Chapter 3

3

On the day of her first post-wedding visit back to our family, Quinn wore a stunning, flowing designer gown. With sparkling diamond hairpins adorning her updo, her eyes overflowed with arrogance.

"Nyla Gallagher."

Carter stood in the center of the grand hall, his face stern and his tone carrying a demanding edge. "Quinn is now the Marchioness of the Lancaster estate. You ought to bow and show her proper respect."

I slowly set down my teacup and raised my eyes to glance at him.

"Based on lineage, I am the legitimate daughter of the supreme military commander, while she is merely an adopted stray; based on age, I am three years older, so she should be the one greeting me. Based on rank, I was bestowed a noble title at birth, whereas she is nothing but a..."

I paused, the corners of my mouth curling up into a sarcastic smirk before adding, "A lowborn tramp."

Quinn's smile froze instantly, her face flushing crimson red.

Carter's face turned livid as he roared in anger. "Nyla! Quinn holds a prestigious status now. If you continue being this disrespectful, don't blame me for disregarding our sibling bond!"

In the midst of the standoff, an announcement suddenly echoed from outside. "A Royal Envoy has arrived with a decree!"

Everyone immediately stood up. Quinn smoothed her dress, fully assuming the haughty posture of a Marchioness, standing tall at the very front.

The Royal Envoy, dressed in lavish court attire and holding a bright yellow royal scroll, marched into the hall. "Lady Lancaster, His Majesty orders you to enter the Royal Palace immediately. Do not delay."

Quinn accepted the scroll, her face radiating triumph as she nodded repeatedly. "Thank you, Sir Envoy. May I ask where my husband is?"

"Marquis Rowan entered the palace first thing this morning."

Carter immediately smiled and praised, "The Marquis is highly valued by the King. Perhaps he's asking for a higher title just for you!"

Hearing this, the smugness in Quinn's eyes practically overflowed. "My husband truly loves me deeply. To personally petition the King for my sake... I am beyond grateful."

After saying that, she deliberately looked my way, a mocking sneer curving her lips. "Sister, when I return, you will be forced to bow to me. I'd love to see what excuses you have then!"

I slowly lifted my gaze and stared at her. "We'll talk about it if you actually make it back."

After Quinn left for the royal summons, Carter walked around looking thoroughly self-satisfied. He held his teacup, lifting his chin to mock me relentlessly.

"Quinn is in a different league now. Being summoned to the King right after marrying into the estate is an honor not just anyone can achieve."

I couldn't be bothered to respond. I just kept my head down, taking slow sips of my tea as if I hadn't heard a damn word.

Seeing my lack of reaction, his tone grew even more contemptuous. "You really shouldn't keep such a straight face. Once Quinn returns with her new royal rewards, you'll have to learn how to lower your head."

I casually glanced at him, then lowered my eyelids again, too lazy to offer even half a sentence in rebuttal.

Later, the servants announced that Quinn had returned from the palace.

Carter had been waiting eagerly at the door. Upon seeing her, his face lit up with a huge smile, and he hurried over to greet her. "Quinn, what did they say at the palace? Did the Marquis secure a new title for you?"

Quinn's expression carried a trace of frustration, her smile looking incredibly forced. "Not exactly. His Majesty just asked some routine questions. It was nothing special."

Carter froze upon hearing this. The anticipation quickly faded from his face, replaced by a flash of disappointment. "That... that was it?"

Quinn nodded. "Yeah, he just checked in on our recent marriage."

The two exchanged a glance, both feeling noticeably deflated.

Sitting nearby and watching their shattered illusions play out, I couldn't help but let a smirk tug at the corner of my mouth.

Despite his disappointment, Carter's expression quickly recovered. He let out a cold snort, turned to look at me, and spoke with lingering disdain.

"Nyla, don't celebrate too soon. Quinn being invited to the palace right after her wedding is still a rare privilege that very few possess."

Quinn stood beside him, chiming in with her sickly sweet voice. "Exactly. My husband is highly valued in the government now. Being summoned right after our wedding is not a treatment ordinary people get. Sister, you should be happy for me."

Her tone carried obvious smugness, and her eyes deliberately shot me a provocative glare.

I looked up at them, gently setting down the book in my hands with a faint smile. "Indeed. Your Marquis is truly something else."

Carter and Quinn failed to catch the hidden sarcasm in my words. Thinking I was finally conceding, the smiles on their faces grew even more triumphant.

Watching their self-satisfied attitudes, I laughed coldly on the inside. Let them enjoy this fleeting "glory" while it lasts. The real show had only just begun.

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