Zoe shook her head vigorously. “I want to relax. I heard this camp is all about physical fitness and is even more exhausting than military training. I really don’t want to waste my vacation like this.”

“All right, then,” said Tiffany. Seeing that Zoe genuinely didn't want to participate, she didn't insist.

The next day, during the routine pre-holiday meeting, the school announced the list of participants and emphasized the schedule. All participants were to gather at the school one week later.

This announcement excited some; they found the camp interesting and thrilling. However, many complained bitterly. “I don’t want my nice holiday ruined,” one student grumbled. Another added, “Others get two months off, and I only have a seven-day break. I was planning to relax, but now I’m forced to undergo this training. Great.”

Suddenly, the principal’s message boomed over the loudspeaker, cutting through the protests. “Get ready for the camp. I’m looking forward to your performance. I know many of you are reluctant, but this is a rare opportunity: cherish it.”

Objectively speaking, this truly was a rare and valuable opportunity. All participants came from prominent families. After graduation, they would invariably join their family businesses. Therefore, the management skills, knowledge, and physical training they received were all part of a thorough grooming process. Even with bodyguards, the ability to foresee danger and handle situations calmly was an indispensable skill.

Tiffany had always known what awaited her. However, in her previous life, there was no such joint training. Many things were clearly developing differently.

After the meeting, the vacation officially began. With her limited seven-day holiday, Tiffany’s first priority was returning home.

When Eric saw his sister, he rushed over joyfully, shouting, “Ah, Tiffany, you’re finally back!” His break had started earlier than Tiffany’s, and although he enjoyed being home with his parents, he most wanted to spend time with his sister, his idol.

Tiffany picked up her little brother, ruffled his hair affectionately, and said, “My good boy.” Charlie and Thalia were equally happy to see their daughter.

“You’re finally back! Oh my, you’ve lost so much weight! Hurry, serve dinner—get the soup for my girl,” Charlie said. He’d taken the day off to spend time with his daughter before she left for training.

Charlie and Thalia had long known about the training, and Charlie had readily agreed. As a father, his thinking was simple: it was good for girls to learn more.

However, when Eric learned about it, he immediately grabbed his sister’s hand and protested, “I want to go too!”

Charlie said, “Go, go, go! You little brat, you’d only distract your sister.” He glanced at Eric and added, “Are you complaining about not having enough homework? Do you want more extracurricular classes?”

Eric immediately fell silent. As the youngest, he was lowest in the family hierarchy: mother and daughter first, then father and son.

Tiffany chuckled and put a piece of rib on her brother’s plate, coaxing, “I’ll take you out to play these few days to make up for it, okay?”

“Okay.” Eric’s eyes lit up.

Charlie couldn’t help but glare at him. “All you do is cling to your sister. Didn’t all the beatings when you were younger teach you anything?” Due to the significant age gap, Tiffany had often teased her brother when they were young. Despite this, their bond was genuinely strong. No matter how often he was disciplined, Eric always proudly told everyone about his beautiful sister.

The family chatted and laughed, reminiscing about the past. The atmosphere was warm and harmonious until Sandra walked in and said humbly, “Uncle Charlie, Aunt Thalia, I’m back.”

Awkwardness filled the air, and Thalia frowned. Since Sandra's previous outburst, when she'd tried to scratch Tiffany's face, a rift had formed between them. Even though they’d previously treated Sandra like a daughter, there were limits to their patience. No parent would tolerate harm to their child.

Sandra seemed to sense her unwelcome reception. Her gaze darkened, tears welled up, and her smile faded. “I’m sorry. It’s my fault for making everyone unhappy. I’ll leave now,” she said.

She turned to leave, but Charlie stopped her. “Where are you going? Since you’re back, wash your hands and eat.” He hadn’t forgiven her, but she was his niece. He couldn't just kick her out; it would damage the Kelley family's reputation.

Sandra hadn't actually intended to leave; it was a ploy to appear vulnerable. She wiped her tears, washed her hands, and sat down.

Tiffany ignored Sandra, continuing to talk and eat with her brother. The atmosphere remained strained. Sandra eagerly served Charlie and Thalia, even refusing help from the servants.

Watching her cautious obedience, Charlie thought of her parents' imprisonment and his niece's loneliness. He relented.

Just as he was about to speak, Tiffany said, “Mom, a master oil painter visited our school. He liked one of my paintings and wants to submit it to a competition. If I win, maybe people will stop calling me a pretty face with no substance.”

“Really?” Thalia exclaimed, clearly delighted. “I knew it! My daughter is amazing!”

Thalia knew her daughter wouldn't boast, even with an international award. “And then what happened?” she asked.

Tiffany said, “Well, there was a small incident. Sandra, perhaps by mistake, took my painting as her own, nearly causing a misunderstanding. Fortunately, I discovered it in time.”

Tiffany downplayed it, but it was no coincidence.

Charlie and Thalia exchanged glances, anger and shock evident in their eyes. They were furious that Sandra had tried to trick their daughter. Their hostility towards Sandra was palpable.