Chapter 6
In her last life, Mabel had watched helplessly as the Harper family threw an extravagant return party for Rhea, celebrating their reunion with their real daughter.
That event had marked the beginning of Mabel’s public downfall Rhea had staged a dramatic scene, accusing her of stealing a family heirloom bracelet that Beatrice had gifted her. Overnight, Mabel had been branded the jealous, scheming sister.
To make matters worse, Beatrice had later claimed the family’s budget was stretched too thin after Rhea’s celebration. The grand eighteenth birthday party Mabel had been promised was quietly canceled.
This time, Mabel had no intention of letting Rhea steal the spotlight.
Dale paused, stroking his chin thoughtfully at Mabel’s suggestion. “Hmm. Mabel has a good point. Rhea, with the current situation, it might be wiser to cancel your reunion party, for now.
Rhea’s face paled, her voice rising in disbelief. “What? You can’t be serious!”
The party was supposed to be her triumphant moment – a public declaration of her place as the Harper family’s true heiress. Without it, she might fail to solidify her position in high society.
Dale’s frown deepened. “What’s the problem? You’ve been saying all along that there’s no need for a party, that you don’t want us spending money unnecessarily. Were you lying about that?”
Rhea froze, caught in the trap she’d set for herself. She had played the humble daughter card, hoping to look selfless and considerate in her parents‘ eyes. Never in her wildest dreams had she thought they might actually cancel the event.
She scrambled to recover, her voice faltering. “Dad, that’s not what I meant… It’s just, Mom mentioned earlier that the venue’s already been booked. If we cancel now, won’t we lose the deposit? I just don’t want you to lose the money for me.”
Mabel’s lips curved into a faint smile, her voice laced with playful sarcasm. “How thoughtful of you. But don’t worry there’s an easy fix. Mom, didn’t you say the venue wasn’t finalized for my eighteenth birthday party yet? Why don’t we just ask them to postpone the reservation by three days? That way, we can introduce Rhea to everyone during my celebration. It’ll be perfect two birds with one stone!”
Beatrice hesitated, caught in the middle. Her heart always leaned toward Rhea, her precious daughter, The extravagant budget for the reunion party had been set, with the goal of showcasing Rhea as the Harper family’s star – not as a supporting
act in Mabel’s event,
She turned to Dale, seeking support. “What do you think, dear? Won’t this be unfair to Rhea?”
But Dale, ever the pragmatist, dismissed her concerns with a wave. In his eyes, a lavish party for Rhea wasn’t worth the potential risk of embarrassment. Combining the event with Mabel’s birthday was the perfect solution cost–effective, reputation–saving, and even a gesture of goodwill toward Mabel Practical, efficient, and good optics.
And there was one more reason Dale didn’t mention aloud: Mabel’s eighteenth birthday marked the moment she could sign over her shares in Calvin’s business.
“We’ll go with Mabel’s idea,” Dale said decisively, standing and grabbing his briefcase: That’s settled. I have worked at the office – I’ll be out for dinner.
Without another word, he strode out of the villa, leaving no room for argument.
Mabel’s lips curved into a small, satisfied smile as she watched her father leave.
“Don’t be upset, Rhea,” she said with feigned sympathy, her voice light and sweet but with a razor’s edge. “It’s JUST a party. Mom and Dad’s love for you is as solid as ever.”
Chapter 6
The faint mockery in Mabel’s tone was impossible to miss, ad Rhea caught every bit of it. Her chest burned with indignation as she glared at Mabel.
The
party she’d spent weeks dreaming about had just been reduced to an afterthought, overshadowed by Mabel’s birthday celebration. Her fists clenched tightly, nails digging into her palms.
Mabel had done this deliberately – Rhea was certain of it. Step by step. Mabel had set her up, and she had fallen for it. This isn’t over, Rhea thought, fury coursing through her. She seemed to have underestimated Mabel before.
She vowed to strike back, on the day of the party. She’d make sure to humiliate Mabel in front of every guest, proving who the real Harper daughter was
What Rhea didn’t realize was that Mabel had her own vow. In her previous life, she had tolerated every slight, every insult, only to be branded a jealous, scheming sister. It had been Rhea who accused her of trying to outshine the ‘rightful” Harper daughter.
The truth? The Harper family’s success had been built on Mabel’s shoulders, though they would never admit it. This time. Mabel thought, she wouldn’t just defend herself – she would make it crystal clear who truly controlled the Harper family’s fate.
