Skyler scratched his head and said, "Of course it's Caitlin and Farrell!"

He narrowed his eyes, voice dropping to a conspiratorial tone. "The Ryans have always lived in Rosendale, but now they've suddenly come back. I wouldn't be surprised if it's all because of that childhood engagement."

The Ryans were doing well overseas.

If it wasn't something urgent, why would they return so abruptly?

Caitlin and Farrell?

A childhood engagement?

A cold glint flickered in Gordon's eyes. "Where did you hear that?"

"I honestly can't remember exactly who told me, but it's definitely been

circulating," Skyler added quickly. "If you don't believe me, just look up Farrell's background."

It wasn't exactly a secret in the city.

Gordon snorted. "Why would I care about his background?"

As if he would bother digging up anything on Farrell!

The Gonzales Family.

Amanda had been busy planning Ann's birthday party for weeks.

She'd chosen the most lavish, seven-star hotel in the capital.

As the date drew closer, Amanda grew more and more pleased with herself.

Word had already spread about Caitlin pretending to be Ann; after this party, Ann's reputation would be the talk of the entire city.

And as for Caitlin?

She'd be nothing but a pariah-someone everyone was eager to see brought low.

Amanda was working on the invitations when a maid entered. "Miss Amanda, your mother is here."

"Bring her in!" Amanda looked up, a hint of pride in her voice.

A moment later, Keira walked in.

"Mom, have a seat." Amanda poured her a glass of water.

As soon as she sat down, Keira spotted the stack of crimson invitations in

Amanda's hand and her expression darkened. "Amanda, are you sure you want to throw this birthday party for Ann?"

Amanda's eyes dimmed slightly.

What was her mother implying?

Did she not want them to celebrate Ann's birthday?

"Mom, all these years, because of everything that's happened to the family, I never gave Ann a proper birthday party. But this year is different. Mr. Quinten will be here himself to celebrate with Ann I can't

let it be like every other year.

Back when Stuart was bedridden, Carey Richards had gone missing, and Caitlin's

fate was uncertain, the whole Gonzales family had been cloaked in a heavy gloom.

Forget birthday parties-there wasn't even a hint of celebration during Christmas or New Year's.

Amanda had always felt she owed Ann so much.

Keira frowned, her voice taut. "Amanda, that photo making the rounds online-anyone with sensez can tell that's Freya. If Mr. Quinten really comes, and the truth comes out in front of everyone do you really think Ann will be able to hold her head high in this city ever again?"

She pressed on, "Ann is my granddaughter, and so is Freya. I care about them both. While this hasn't blown up completely, have Ann apologize to Freya online and clear up the truth. Freya won't pursue it further. But if you insist on going through with this party, and Mr. Quinten arrives, Ann's reputation will be ruined for good!"

Amanda scoffed silently.

So much for "I care about them both."

If her mother really felt that way, she wouldn't be taking Freya's side over Ann's.

As far as Amanda was concerned, all those words were just a ploy to make Ann step aside for Caitlin-to have Ann give up the photo, and the title of Mr. Quinten's savior, all so Caitlin could have them.

Shameless.

How could anyone be so shameless?