Kayla's gaze lingered on Felicia throughout the day, her eyes flickering with smugness and provocation. This tactic had worked wonders on Felicia in her previous life; once, desperately longing for her mother's love, she had been crushed by Myra's affection for Kayla. But that was then. Now, Felicia simply smiled, her immunity complete.
The night at the Fuller residence was calm. Tomorrow would be a joint birthday celebration for both daughters, and the Fuller family spared no expense. Preparations began at dawn, with event workers transforming the estate into a grand floral paradise. Bouquets filled the air with fragrance, purple balloons swayed in the morning breeze, and the mansion's chandeliers glittered. The theme was unmistakable—opulence.
Kayla, accustomed to such extravagance, used the opportunity to show off. "You probably don't know this, but all my birthdays are like this," she said with a self-satisfied smile. "Last year, for my eighteenth birthday, Dad even hired A-list celebrities. It was far more extravagant than this!" Then, feigning humility, she added, "I wasn't planning on going all out this year, but since it's your first birthday with the family, we thought we'd make it special for you." The implication was clear: Felicia was merely a beneficiary of Kayla's lavish lifestyle.
Felicia didn't respond. She walked past Kayla, heading for the front door. Brody Evans, the driver, quickly brought the car around. "Ms. Felicia, the car is ready," he announced.
"Thank you," Felicia replied, giving him an address.
As Brody drove, he occasionally glanced at her in the rearview mirror. His curiosity finally overwhelmed him, prompting Felicia to look up from her phone. "Do I have something on my face?" she asked.
Caught off guard, Brody looked sheepish. "No, no, Ms. Felicia. I was just thinking... You and Ms. Kayla are so different, even though you're both Fuller daughters." His voice held an undercurrent of emotion. Everyone in the household—servants, drivers, and bodyguards—had endured Kayla's temper; Brody was no exception. Ruben's death only deepened the heavy atmosphere. Brody couldn't shake the feeling it could have been him; the previous day's driving assignment had been his, but Ruben had taken his place.
Felicia glanced at him but remained silent. When they arrived at her destination, she said, "You don't have to wait. Take some time to visit Mina at the hospital. And please send her my regards." Mina had been unconscious since fainting at the recovery site the previous day. Knowing Mina and Ruben's bond, Felicia felt this was the least she could do. Brody nodded. "Alright, Ms. Felicia."
Felicia turned to Lance and his men. "Is the contract ready?" she asked.
Lance grinned obsequiously. "All set, Ms. Fuller! Please take a look."
She scanned the document and signed without hesitation, knowing Lance wouldn't be deceitful.
Lance thumped his chest, beaming. "You've got my word, Ms. Fuller—the funds will be in your account within half an hour!"
"Great. You can go now," she said, waving him away. He practically skipped away, his excitement palpable. He had initially doubted Felicia's promise, but the signed contract had dramatically increased his admiration. He offered further compliments before departing.