, the all-black helicopters had already begun to slowly take off, escorting the luxurious central helicopter, leaving in a grand fashion just as they had arrived.

After the helicopter team rumbled away, several security guards who had been watching from the villa looked at each other, starting their discussion.

"The one the helicopter picked up just now, was that the Garrison's eldest daughter?"

"Yes, it was her. I heard two days ago that she's not actually the Garrison's biological daughter, and she's been kicked out. I heard her real parents are from the mountains."

"The mountains? Look at this scene, does it look like she's from the mountains? Maybe her real parents are some big shots."

"Ha, if that's the case, General Manager Garrison would regret it to death."

Although the security office had strict regulations, in private, they often gossiped about these wealthy people residing in the villa district. But just then, one of them quickly shut his mouth, turning around to bow respectfully towards the gate.

It's always best not to talk about people during the day, wasn't that the Garrison's car?

Emma White and Isolde Garrison sat in the backseat, not glancing at the bowing security guards. As noble owners, they never paid attention to these societal underlings.

"Even though the final list of city representatives has been set, it hasn't been officially submitted. I've found out that the person responsible for submitting the final list is an executive from Jennings Group."

Speaking to Isolde Garrison, Emma White smiled contentedly. "Your father happened to strike a deal with Jennings Group two days ago, so we can just go through them."

Isolde was somewhat excited upon hearing that. "Jennings Group? Behind them is the Jennings Family, one of the Four Great Families! Dad actually managed to collaborate with them, that's impressive!"

Emma White was visibly proud, but she tried to maintain an indifferent demeanor.

"Indeed, it is the Jennings Family. Many people came with money to seek collaboration only to be ignored. But they proactively sought out your father. It shows our family's standing in Sea City. In the future, more people will be knocking on our door for collaboration."

Listening to this, Isolde's face lit up visibly with excitement. Being able to collaborate with the Jennings Family meant that soon they would break into Sea City's top circles.

In the future, the eligible bachelors she could choose from would be on a whole new level.

Indeed, ever since Scarlett left, their family's fortune had improved significantly!

"Great." Isolde said, with a hint of feigned modesty, "But if we directly ask them for help, won't they refuse?"

Emma was utterly confident. "They came to us seeking cooperation; since we're partners, helping with such a minor issue should be expected, right?"

She held Isolde's hand, reassuringly, "Don't worry. Mother will ensure you secure the city image representative spot! This is about our Sea City's image. That ungrateful vulture wants to take it from you? She's not even worthy!"

Isolde felt immensely proud inside. She already considered the city representative role as her own but still put on an obedient and non-competitive front.

After pausing for a moment, she asked, "Are we heading to the Jennings Group headquarters now?"

"We're not going to the headquarters," Emma said. "We are going directly to the Jennings Family."

...

Jennings Family.

Located in the heart of Sea City, Silver River One was the most exclusive community in the entire city.

Even though every inch of land was worth gold, the villas boasted a green rate as high as 80%. Besides a separately excavated artificial lake, there were lavishly designed landscaped rock gardens.

The security of the villas was on par with retired special forces, and to view or purchase a property required verification of financial qualifications, because this was where the city's elite gathered.

Scarlett Garrison knew about this place.

Timothy Garrison had always dreamed of buying a house here.

Living here meant being neighbors with the top echelon and becoming a member of the elite.

A uniform fleet of helicopters was parked on the spacious helipad in the villa district. Nearby, a black Maybach awaited them. The three switched cars, drove through the expansive lawns of the estate, and finally stopped in front of a four-story manor villa.

Donovan Jennings got out of the car with Scarlett Garrison, while Samuel Chalmers remained seated.

When others reunited with family, no matter how good the relationship, it wasn't appropriate to intrude. This was out of courtesy.

Donovan waved a hand, and the Maybach started again, driving deeper into the villa area.

"The Chalmers Family lives just ahead. I'll formally take you to visit them later," Donovan explained, then led Scarlett Garrison inside.

