Chapter 3

Upon seeing how firm and unwavering I was, the crowd began to doubt themselves. Some dissenting voices could be heard.

"She doesn't sound like she's lying. Why would she risk being thrown out of the Weatherby family by claiming to be the heiress?"

"Yeah, look how emotional she is. Maybe what she's saying is true. It's unsurprising for powerful families to have unknown, dark secrets."

"If Zadie is the true heiress, this is going to be quite a show."

Sally's face stiffened with embarrassment as the murmurs spread.

Luca quickly helped Grandma onto the stage.

She insisted, "I only have one granddaughter, and that is Sally. I took Zadie back after stumbling upon her in a trash heap. But this ingrate is now ruining my granddaughter's wedding. She's no adopted child of the Weatherby family. She's dead to me!"

Grandma struck the floor with her cane so forcefully that I wouldn't be surprised if it cracked.

With that, no one doubted Sally's identity any longer. Instead, they despised me even more. Those I loved the most made the deepest cuts that hurt more deeply than anything else.

"She's shameless. The Weatherby family wasted their time raising a heartless imbecile."

"Maybe she's here to steal Ms. Sally's fiance."

"Someone needs to deal with this disgrace if the Weatherby family won't."

As those words fell, someone hurled a piece of cake at my face. Soon, others followed suit. I had food smeared across my entire body in no time.

Feeling smug and triumphant, Sally shoved me into the champagne tower. "You've provoked me again and again. Did you take me for a pushover?"

I burst out laughing as I got to my feet. My hair was disheveled and dripping with champagne. My crazy appearance frightened the crowd.

In a frenzy, I pointed at the driver and said, "Tell them who I am!"

Then, I turned to Paula and pointed at her. "You too! Say it. Who am I, really?"

They looked away diffidently, refusing to meet my gaze.

"None of you dares to face me. Of course. Even my own brother and fiance refuse to acknowledge my true identity. The grandmother I saved wants to sever ties with me too. Of course, I shouldn't expect anything from you guys," I said with a scoff.

"What nonsense! She's gone completely crazy!" Luca roared in fury.

Aidan snapped in frustration, "Shut her up immediately!"

The bodyguards were stunned for a moment before pinning me down and covering my mouth.

Sally was afraid that something unexpected might happen to derail her plans.

She clutched Aidan's arm and urged impatiently, "Come on, Aidan. Let's have the city hall staff come in and register our marriage now."

Grandma nodded and agreed, "Yes. Once you register your marriage and seal the deal, she'll give up and stop making trouble."

Everyone watched eagerly as the staff stamped the documents and handed over two marriage certificates to Sally and Aidan.

Sally leaned close to my ear and whispered victoriously, "Who you are doesn't matter. I'm the one who married the heir of the Yorke family. I'm the true Ms. Weatherby. Now that I'm Mrs. Yorke, Mom and Dad can't do anything even if they're here. How does it feel to be betrayed by your own family?"

My eyes widened with rage, and I wanted nothing more than to break free and tear her apart.

Sally pretended to be frightened and retreated into Aidan's arms for comfort. Grandma and Luca immediately rushed to her side with concern.

Luca glared at me with disgust. "Dislocate her jaw and tie her up. Get her out of here."

Grandma called out to the city hall staff, who were about to leave, loudly. "This lunatic is no longer a member of the Weatherby family. Since you're still here, remove her from the city registry and have her sent to a mental institute for life."

Someone immediately brought over a consent form for my removal from the city registry and tried to force me to stamp my fingerprint onto it.

I struggled desperately with all my might, but Sally picked up a dining knife and stabbed it into my hand without hesitation.

"Wouldn't a bloody fingerprint be even better?" she sneered viciously.

"Don't you dare lay a hand on her!" A furious voice thundered from outside the entrance doors.