Chapter 4

“And Lucy, you’re pregnant. You need to stay emotionally stable. No more stirring up trouble, okay?”

For a moment, Arthur and Lucy both looked distinctly guilty.

I ignored them and turned to the butler.

“Starting today, Ms. Lark’s daily care must be exceptionally meticulous.

“She’ll have five specially prepared, nutrient-rich meals and shakes daily. Provide her the highest quality prenatal supplements, collagen peptides, and superfoods to ensure both Lucy and her baby receive optimal nourishment.”

A trace of surprise flashed across Lucy’s face.

“Cadence, I really can’t eat all that...”

“Of course you can. You’re eating for two now. Don’t worry about your figure. You need to eat well for the baby’s sake.”

Lucy, who had always taken pride in her looks and figure, grew visibly uneasy at the mention of weight gain.

She looked at Arthur nervously.

“Arthur, I don’t want to...”

Arthur, currently irritable and distracted, waved his hand. “Just do as she says.”

I affectionately took Lucy’s hand and said gently, “Lucy, pregnancy hormones do all sorts of things. Weight gain, skin changes, breakouts, and even hair loss. It’s all perfectly normal. You mustn’t stress. I’m going to take good care of you and the baby.”

Lucy was so frightened that her palms grew sweaty.

She mistook my show of consideration for an implied sinister plot.

While she maintained the appearance of eating the nourishing meals I ordered the kitchen to prepare, she secretly forced herself to vomit afterward.

To maintain her figure, she exercised frantically for two hours daily and ate only salads. She privately hired a prenatal yoga instructor, demanding a customized plan to “avoid gaining weight.”

I watched all this unfold while selecting a gown for the anniversary gala.

I then instructed the butler, “Ms. Lark is getting a lot of exercise these days. Prepare another nutrient supplement for her. Make sure she takes it.”

I was determined to see just what kind of child could survive the actions of such a reckless mother.

...

That weekend, I put on an haute couture gown, donned my jewelry, and calmly attended the Carter family anniversary gala.

At the gala, everyone still showed me respect.

I mingled with a practiced smile, handling the social interactions with ease.

Arthur only arrived half an hour after the gala began.

He came hand in hand with Lucy. Her belly was slightly protruding.

The entire hall erupted in murmurs.

“Isn’t that the Lark family’s adoptive daughter? She actually showed up with Mr. Carter?”

“So, she really wormed her way into the family now. That baby in her belly must be Mr. Carter’s!”

“Cadence must be furious. She’s going to tear her apart.”

When Lucy saw me, she smiled triumphantly, brimming with smugness.

As they passed by me, Lucy suddenly stumbled and fell toward me.

I was prepared and stepped aside.

She grabbed my wrist and staggered back.

“Cadence... why did you push me?”

Her face instantly turned pale. She clutched her stomach with tears in her eyes.

“Arthur, my stomach hurts...”

Arthur’s face turned ashen. He raised his hand and swung it toward my face.

“Cadence, she’s your sister! And she’s pregnant! Do you have to be so ruthless?”

Caught off guard, I took the slap. A searing pain spread across my cheek.

My heart had hardened from their past cruelties.

Yet fury seethed within me.

“If I were that ruthless, she’d never have been allowed in our home. She certainly wouldn’t be able to flaunt herself in front of me or slander me in public.”

Arthur abruptly turned his gaze toward Lucy.

Lucy’s eyes reddened with feigned hurt.

“Arthur, are you taking her word over mine?”

Once again, he turned a cold and dismissive glare toward me.

“Cadence, I’ve heard enough. Apologize to Lucy. Now.”