The European-style manor villa exuded a luxurious grandeur.

Walking through the garden and entering the villa doors, they bypassed the entrance to the living room, where Scarlett Garrison was met with the sight of a large group of Jennings family members sitting in the room.

On the way there, Donovan had given her a brief overview.

As Scarlett had previously speculated, the Jennings Family was indeed one of the Four Great Families of Sea City, comprising four branches: three sons and a daughter, each with their own family.

The old master had stepped down due to health reasons the previous year, leaving the Jennings Group to the eldest, Luca Jennings.

The second uncle, Michael Jennings, was a domestic first-tier singer in his youth, later founding his own entertainment company, and was now a top figure in the industry.

The third uncle, Blaise Jennings, served as the Vice President of the Jennings Group, independently managing several key industries of the group.

The aunt, Brianna Jennings, was also a strong woman, having created an international first-tier brand and wielding great influence in the fashion circle.

As for the younger generation, it seemed the Jennings Family had an abundance of male descendants, with the exception of the youngest daughter of the second branch and Azura Loomis, who was a daughter fostered by the Jennings Matriarch from her maternal family.

Looking at the crowd before her, it was apparent that most members of the Jennings Family were present.

Upon seeing Scarlett and Donovan enter, all eyes turned to her, their gazes either scrutinizing, curious, indifferent, or... subtly dissatisfied.

"Grandfather."

Donovan maintained his usual demeanor, stepping forward with long strides toward the elderly man sitting in the center of the sofa, introducing, "This is Scarlett."

He then gestured toward Scarlett,

"Scarlett, greet Grandfather."

Scarlett looked at the elderly man sitting upright with a smile in the center.

She wasn't particularly skilled at face reading, despite the gentle smile in the old man's eyes. However, his prominent nose, broad forehead, and deep-set eyes marked him as someone with strong opinions—

In other words, someone accustomed to giving orders.

"Grandfather," Scarlett obediently greeted him.

The old man nodded and warmly said, "Good, it's good you've returned. From now on, you are the eldest daughter of the Jennings Family; no one can bully you."

Donovan then turned to the man sitting next to Old Sir Jennings, Luca Jennings, and introduced, "This is Father."

Scarlett followed his gaze. Compared to the kindly appearance of Old Sir Jennings, Luca Jennings gave off a relatively cold and composed impression. Especially when viewed in profile, the angles of his features exuded a certain hardness, and his well-defined features hinted at his once handsome visage.

The fine lines etched by time on his face showed not the slightest sign of aging but rather emanated the charm of a mature man—

Quite different from Timothy Garrison.

Scarlett opened her mouth slightly and softly called, "Father."

Luca Jennings' thin lips tightened slightly at this address, his entire face revealing little emotion as he looked at Scarlett. After a long pause, he replied in a deep voice,

"Mm."

Donovan then took her to meet each of the other Jennings family elders individually.

Scarlett silently observed the surrounding Jennings family members. Apart from the grandmother still in the sanatorium and another cousin, almost everyone was present.

However, among these people, her mother was absent.

According to Donovan, when she was abducted, her mother had pursued the kidnapper alone, but she accidentally fell into the sea midway, and to this day, not even her remains had been recovered.

Perhaps she was feeling a bit somber when the woman who had been addressed as second aunt earlier approached voluntarily, affectionately wrapped an arm around Scarlett, her eyes full of pity and affection.

"Scarlett, you're probably tired from your journey. Second Aunt has already prepared a room for you. Let's see if you like it, and if there's anything you don't like, just let me know anytime."

In family matters, Old Sir Jennings adhered to traditional values, emphasizing that while parents were alive, the family should remain united. Except for the already married fourth daughter, the other three branches all lived together in this manor villa.

The woman, named Odessa, appeared to be around forty but had maintained both her figure and skin extremely well. At first glance, she had all the trappings of an aristocratic lady.

Yet, the pity on her face coupled with the vanity and obsession evident in her demeanor struck Scarlett as incongruous.

