"Is that so..." Evelina mumbled to herself. She didn't expect for the Bailey family to adopt another. Should she make the her, her ally, or was she a threat? After some silent calculations, Evelina decided that she shouldn't decided unless she saw this new lady herself!

"Will we be attending the debut, father?" Alex asked. His face expressionless.

"Even if I wish to not, we must attend." the duke sighed.

"What's this lady's name father?" Evelina asked with a sweet tone. Her eyes blinked innocently.

"Hm. I believe her name is Harper." the duke answered as he sat down his glass of wine.

"Oh..." Evelina exclaimed and began to ponder.

******************

The day for the debut held by the Bailey eventually arrived. Angelina wore a lavish light pink gown and matching jewelry. Evelina wore a plain, yet beautiful gown. Her attire was much more humble than Angelina's.

When they all gathered in the lobby, Evelina shot Angelina a triumphant smile. But Angelina didn't care.

"Eve, you look beautiful." Alex patted Evelina's head gently. He smiled as he continued to praise his beloved sister. When it came for his youngest sister, he looked at her for a few seconds before scoffing. "Heh..."

'This dog...!' Angelina gritted her teeth angrily. He actually dared mock her in front of everyone! In her opinion, she looked a thousand times better than Evelina! He is clearly blind.

"Eve, Lina you both look splendid!" the duchess hugged her two daughters.

"Mother, Eve clearly looks the best. Don't compare Eve with 'her'..." Alex said as he frowned.

"Lex! Don't say such a thing! Lina is beautiful as well!" the duchess immediately defended her youngest daughter.

"Brother...your words will make sister sad..." Evelina too 'defended' Angelina. However, Evelina didn't, disagree with Alex's words. She never denied Angelina being 'ugly'.

"....." Angelina caught on quickly and deepened her frown. Evelina was poking at her ego.

Evelina turned to her sister and smiled. It appeared like a sympathetic smile, full of understanding. But she was simply provoking Angelina even more. As if it was fun for her.

Angelina curled her lips upward and smiled. "Elder sister is too kindhearted and virtues.."

"Don't say things you don't mean, Angelina Skyler." Alex interrupted. But Angelina's smile didn't change in the slightest bit. But on the inside, she was boiling with anger. She'll definetly get back at the two. But right now is not the time.

************************

"Congratulations, marquess and marchioness Bailey. We look forward to seeing this lady." the couple bowed respectfully and congratulated them.

"Thank you, baron. We are delighted to have you here to celebrate with us. Though she still has much to learn." marchioness Bailey nodded politely and forced out a smile.

Once the couple left their sight, the marchioness sighed and rubbed the space between her brows.

"Ease your heart, mother. I'm sure today's debut will play out smoothly." Christopher attempted to comfort his mother. He knew better than anyone else, how stressed and exhausted his mother is. He knew it was hard for her to accept a commoner as her daughter.

"It's easier said than done, son. She still doesn't understand many things. She still carries the air of a common girl. How could she learn to be a true aristocrat in merely 2 years? I'm afraid she will disgrace us..." the marchioness shut her eyes as she felt a headache coming. Harper was still unused to the proper rules and manners of an aristocrat.

"Father doesn't seem to worry, so why should you mother?" Christopher stretched out his hand and gently patted his mother's shoulder.

"Your father is too busy with matters at court to care for such trivial things. But as his wife, it is I who is responsible in making sure the family's reputation and honor stays safe. And that means taking care of troublesome children like you. So safe your mother some energy by stop having secret affairs with those girls...!" the marchioness quietly scolds Christopher.

"Haha..." he shrugged off his mother's advice and distract her with another topic. He wasn't willing to leave behind the 'beauties waiting for him'.

After a few more exchanges with a few small nobles, a more esteemed family finally arrived.

"Greetings duke, duchess. It is our 'honor' to have you here..." the marchioness smiled welcomingly. But it carried a hint of hostility and coldness.

"We're honored to be invited. Where is the marquess?" the duke smiled coldly and asked. After receiving his answer, he went over to where the marquess was. Leaving behind his wife and three children with the marchioness.

