Chapter 2 The Kind Real Daughter And The Vicious Fake One

"Harlee!" Adelina shouted, her face bright red with anger. Harlee had just insulted her and Collin. Such audacity!

Harlee's grin widened. "You and Collin are just perfect together. One kicks people when they're down, and the other follows the money."

Adelina had just returned to the Gill family for only three days, and Collin appeared to be already smitten. Harlee found it all hilarious.

Just as Adelina was about to lose her temper and hurl insults at Harlee, she noticed Averie coming down the stairs. In an instant, Adelina pressed her lips together, tears threatening to spill from her eyes as she adopted a pitiful expression. She quickly wiped away her fake tears.

Averie took in the scene, her anger boiling over. She hurried over and yelled, "Harlee, it's unsurprising that your biological parents are impoverished rustic individuals. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree. Your lack of manners is quite apparent! You couldn't leave without taking one last jab at Adelina? Should I just throw you out?"

"No manners? Maybe it's because that's the way you raised me," Harlee shot back, her smile dripping with sarcasm.

Harlee had never met her real parents. When Averie claimed that Harlee lacked manners after so many years of living with the Gills, she was actually insulting the Gill family.

Averie had never seen Harlee so sharp-tongued before. She pressed her hand to her chest, as if she might faint from anger.

Adelina's eyes turned red, her face showing feigned concern. "Harlee, I understand you're upset. Though you are no longer part of the Gill family, I found you a job in the countryside. If you work hard, you can support yourself."

Adelina held up a recommendation letter, which Harlee glanced at. It was for a cleaning job at a motel in a small town.

Adelina attempted to place the letter in Harlee's hands but accidentally knocked Harlee's bag to the floor, sending a small sketchbook tumbling out.

The guests in the banquet hall spotted it, their eyes growing wide with disbelief.

Everyone knew Adelina had recently been celebrated as a genius in fashion design. She always carried her sketchbook with her. Soon, she would become the creative director at the Gill family's fashion company.

Adelina's face twisted in mock shock as she covered her mouth, tears welling up in her eyes. "Harlee, why do you have my sketchbook in your bag?"

Harlee frowned, feeling annoyed. Once again, Adelina had set her up.

"How could you steal Adelina's design sketches?" Averie's expression darkened, and she raised her voice at Harlee. "You cold-hearted thief! Were you trying to rob Adelina of her future? With those designs, you could get into any fashion company! You really have some nerve. You're just a thankless snake!"

At the commotion, Liam frowned and walked over. "What's going on here?"

Adelina's eyes filled with tears. "Mom, dad, please don't hold it against Harlee. She must have been reluctant to leave the Gill family and therefore did something desperate. It's fine. I can always come up with new designs."

"Those designs are essential for you to take over as director! Our family depends on them, too! Harlee stealing them isn't just hurting you. She's putting our whole family at risk. She's just heartless. Stop trying to defend her!" Averie snapped, her voice dripping with anger.

"Mom, I'm sure Harlee didn't mean to do it..." Adelina tugged at Averie's sleeve, her voice sounding calm and compassionate.

Adelina then turned to Harlee. "Harlee, I know you're afraid of having nothing once you leave the Gill family, but I can't let you keep these sketches. Yet, I will help you get a job at a clothing factory in your hometown. Please work hard and no more thieving. Just stop these sneaky tricks, okay?"

The bystanders couldn't help but watch the scene unfold, each of them praising Adelina.

"Adelina is simply amazing. She's not only gifted in design but also incredibly magnanimous. She's a true Gill all the way."

"What's the use of stealing Adelina's sketches? Does Harlee even know how to design? She's just trying to grab what doesn't belong to her. How could she stoop to this low?"

"Everyone knows how much Adelina values her designs. Even with her future at stake, she still defends Harlee. Adelina is way too kind, while Harlee is just vicious!"

Amid the guests' praises, Adelina raised her head, looking gentle and virtuous. "After all, Harlee was once part of the Gill family. If I can help her, I will."

The guests kept on voicing their thoughts, their opinions of Harlee sinking while their admiration for Adelina grew. They noted that while Adelina might not have been as stunning, her heart was far kinder than Harlee's.