Scarlett quietly withdrew her arm and was about to express her gratitude when a young boy, around thirteen or fourteen, suddenly jumped out from the side, exclaiming,

"Second Aunt, give her a different room. The one she got was Sister Azura's toy room, and if she takes it, Sister Azura won't have a place for her dolls."

The boy was the youngest son of the third branch, named Lucas Jennings, and was known among the Jennings Family as the most brash.

Indeed, as soon as he spoke, several people in the sitting room showed expressions of exasperation.

Third Uncle Blaise Jennings immediately put on a stern face, "What nonsense are you spouting?! It's none of your concern."

"Why are you scolding me? It's not like I'm lying," Lucas Jennings retorted stubbornly. "The house has so many rooms that aren't used, and as soon as she comes, she has to take over Sister Azura's toy room. Why's that fair?!"

The girl sitting among the younger generation had already stood up without anyone noticing. A look of slight self-reproach appeared on her delicate and fair face,

"Stop it, Lucas."

This was Azura Loomis, as the boy referred to.

Azura Loomis was the niece from Old Lady Jennings' side of the family. Back when Scarlett went missing, to console her eldest son and also to balance the predominance of males in the Jennings Family, Old Lady Jennings especially brought Azura from her maternal home to live with them. She had been raised alongside her cousins since the age of three.

Azura turned to Scarlett and said gently, "Don't mind Lucas, Scarlett. He doesn't mean any harm. He just can't stand me being wronged. That room is yours if it's given to you. I'm fine with it."

Her attitude was gracious and proper, yet each word subtly emphasized her grievances.

She demonstrated the familiar behavior often seen in Isolde Garrison.

Scarlett pondered silently.

Could it be that her peculiar disposition always attracted these types of tea lovers?

The girl turned her head and feigned a scolding manner, "Apologize quickly, Lucas. Scarlett is your sister."

"Tch," the boy scoffed with disdain, muttering under his breath, "How is she my sister?"

With a "clang," a cup was suddenly slammed heavily onto the marble table, abruptly silencing the living room.

...

On one side of the living room, Lucas Jennings sat expressionlessly in a single-seater sofa, a water ring forming on the table in front of his teacup.

After a while, he slightly turned his eyes toward Lucas Jennings, speaking calmly, yet he asked, "Scarlett is my daughter, my daughter, isn't she worthy to be your sister?"

The boy, who just moments ago was brash, was visibly cowed now.

"Uncle, I didn't mean it like that..."

Beside him, Donovan Jennings, watching his father suppress the young one with a single look, turned his gaze to Azura Loomis,

"Azura, do you feel wronged living with the Jennings Family?"

Called out, Azura Loomis's face turned slightly pale, and she hurriedly denied, "No, Brother Donovan, you've misunderstood me."

"In that case, stop saying things that might cause misunderstandings in the future." Donovan Jennings maintained his smile, but his voice carried an undeniable pressure.

Azura Loomis opened her mouth, hesitated, and then lowered her head without daring to speak further, silently biting her lip.

At this moment, Odessa spoke up to break the tension, "It's my oversight, just a room, it shouldn't be a problem."

"Your arrangements were indeed inappropriate." Donovan Jennings, as the eldest grandson of the Jennings Family, never sugarcoated his words, even with elders. "Scarlett is my sister, the eldest daughter of the Jennings Family. Having her live in an unused nursery room is laughable."

As he spoke, he suddenly wrapped an arm around Scarlett's shoulder, protectively, "My sister came home, not to endure this kind of grievance."

With those words, he unintentionally made Azura Loomis's cheeks flush.

She had just hinted to everyone that she was wronged, and here Donovan turned it around, saying that having Scarlett stay in her used room was the real injustice.

Wasn't he embarrassing her?

On the other hand, Scarlett, suddenly having her shoulder embraced, froze.

It wasn't clear if it was because of Donovan's gesture or his words.