"My...I'm so envious of you, duchess. You have such good looking and well behaved children. While I'm stuck with this rascal..." the marchioness swept her gaze over the Skyler children and then at her own son, and sighed.

"Marchioness is being too humble. My children are not perfect. But I still love them. Your grace's son is also quite capable. I heard a rumor of his tutors countlessly praising him." the duchess smiled warmly and said.

On the surface, they looked like the best of friends. But what was hidden under those fake smiles, was anything than what they portrayed.

The two has never gotten alone. Even before they were married. Their rotten relationship only grew worse once they married opposing families.

The marchioness couldn't help but be envious. The duchess had multiple children. While she could no longer have any. The duchess's children were all admired and praised. While her son couldn't even pass a year without involving himself in some sort of scandal.

Even when they were children, the duchess always seemed to live better.

Their children, sensing the tension, decided to swiftly slip away.

Angelina wanted to find her circle, but before she could, Christopher grabbed her wrist.

"Little beauty, where are you going?" He smirked.

"Please refrain yourself, sir. It isn't proper for you to act like this, and please don't call me that." Angelina tried to shake his hand off, but he held on.

"There's no need to pretend, m'lady. This one knows m'lady is merely trying to catch my attention." he clenched her wrist and pulled her close, but Angelina immediately pushed him away forcefully.

At that exact moment, they heard an announcement and all heads turned to the same direction.

The tall, grand doors slowly opened and a figure of a beautiful young woman emerged.

"Is that lady Harper?" the crowd broke into a quiet discussion.

"She's much more pretty than I thought. But she's not as beautiful as the empire's top beauties, such as lady Evelina and Angelina."

"The Bailey family has good eyes. Sweet face, and humble aura. She's acceptable."

"......" Harper nervously walked out. She watched Christopher make his way through the crowd and held out his hand. She smiled sweetly and wrapped her arm around his.

Truthfully, he felt slightly annoyed. He was forced to leave the silver haired beauty. The family had arranged for him to accompany Harper through her debut. To avoid her messing up.

As they walked forward to the crowd, Harper became even more nervous and due to that, she accidently stepped on her gown and staggered slightly. Fortunately, she was able to stabilize herself quickly. Some of the nobles didn't notice, but those who did couldn't help but snicker.

"Greetings, lady Harper. I'm lady Sonia, daughter of baron White."

"You look wonderful lady Harper. This one is honored to meet you."

"It's a pleasure to meet you, lady Harper. The Bailey family must be blessed to have you as their daughter."

"Greetings everyone!" Harper smiled brightly and thanked everyone for coming. She felt nervous at first, but seeing as everyone eagerly approach and praise her, she couldn't help but enjoy the attention.

"....." Angelina stayed where she was and blankly stared at the surrounded lady. She wasn't sure if she should introduce herself or just stay quiet. She knew Harper didn't know anything and was innocent, but she couldn't help but feel strange.

She didn't know if she felt pity, hatred, or despair.

"It's a pleasure to meet you lady Harper. I'm lady Evelina from the Skyler family." Evelina took Harper's hands in hers and introduced herself.

"Oh! I've heard about m'lady!" Harper smiled back. She stared at Evelina with sparkling eyes, full of admiration.

"Is that so? How come?" Evelina asked.

"Of course I've heard about lady Evelina! How could I not? Lady Evelina is the number one beauty of the empire after all! Oh.. I"m so jealous..." Harper pouted. Looking adorable. All around her trembled at her smile.

What an adorable lady...

"...." Evelina was the only one who felt her blood boil. She stopped herself from frowning and continued to smile.

Harper looked around the crowd and spotted a lone figure. She let go of Evelina's hand and approched the silver haired beauty.

"...!" The lady seemed caught of guard for a moment, before recovering her composure and smiling.

"Greeting lady Angelina." Harper curtsied and smiled.

"This one is pleased to make your acquaintance." Angelina smiled charmingly and curtsied politely.

"I've always wanted to meet you, m'lady. I've heard many things about you!" Harper smiled with eagerness. Her mouth slightly agape as she stared at Angelina with awe.

The silver haired lady stopped to stare at the sweet young woman in front of her and sighed with relief.

There didn't seem to be any hidden intentions in her eyes. She looked completely sincere and pure.