Missy's Rebirth and Reverse Attack Road

Chapter 67: Direct Confrontation

"Have you heard? The Hu family has declared that anyone attending Zuri's birthday party will be their enemy."

"The Hu family is the leading powerhouse in Oceanic City. With their statement, Zuri's birthday party is bound to become a joke."

"Is your family going?"

"Probably not. We have business ties with the Hu family."

"What about yours?"

"Not sure."

Walking on the Windsor Academy campus, all the students were discussing this matter. Previously, whenever they saw Zuri, they swarmed around her like bees to a flower, full of enthusiasm. Now, they stopped at a distance, merely observing from afar.

Under the shade of a nearby tree, Rhea was being bullied by a group. After they left, her hair was disheveled, and her clothes were dirty. Ever since Zuri won the competition, Natalie and her group had instructed Lila and others to target her. Rhea's daily life had become unbearable, and she blamed Zuri for all her suffering.

If Zuri hadn't won the competition, if she hadn't humiliated Natalie and the others, they wouldn't have turned on her. In her mind, she was suffering because of Zuri, bearing the pain in her place.

Rhea's eyes, filled with resentment, locked onto Zuri from a distance.

Azura sensed something amiss behind them. She turned her head and immediately spotted Rhea standing on the hill. Rhea, caught off guard, couldn't hide the hatred and malice in her eyes fast enough.

"Zuri, do you know that girl?" Azura asked softly.

Zuri glanced at Rhea. "Yes, a thankless traitor."

"Oh." Azura nodded in understanding. "No wonder she was looking at you like that. Be careful, she seems to harbor ill intentions."

Feeling panicked under their gaze, Rhea fled.

"Saturday is your birthday. What do you want? I'll buy it for you," Azura offered.

"Anything?" Zuri tilted her head, her beautiful eyes sparkling.

Azura patted her chest in assurance. "Of course."

Zuri smiled. "I want a non-mainstream hairstyle and outfit. I want to see a different Azura."

Azura was taken aback, a flicker of sadness passing through her eyes. She forced a smile. "Choose something else."

Zuri shook her head. "I don't want anything else. Don't force yourself; just be true to your heart. I was only casually suggesting."

For the first time, Zuri sensed sadness in Azura. To change her, Zuri realized she needed to understand what Azura had been through. She had thought Azura dressed the way she did because it was cool, a phase everyone went through. But now she knew it was more than that.

Owen had just finished a shoot. His assistant immediately handed him a water bottle and fanned him. Owen entered the van, took his phone from the assistant, and casually browsed social media. Suddenly, a plain and unremarkable post caught his eye.

Zuri: "Looking forward to my birthday this Saturday."

The words were simple, but for some reason, Owen felt her excitement through those few words.

However, when his gaze fell on the accompanying picture, his brows furrowed slightly.

The picture was a black background with a vibrant red rose in the center. Pale hands were breaking the beautiful rose, red sap dripping onto the white skin. The contrast between the white and red was stark.

From an artistic perspective, the image was striking and full of artistic value. But from a normal perspective, it conveyed an indescribable sense of oppression.

Owen studied the picture, recalling her pure and clear piano music, and dismissed any negative thoughts. Little Zuri must have been appreciating its artistic value.

"Do I have any plans this Saturday?" Owen asked Isaac, his head tilted.

"What are you planning?" Isaac had a bad feeling.

"A friend's birthday. I want to surprise her," Owen replied, turning to his assistant. "What do you think girls like?"

"Wait," Isaac interrupted. "Who's this girl you're talking about?"

"Little Zuri."

"Zuri?" Isaac immediately remembered. This guy just wouldn't give up.

"Owen, do you even know her well? Showing up like this might cause inconvenience. There's been a bounty for the Fox Girl online. If people link her to that, it could bring unnecessary trouble."

Owen frowned.

"Sending a gift will convey your feelings," Isaac advised.

"Fine."

Seeing Owen relent, Isaac secretly sighed in relief. "What's the date on Saturday?"

"28th."

"November 28th? That's the same day as the young miss's birthday," Isaac exclaimed.

Owen frowned, his tone cold. "She's not the young miss of the Feng family."

Isaac realized his mistake and immediately shut up.

The Feng family had four siblings, the only girl rarely seen in public. For some reason, Owen despised his only sister. He remembered the birthday of someone unrelated but forgot his sister's birthday.

Saturday arrived, and the birthday party preparations were in full swing. The courtyard was filled with roses flown in from abroad, and the event was organized by the best team and five-star chefs from Oceanic City. All the ingredients were also imported, each item a premium selection.

If not for the Hu family's interference, Aaron wouldn't have spent so extravagantly.

Saira watched from upstairs as the courtyard bustled with activity, witnessing the arrival of countless expensive items. The lavish setup made her seethe with jealousy.

Despite being in the Lin family for so many years, her father had never thrown such a grand event for her. But now, Zuri's first birthday since her return was being celebrated with such grandeur.

How could she not be jealous?

Everyone knew today was Zuri's birthday, but they forgot it was also her birthday.

Saira snorted coldly as she watched the busy scene below. The more grandiose it was now, the more she looked forward to Zuri's humiliation later.

She wanted more people to come, yet at the same time, she hoped no one would show up. Her heart was conflicted and her emotions complex.

When Zuri got up, the designer came to style her. She had no specific requests and let the designer do whatever, obedient like a puppet.

Outside, the maids' low conversations drifted in.

"How many guests do you think will come today?"

"Not sure. But I heard the Hu family is also hosting a party, supposedly for an adopted daughter."

"Adopted daughter? Could it be one of those 'adopted' daughters?"

"Of course. Do you think they'd really treat her as a daughter?"

"Doesn't Mrs. Hu object?"

"Mrs. Hu has no say in front of Sergio. Sergio is quite ruthless, using such a lowly person to compare with the second miss. Isn't that a direct insult and mockery to the second miss?"