Chapter 428: Who Is Your Real Daughter?
Cassandra's eyes glittered with arrogance. "After all," she added, "my stepmother is your biological mother."
Cecilia responded instantly. "If you aspire to be Nicholas's wife, it's only natural you address me as your sister-in-law."
Cassandra was speechless. Since witnessing Nicholas escort Cecilia away the previous night, a strong dislike for Cecilia had inexplicably taken root.
"Since I haven't married into the Rainsworth family yet," Cassandra said, "I'll treat you like my younger sister for now." She stepped forward. "So, dear sister, I need you to accompany me today to buy items for the engagement."
Cecilia would have ignored her entirely, were it not for Nicholas. "All right, give me ten minutes," she replied, then left Cassandra alone in the living room to freshen up.
Cassandra surveyed her surroundings. Nathaniel's residence, reflecting the Rainsworth family's prestige as Tudela's most prominent family, exuded understated elegance and quiet luxury. In contrast, Nicholas's home was far more modest. Resentment pricked her. Why should the blind Nathaniel live in such opulence?
After preparing, Cecilia informed Nathaniel of her plans before leaving with Cassandra. At the entrance of the old mansion, an extended Lincoln awaited. As Cecilia was about to enter, she saw a familiar figure inside.
Cassandra broke the silence. "Mom, you're here." Turning to Cecilia, she added, "Hey sis, why aren't you greeting Mom?" Despite the "sister," mockery shone in her eyes.
Paula's tone was cold. "Who is she to be considered your sister, Cassandra? Hurry into the car; it's chilly."
Cassandra nodded, then gave Cecilia a smug look. "Get in the car. We still have things to pick out."
Cecilia watched their easy exchange before entering. The car's atmosphere was intriguing. Paula held Cassandra's hand, her gaze lingering on the pigeon-egg-sized ring on her middle finger. "Did Nicholas buy this for you? It's beautiful," she praised.
"Yes, Nicholas had it custom-made," Cassandra said smugly. "He insisted on the best for our engagement party." She turned to Cecilia. "Cecilia, what kind of ring did Nathaniel buy you?"
Cecilia's engagement ring had been purchased by Nathaniel's secretary. Her naivetรฉ then had made her overjoyed. Now, she thought, I was a fool.
"It's just an ordinary diamond ring," Cecilia replied.
Paula mocked, "Nathaniel didn't even like her then, so why would he bother? He's only treating her better now because he's blind." Throughout the journey, Paula and Cassandra relentlessly mocked Nathaniel's blindness, seemingly forgetting their past attempts to curry his favor.
After shopping, Paula pulled Cecilia aside. "Ceci, Nathaniel is blind and practically useless. Your siblings, Magnus and Cassandra, are better than you."
"Madam Paula, get to the point," Cecilia interrupted.
Paula dropped the pretense. "In the Rainsworth residence, be considerate of Cassandra. She's in charge, regardless of marrying the younger brother. Privately, call her your older sister."
Cecilia's question was direct: "Between Cassandra and me, who is your real daughter?"