The supposed grievances couldn't be compared to what she experienced at the Garrison Family, just words.

But it was the first time someone showed concern about whether she felt wronged.

A warmth spread through her heart, like feeling for the first time what family should be.

Odessa's face showed slight embarrassment, secretly cursing Donovan Jennings for never giving her face, and instinctively she looked at Luca Jennings and Old Sir Jiang, only to find them both silent. Unable to voice her frustration, she endeavored to maintain her composure,

"Donovan is right, it's my fault for not considering it thoroughly. I will have someone rearrange it."

Donovan immediately smiled and nodded at her, "Please, take care of it soon, Aunt."

Then he turned to the others, "I'll take Scarlett for a walk in the garden."

After speaking, without caring about anyone's opinion, he led Scarlett toward the garden.

With their departure, the atmosphere in the hall grew tense again. Odessa felt extremely aggrieved and was about to explain when the butler walked in and addressed Old Sir Jiang,

"Sir, there's a call from the gate saying Mrs. Garrison is here to visit."

The surname Garrison, everyone immediately thought of Scarlett.

Thinking that she had just been brought over from the Garrison Family, why would someone chase after her now?

"Is she here for Scarlett? It seems she can't bear to part with the child." The third aunt of the Jennings Family said with a laugh, trying to ease the tension.

She had noticed Scarlett came in without luggage.

Not knowing the reason, the Garrison Family must have come to bring her belongings.

Knowing Scarlett is the daughter of the Jennings, even a confused Garrison Family wouldn't make such a mistake as not providing her luggage.

The butler hesitated a bit, then said, "That Mrs. Garrison is here to visit Mrs. George."

The third aunt's smile froze, puzzled, "To see me?"

Why would someone from the Garrison Family come see her without the child?

...

On the other side.

The Jennings Family garden had a classic European style, the vintage fence on the side of the villa was covered with roses, the meticulously maintained lawn spread green brilliantly in the summer sun.

Following behind Donovan Jennings, Scarlett listened to him casually introduce the little things in the garden, but her thoughts quietly drifted back to when Donovan stood up for her in the living room.

There was a curious, subtle feeling.

After a while, she couldn't help but softly say, "Thank you."

Donovan stopped and looked at her, then suddenly smiled and ruffled her hair, "With your brother, no need for thanks."

Scarlett just stared at him, looking slightly dazed with her hair tousled, which deepened Donovan's smile even more.

Just as he was about to say something else, his phone rang at the perfect moment. He glanced at the caller, signaling Scarlett to roam around as she liked, and he stepped aside to take the call.

Scarlett continued walking forward, going about ten steps before her gaze fell on a woman cleaning furniture in a gazebo.

The woman was about fifty, with an unassuming appearance, but from Scarlett's angle, she could easily see the gloomy aura entangled around her, which is something clinging only to those tainted by wickedness.

Scarlett normally disliked meddling because getting involved unnecessarily could invite karmic entanglements.

But if ignored, the woman's dark aura might affect others in the house.

She approached her.

The woman, with a rag in hand, mechanically wiping, looked dazed with confusion, her eyes occasionally glancing in one direction until Scarlett stood in front of her, jolting her back to awareness as she hurriedly greeted,

"M-Miss."

"You recognize me?" Scarlett was somewhat surprised; she had only been in this house for a bit more than half an hour, without having met all the Jennings Family members.

"The butler gave all the staff photos to recognize Miss beforehand so we wouldn't accidentally offend you." The woman smiled ingratiatingly, explaining.

Scarlett didn't expect the Jennings Family to make such arrangements, quietly considerate, truly befits a prestigious family.

"Is there something you need, Miss?" The woman asked as Scarlett remained silent.

Scarlett was about to speak when suddenly she saw two familiar figures walking in through the garden gate.

It was Emma White and Isolde Garrison.

Both were led in by the butler in a suit, spotting Scarlett in the gazebo immediately, and their faces turned to shock.

"What are you doing here?!"