Riley sat on the sofa, hugging her bunny, watching everyone bustle around as she waited for Mr Yeardley to take her to Imperial University.
"Madam Riley, Miss Felicia is here. She says she wants to go with you," a maid reported, leading someone inside.
Felicia stepped into the living room and froze.
The multi-level villa was enormous. The living room alone looked larger than all three of the Cole family's residence combined. Every detail was exquisite.
And Riley—
Dressed in understated luxury, she sat there like a pampered princess, doing nothing at all.
Delicate. Untouchable.
Felicia felt a sharp mix of jealousy and irritation rise in her chest.
Everything Riley wore was high-end, far beyond what she could afford. Even the way she held that oversized bunny made her look like she'd stepped out of a fairy tale.
Meanwhile, Felicia glanced down at herself.
Her outfit had been carefully chosen, expensive by normal standards—but next to Riley, it looked cheap. And the backpack on her shoulders only made her feel even more out of place.
She rolled her eyes, then quickly put on a sweet smile. Slipping off her backpack, she walked over.
"Riley, you looked so pretty! I love what you are wearing today. Can I borrow something to wear?"
Felicia knew Riley's "soft-hearted" nature.
As long as she asked, Riley would usually hand things over without hesitation.
But this time—
"Miss Felicia," the maid behind Riley said coolly, "Madam Riley's clothes were custom-made yesterday, tailored to her measurements. I'm afraid they wouldn't fit you."
Felicia's face flushed red, then pale.
"No asked for your opinion." Felicia snapped. "I'm talking to my sister. Since when does a servant like you get to interrupt? Believe it or not, I can have your master throw you out!"
"I'm afraid you don't have that authority," the maid replied evenly, completely unfazed.
Felicia's expression stiffened with anger. She turned to Riley, who was blinking innocently beside her.
"So this is how you act as their madam?" Felicia demanded. "A servant dares to insult your own sister right in front of you, and you don't say a word?"
Riley almost laughed.
Is she serious?
Sometimes Riley wondered which one of them was actually the fool.
This was the Yates residence. Everyone here had been with Adrian for years. Anyone with sense would know better than to provoke them.
Yet Felicia insisted on picking a fight and expected Riley, a "fool," to step in and defend her.
Who's the idiot here?
You'd need ten years of brain damage to say something like that.
The maid ignored Felicia entirely. She placed Riley's packed belongings into her hands.
"These are Madam Riley's things. You'll be carrying them from now on."
"What? Why should I?!" Felicia exploded.
The maid gave her a calm glance. "Because you're entering Imperial University as Madam Riley's companion. Otherwise, do you really think you could get in on your own?"
"You—!"
"Enough. It's getting late. Time to leave."
The maid cut her off without hesitation, then led Riley toward the door. As they left, she added casually, "Don't forget to carry Madam Riley's bag."
Felicia stared at the heavy bags in her hands, fuming—but she had no choice.
She shot a resentful look at Riley, who walked ahead effortlessly, empty-handed.
Felicia was now burdened with two large bags, even forced to carry her own backpack awkwardly in one hand.
Her jaw tightened.
Riley, just wait.
Once we get to the university, I'll deal with you.