It was because of this belief that she had trusted them so naively. After all, even a tiger doesn't eat its cubs, let alone humans. She believed, and she paid dearly for it.
In this lifetime, no matter how eloquent they were, Zuri would not believe them.
One lesson was enough!
Any more naivety, and she might as well cut her own throat.
Arianwen hurried upstairs, smiling. "Miss Zuri, it's time to go downstairs."
Dalia smiled and said, "Zuri, let's go down together."
Zuri avoided her outstretched hand. "No need. Today is my birthday, my show."
Her show was about to begin.
As the music started, all eyes turned toward the second floor. There, a girl in a purple princess dress began to descend the stairs.
Her skin was flawless, her black hair cascading behind her ears, her eyes cold like a spring in the snow-capped mountains, and her brows elegant. She exuded an ethereal, aloof aura.
The guests' eyes were drawn to her, filled with amazement and admiration.
This was Zuri's first appearance in high society, and the first time the guests saw the legendary second daughter of the Lin family.
Her exceptional looks, aloof demeanor, and elegant gait made people forget that she had lived away from the family for many years.
She was even more distinguished than many young ladies raised in wealthy families.
"This is the Lin family's second daughter?!" a noblewoman exclaimed.
"My goodness, you can't tell she once lived in such conditions. If you told me she grew up in the Lin family, I'd believe it."
"She's so beautiful."
"This is what a young lady from a prestigious family should look like."
"No wonder people from the Ye and Feng families are here. Look at her; she'll be extraordinary when she grows up."
"The Lin family's daughter is truly outstanding."
Standing at the back of the crowd, Saira watched the radiant girl, her heart overflowing with jealousy, her face contorting.
Listening to the praises and admiration for Zuri was like being stabbed by sharp knives.
These people seemed to have forgotten about her, the eldest daughter of the Lin family.
Praise her! Admire her!
Soon, she would show everyone what kind of person this perfect second daughter really was.
Leo's deep gaze followed Zuri, his eyes growing more intense.
The girl before him was as noble as a snow lotus on a glacier, yet his mind kept drifting to her wicked, enchanting face stained with blood in the alley.
What an interesting girl!
Azura quietly walked up to Leo, looking up just in time to see the faint smile at the corner of his lips, and she was startled.
Oh my gosh!
Uncle Leo was smiling! And so warmly!
Carlos smiled as he watched the girl on stage, sighing inwardly. She really was a beauty.
Third Young Master had insisted he come to support the girl, and it was clear why.
Third Young Master had good taste!
"Cut the cake," the emcee said with a smile.
Zuri took the knife from the tray held by a server, preparing to cut the cake.
Just then, a man in a server's uniform suddenly rushed towards Zuri.
Seeing the man rushing forward, a glint of interest flashed in Zuri's eyes.
The show was finally starting!
Leo moved swiftly, intercepting the man just before he reached Zuri, and kicked him to the ground.
Caught off guard, the man fell flat on his back, crying out in pain.
"Ouch, that hurts."
The sudden commotion startled all the guests. Their eyes shifted from Zuri to the man on the ground.
The man groaned twice, then, seeing no one coming to check on him, clutched his stomach and stood up.
"Who are you?" someone demanded.
The man, with righteous indignation, pointed at Zuri. "Who am I? She knows better than anyone. Darling, tell them who I am."
A grown man openly calling a young girl his darling left no doubt about their relationship.
Aaron was furious, glaring at the butler. "Call security and get this man out of here."
His daughter had a bright future ahead, and she couldn't let someone like this ruin it.
Leo looked at Zuri, his sharp eyes noticing the flicker of excitement and bloodlust in her gaze, his heart stirring slightly.
The man, seeing Zuri's silence, continued, "I know it was wrong to ask you to get rid of the baby. But there was no other way. Please forgive me, okay? Don't be mad at me."
"It wasn't easy to find you. I thought you had disappeared, but here you are. Even heaven doesn't want us to be apart."
His affectionate confession, however, was pushing Zuri into the abyss, labeling her as 'unwed mother,' 'abortionist,' and 'promiscuous.'
The guests who had just been admiring her were now shocked, their expressions unable to hide their disgust.
"Forgive me, baby!" The man clutched his heart, looking at her with deep affection.
Zuri looked at the man before her, her lips curving slightly, her blood boiling with the urge to crush him.
In her past life, this man had ruined her standing in high society, destroyed her reputation, and made her the subject of ridicule.
He gave her parents and relatives of the Lin family a reason to humiliate and attack her.
No matter how much she explained, no one believed her.
They didn't even want to listen to her, sealing her fate without a second thought.
Perhaps they didn't see any value in her back then. Or maybe they genuinely saw her that way, which is why they believed it so easily.
Azura couldn't stand it anymore. She rushed onto the stage, questioning the man, "You claim to know Zuri, so it must be true? Have you looked at yourself? Do you think Zuri would fall for you? You're just after her beauty, dreaming of what you can't have!"
Zuri's smile softened as she looked at the fierce Azura and then at the tall, handsome figure standing protectively.
How lucky she was to have them stand up for her, to shield her without hesitation.
In her past life, she always stood in front of others, bearing the brunt of the hurt. No one ever asked if she was tired. No one ever stood in front of her to shield her from harm.
YOU ARE READING
Missy's Rebirth and Reverse Attack Road
Romance"How could the biological daughter of the Lin family turn out like this?" "She spent the first eighteen years of her life in the slums, mingling with hoodlums and turning into a little thug herself. Even after returning to the Lin family, she couldn...
