They weren't just planning a party-they wanted the whole city to know about it.

To expose Caitlin for who she really was, in front of everyone.

"I'll be there right on time," Caitlin announced as she walked through the front door, Monday cradled in her arms.

She spoke slowly, emphasizing every word.

Keira looked up at her. "Freya."

Caitlin walked over to Keira's side, a faint smile on her lips. "Grandma, this is between my cousin and me. Please, let us handle it ourselves."

Keira nodded, then turned to Amanda, who was sitting nearby. "Amanda, since that's how it is, I won't try to persuade you anymore. I just hope you won't regret this when the time comes."

There was still a way out if they wanted it.

After all, until the party actually happened, no one could prove that Victoria from the internet was really Ann.

But once the birthday party was held, and Mr. Quinten was invited, and the whole affair became public, Ann would have no way to save face.

"Mom, the party hasn't even happened yet. Who knows who'll be regretting what?" Amanda shot back, clearly annoyed.

Keira sighed, weary and unwilling to argue further.

Amanda, still seething, stood up. "If there's nothing else, Ann and I will head back to our wing."

"Go ahead," Keira waved her off.

After Amanda and Ann left, Keira took Caitlin's hand. "Freya, have you been upset? Something this serious happened, and you didn't tell Grandma?"

Caitlin squeezed her hand gently. "Don't worry, Grandma. I'm fine. It's nothing. I didn't even think much of it." She smiled, then added, "By the way, Grandma, the photo circulating online was just a shot of my back. How did you know it was me?"

Keira's face softened. "You're my granddaughter. Of course I'd recognize you instantly! Besides, I know you, Freya. You're not the type of girl to chase after status or make things up."

"Thank you, Grandma.” Caitlin hugged her tightly.

Being trusted like this-it felt wonderful.

Absolutely wonderful.

Keira patted Caitlin's hand, beaming as she held her precious granddaughter close.

Crash!

As soon as Ann stepped back into her suite, she hurled a priceless antique vase to the floor, shattering it to pieces.

"Ann, calm down!" Amanda rushed over, trying to soothe her daughter.

"How am I supposed to calm down, Mom?” Ann sobbed, her voice trembling with anger. "I'm the one who saved Mr. Quinten's life, but did you see the way Grandma looked at më? It's like I stole something from that country girl! Now she wants me to apologize to her?"

"It's so obvious. She's always preferred Caitlin. Her heart's halfway across the Atlantic!"

The more Ann thought about it, the worse she felt. This was her own grandmother.

And yet, without even bothering to hear her side, she was taking Caitlin's part. She'd thrown truth and fairness out the window, just to protect Caitlin.

It was enough to break anyone's heart.

"Ann, now's not the time to be angry,” Amanda said firmly. "You need to focus on your birthday gala. The more dazzling you are that night, the more that country girl will be shamed!"

A glint of determination flickered in

Ann's eyes. She narrowed them.

"You're right, Mom. So what if the So what if the old lady is based As long as the party goes ahead as planned, Caitlin will be the one humiliated in front of everyone."

Amanda smiled coldly. "Not just that. We'll invite every prominent family in the city to your birthday

gala. In front of all of them, we net

expose her for pretending to be you!

's see how she dares to show her face in this city again."

It wouldn't just be Caitlin who lost face.

Keira would be humiliated too.

Just wait. The more Keira trusted Caitlin now, the more she'd regret it when the

birthday party finally arrived.