The Chen mansion glowed with golden chandeliers that evening, but to Sara, it felt colder than ever.
Dinner was laid out elegantly: steaming dishes, crystal glasses, and perfectly folded napkins. Yet the warmth of family was missing. Her father sat at the head of the table, his phone placed beside his plate, buzzing occasionally with messages he couldn't ignore.
Mrs. Chen, poised and graceful, poured wine into his glass. "Darling, you've been working so hard. The Li family has agreed to meet next week. If we secure this partnership, everything will stabilize."
Her father's shoulders eased. "That's good news. You've handled things well."
Sara set down her fork. "What partnership?"
Both adults glanced at her, almost as if they had forgotten she was there.
Her stepmother's smile never faltered. "Business matters, dear. Nothing for you to worry about."
"But it involves the Li family?" Sara pressed, her curiosity piqued.
Mrs. Chen's gaze softened — too soft, too sweet. "Yes. You've met Daniel, haven't you? His father is an important man. We must maintain a good relationship with their family."
Something in her tone made Sara's stomach twist. She wanted to ask more, but her father cleared his throat. "Sara, focus on your studies. Your stepmother and I will handle the company."
The subject was dropped, but unease lingered.
Later that night, Sara passed by the sitting room and heard voices. She paused, hidden in the shadows.
"…she's too soft," her stepmother whispered. "She doesn't understand the weight of this family name. If she continues to drift, she'll become a liability."
Her father's sigh followed. "She's still young. She'll grow out of it."
"No, she won't, not if you keep indulging her," Mrs. Chen insisted. "This is the time to mold her, to teach her where her duty lies. She can't live in her own little world forever."
Sara's chest tightened. A liability. That's what her stepmother thought of her.
She retreated quietly to her room, her heart pounding.
The next morning, Mrs. Chen entered her room uninvited, carrying a new dress draped over her arm. It was elegant, silk with delicate embroidery.
"Try this on," she said smoothly. "You'll wear it to the dinner with the Li family."
Sara blinked. "Dinner?"
Her stepmother's eyes glinted. "Of course. Families must get along, don't you think? And Daniel Li will be there."
Sara's breath caught. Why was she being dressed up like… like a piece of decoration?
"Why me?" she asked cautiously.
Mrs. Chen's smile widened. "Because, my dear, appearances matter. And the Chen family must shine."
Sara stared at the dress, unease crawling down her spine. This wasn't just about dinner. It was something more — something her stepmother wasn't saying out loud.
And deep inside, Sara knew this was only the beginning of her stepmother's plans.