Celine entered the room unnoticed. She stood quietly to the side, feeling out of place amidst the lively atmosphere. Finally, Lucy spoke. "Celine, you're back."

All eyes turned to Celine. Sonia's smile vanished, replaced by disdain. "What are you doing here, Celine?"

Lucy chuckled awkwardly. "Mom, since it's your birthday, I thought it was only right to have Celine come."

Sonia looked displeased. "I didn't ask for her. Look at how outstanding Tracy and Carly are! Celine is just a country bumpkin who doesn't belong here. She's a disgrace!"

Carly and Tracy, exquisitely dressed for the banquet, glanced coldly at Celine before turning to reassure Sonia.

"Grandma, since Celine's already here, just let her stay. She's still your granddaughter," Carly said sweetly, her tone laced with mockery.

"Grandma, today's your special day. Don't let something so trivial ruin your mood," Tracy added with a false smile.

A small smile returned to Sonia's face. "I'm truly blessed to have both of you as my granddaughters." However, her words implied she didn't consider Celine one.

Celine seethed inwardly. The Tate family had been nothing until her father, Aaron Tate, built their fortune from the ground up. He'd sent Hayden to university, making him the family's first graduate, and launched Wayne's successful career in the steel business. Yet, upon Aaron's death, they'd fought over his assets instead of mourning him. Everything they possessed was the fruit of her father's labor. Sonia, the shrewdest of them all, favored only those who brought the family glory.

Celine shot them a cold glance. She vowed to one day take back everything that didn't rightfully belong to them.

Lucy snapped, "Celine, don't just stand there. Your grandma doesn't want to see you. The servants are short-handed. Go help out." Lucy treated her like a maid.

Celine remained neutral, nodding obediently. "Okay."

As she approached the maids, one instructed, "Hurry up and take these wine glasses to the kitchen." Celine obeyed. She was a nobody in Tate Manor; even the maids felt entitled to command her.