Beatrice was softly consoling Rhea while Mabel lounged on a chair, relaxing. In one hand, she toyed with her phone; in the other, she nibbled on a sandwich, utterly unbothered.
Rhea, simmering with resentment, couldn’t resist a jab. “Wow, Mabel, you sure have an appetite. After eating so much at lunch, you’re already hungry again? I’m so jealous. If I ate like that, I’d look like a cow by now.”
Mabel looked up, her gaze cool and dismissive. In her last life, thanks to Rhea’s cruelty, she had nearly starved in the attic, scavenging for scraps of moldy bread just to stay alive. This time, she wasn’t going to deprive herself of anything not food, not dignity, not revenge.
“You should be jealous,” Mabel said breezily, taking another bite. Tve always had one of those ‘eat whatever and never gaina pound‘ metabolisms. You wouldn’t know what that’s like.”
Rhea’s face turned red with anger. “You” she sputtered, too furious to find the words.
Before the argument could escalate, the sound of the villa’s doorbell rang through the room.
A maid rushed to answer it and returned moments later, holding a small, carefully wrapped package. “Ma’am, someone delivered this. They said it’s a very valuable item for Miss Harper
Mabel’s gaze flicked toward the package, her expression calm, though a glint of amusement sparkled in her eyes. She smirked. Finally, here we go.
Rhea practically flew off the couch at the mention of “Miss Harper. Her excitement spilled over as she rushed to the door. “For me? Let me check!”
At the entrance stood two men, dressed in formal suits, radiating professionalism. One carried an elegantly crafted gift box, while the other greeted Rhea with a polite smile. “Good evening miss. A piece of jewelry has been purchased from our store, and we’re here to deliver it,” he said, his tone respectful.
He carefully opened the box, revealing a breathtaking tiara nestled in luxurious blue velvet. The intricate design sparkled under the light, the gemstones catching and reflecting every ray like a cascade of stars.
Rhea gasped, her hands flying to her mouth as her voice broke into an excited squeal. “Mom! It’s the tiara worth 13 million! The one we saw at the jewelry exhibition this afternoon!”
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Chapter 6
Hearing the commotion, Beatrice hurried over, her eyes widening in disbelief at the sight of the dazzling tiara. “Oh my goodness! It really is! But… didn’t the salesman say it had already been sold? How did it end up here?”
Barely able to contain her excitement, Rhea turned to the delivery man. “Do you know who bought it?”
The man shook his head apologetically. “I’m sorry, miss. We’re only responsible for delivery. The buyer’s information wasn’t disclosed to us.
Beatrice, her excitement bubbling over, nudged Rhea playfully. “Silly girl. Do you even need to ask? It has to be your dad! He can be so strict sometimes, but he has such a soft spot for you. No wonder he left in such a hurry earlier – he probably didn’t want to ruin the surprise!
Rhea’s eyes sparkled as Beatrice’s explanation sank in. It made perfect sense. Her earlier bitterness melted away, replaced by the warm glow of happiness. Her heart soared. This tiara could only mean one thing – her father adored her above all else. Why else would he buy such an extravagant gift?
It was a declaration, loud and clear: Rhea was the Harper family’s tiara jewel, their one and ONLY love.
A newfound confidence surged through Rhea. She vowed that on Mabel’s birthday, she’d wear this tiara and show everyone who the real Princess was. She’d make Mabel eat her words – and her pride.
As Rhea admired her reflection in the sparkling tiara, Mabel appeared behind her, unnoticed at first.
Rhea, adopting her usual coy routine, turned with a shy smile. “Mom, I can’t have it! A tiara this expensive – there’s no way Dad bought it for me. Maybe… it’s for Mabel?”
Her voice dripped with faux modesty, a familiar tactic to paint herself as humble while setting Mabel up for disappointment.
But this time, Mabel wasn’t playing along.
Without sparing either of them a glance, Mabel calmly stepped past Rhea and Beatrice, her peaceful walk effortlessly commanding attention. She approached the delivery men, her tone measured and confident. “Apologies for the delay,” she said, extending her hand. The tiara is for for me. I’ll sign for it now.”
A heavy silence fell over the room. Rhea and Beatrice froze, their expressions shifting from shock to disbelief as if the ground beneath them had suddenly disappeared.
SEND GIFT
