"Today's outfit is from Hermès, right? I heard there's only one in the whole world! So jealous!" Cindy was deeply annoyed, but in public, her identity represented the Blackwood family. She couldn't be openly rude, so she forced a polite smile. Nearby, Kaia, who had just arrived, felt a bitter mix of envy and sourness. She envied how Cindy was like a spotlight, eagerly sought after by the young socialites. What soured her mood was... why didn't she get that kind of treatment? After all, she was the true, legitimate daughter of the Lark family. Kaia's expression didn't fool Chloe Lark, the fake daughter living under the same roof for years. She knew Kaia best. She knew Kaia was a vain, thoughtless woman.She scoffed, "An ugly duckling only becomes a swan if it was born one—and this one's not even close to the sky before floundering and sinking!" Kaia shot her a furious glare. Chloe flicked her long, wavy hair, firing back, "What? Did I say something wrong?" Soon, their father, who was socializing in the distance, waved at Chloe, signaling her to join him. It turned out he wanted to use the occasion to introduce Chloe to some promising young men. Kaia's heart grew even more sour. She was the biological daughter! Yet in her father's eyes, only that imposter mattered! A few days ago, she'd overheard the household staff saying the Lark family was already arranging blind dates for Chloe. Potential matches included heirs of wealthy families and the only son of a high-ranking government official—a future of visible luxury and status.But what about Kaia? No one showed any interest! Fuming, Kaia wanted to vent to someone, but she knew almost no one at the entire hotel. Zora and Zane were busy greeting and toasting guests. She couldn't disturb them. Suddenly, her eyes lit up. "Mr. Sterling! Mr. Cross." Kaia lifted the hem of her dress and walked over to Hugo and Ines. Her shy gaze couldn't help but linger on Hugo. Both Hugo and Ines were momentarily surprised, then quickly recovered. Recently, Zora had brought Kaia to have dinner with them a few times, so they were somewhat acquainted. Hugo gave a slight nod. "Hello." Ines, however, was much more enthusiastic. He grinned. "Kaia, calling us 'Mr.' is too formal! Just use our first names from now on!"He pointed at himself, then at Hugo. "Ines, Hugo." The blush on Kaia's face deepened. "Okay... Ines, Hugo." Because of her connection to Darcy, she had met them before and shared a meal or two. But back then, they had been aloof and indifferent toward her. Ever since Zora brought her into their circle, their attitude toward her had clearly changed. As expected, Zora's influence was powerful! She definitely needed to stay close to Zora. As for Darcy— Kaia snorted inwardly. Darcy was heartbroken and jobless now, worse off than even her. She was probably miserable. Thinking this, Kaia secretly took a photo and posted it on social media, subtly showing off. "So happy to attend my supervisor's mother's birthday party. Feeling more and more like besties with my supervisor."After posting, Kaia mustered her courage to strike up a conversation with Hugo. Hugo's responses were polite but distant. After a couple of exchanges, Gwen came looking for him. "I'm hungry. Take me to get something good to eat," Gwen said, tugging on his hand and acting cute. Kaia's face instantly paled. "Alright," Hugo smiled and gently patted Gwen's head. "She's Hugo's cousin," Ines said, seeing Kaia's dazed expression. Kaia immediately sighed in relief. "No wonder." But— Hugo doesn't like your type. Ines took a sip of champagne, keeping that thought to himself. Cindy used a trip to the restroom as an excuse to rub her stiff cheeks, sore from holding a fake smile for too long. After drying her hands, she wasn't keen on returning to the main hall. She found an empty lounge to hide in for a while. Scrolling through her phone felt boring. She tapped on Darcy's WhatsApp. She sent a message, "What are you up to?" About fifteen minutes later, Darcy replied, "Studying." "Trying to outshine everyone???" Darcy covered her mouth, laughing. "How do you have time to message me? Weren't you going to a birthday party?" Cindy then poured out everything about the evening to Darcy. Finally, she voiced her sincere wish, "I hope your jerk ex and that fake Dr. get locked together! Don't let them out to ruin anyone else!" Darcy's finger paused on the screen. Fake Dr.? What does it mean? Cindy, as if reading her mind, sent another message a second later, "Yep, exactly what you're thinking!" "Zora had a marriage arrangement with my cousin. They were supposed to get engaged this year. But then my cousin found out her degree was bought, and all her papers and publications were ghostwritten. Her personal life abroad was a complete mess. My cousin dumped her family immediately. And a woman like that, only your blind ex would treat her like a treasure." Darcy was shocked, but quickly calmed down. Whether it was Zane or Zora, they were both strangers to her now. Who deceived whom didn't matter to her anymore. Darcy replied with a simple "Okay," ended the conversation, and buried herself back in her studies.