Back then, she had naively trusted them because of just one sentence. After all, even a tiger wouldn't harm its cubs; how much more so would a human? She believed in them, and she paid dearly for it. In this life, no matter how honeyed their words, Seraphina would never believe them again. One lesson was enough! If she didn't learn from this, she might as well give up. Jasmine hurried upstairs, smiling as she said, "Miss Seraphina, it's time. You can go downstairs now." Chloe smiled and added, "Seraphina, let's go down together." Seraphina sidestepped her outstretched hand. "No need. Today is my birthday, my show."Her performance was about to begin. As the music started, all eyes turned toward the second-floor landing. There, a young girl dressed in a purple gown began descending the stairs with deliberate grace. Her skin was flawless, her dark hair cascading elegantly behind her ears, and her eyes, as cold as a mountain spring, held an air of quiet intensity. Her brows arched gracefully, and an aura of ethereal aloofness surrounded her. The guests' gazes gathered on her, captivated and astonished. It was Seraphina's first appearance in high society, the first time the guests beheld the fabled Miss Seraphina of the Whitewood Family. Her striking looks, cool demeanor, and the refined grace in her stride made one forget that she had spent years estranged from this world. She exuded a poise surpassing that of many wealthy young ladies raised in privilege from birth."This is the Whitewood Family's Miss Seraphina?" an astonished lady murmured. "My goodness, you'd never guess she'd lived in such a place. If you told me she'd grown up in the Whitewood Family, I'd believe it." "She's stunning." "This is exactly how a young lady from a prominent family should look." "No wonder members of the Drakon Family and Foster Family are here. Look at her—she'll be remarkable when she grows up." "The Whitewood Family truly produced an exceptional young woman." ... In the back of the crowd, Linara glared at the radiant, dazzling girl on stage, her jealousy twisting her face. Listening to the people around her singing praises and expressing high hopes for Seraphina was like feeling a dozen knives stabbing into her heart.It seemed they'd all forgotten that the Whitewood Family still had a legitimate eldest daughter—her. Go ahead and admire her! Praise her all you want! Soon, everyone would see the true colors of this "perfect" Miss Seraphina of the Whitewood Family. Jason's deep gaze never left Seraphina's figure, his eyes darkening with each passing second. The young woman before him was as noble as a snow lotus on a mountaintop, yet in his mind, he couldn't help but recall the bewitching, dangerous face she had worn, painted with blood, in that alleyway. What a fascinating girl! Evelyn subtly sidled up to Jason, catching the slight curve at the corner of his thin lips, and felt a jolt of surprise. Oh my goodness! Jason was smiling—and in such a… mischievous way!Jayden watched the young woman on stage with a slight smile, sighing inwardly. Indeed, she was a beauty in the making. It makes sense why Mr. Thomas was so insistent that he came to support this young lady's event. His judgment is spot-on! "Time to cut the cake," the host announced with a smile. Seraphina took the knife from the tray offered by a server, ready to begin. Just then, a man dressed in a server's uniform suddenly rushed forward, heading straight for Seraphina on the stage. When Seraphina noticed him, a glint of interest and subtle excitement flashed in her eyes as the bloodthirsty thrill she kept buried began to stir.