"Good luck to you?"
Watching Celia walk away, Rosalie felt a strange unease creeping in—as if Celia was hiding something, as if she were waiting to laugh at her.
No, it must be her imagination.
Back in her office, Celia received a WeChat message from Mrs. Fu:"Ci Ci, baby, come home early tonight."
Celia originally hadn't planned to return to the Fu family estate that evening—but upon reading the message, she changed her mind."Okay, Mom. See you tonight," she replied.
She would go back. Alone. Without Nathaniel Fu.
That Evening
A luxury business vehicle rolled to a smooth stop on the lawn of the Fu family's ancestral estate. Mrs. Song had brought Rosalie and Li Lan along for the visit.
Rosalie had taken special care with her appearance. She wore a simple white dress and natural makeup, looking elegant, graceful—like the ideal daughter-in-law any traditional matriarch would love.
Li Lan, who had been introduced to several elite social circles by Mrs. Song over the past few days, looked radiant and confident.
"Mrs. Song, I'm really nervous about meeting Mrs. Fu," Rosalie admitted, hands slightly clammy.
This was her potential future mother-in-law. Winning her favor was critical.
Mrs. Song gave her a kind smile. "There's no need to be nervous. Mrs. Fu is warm and gracious. She doesn't put on airs—very easy to get along with."
Li Lan quickly added, "Rosalie is a bit shy, Mrs. Song. I hope you'll help speak a few kind words for her later."
Mrs. Song nodded with sincerity. She had always liked Rosalie—not only was she a fan of Rosalie's public image, but Rosalie had even helped treat her facial condition. Her loyalty ran deep.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of it."
She raised her hand and pressed the doorbell.
Soon, the front door opened. A housemaid greeted them politely, "Welcome, honored guests. Please come in."
"Thank you."
Just as the three were about to step inside, a crisp voice rang out from behind them. "Hold on."
Rosalie turned around—and froze.
Celia?
Why was Celia here?
"Do you even know where this is?" Rosalie asked in disbelief. "This is the Fu family's ancestral home. What are you doing here?"
Li Lan's expression soured. The sight of this "disgraced daughter" again filled her with dread—she was here to mess things up, clearly.
Her voice turned cold. "Celia, we're here to visit Mrs. Fu. You don't belong here. Leave now."
Celia stood gracefully under the glow of the old palace lanterns in the corridor, her eyes sparkling with calm amusement. "I'm also here to visit Mrs. Fu."
What?
She's here to see Mrs. Fu too?
Who does she think she is? Since when could anyone just waltz in and meet someone like Mrs. Fu?
The maid hesitated and asked politely, "Are you all together?"
Li Lan was quick to shake her head. "No, no—we don't know her. Please don't let her in."
Just then, a warm voice called from inside the house, "What's going on out there? Why haven't our guests come in yet?"
That voice... it sounded strangely familiar.
Rosalie turned her head—just in time to see Mrs. Fu walking out.
She froze.
No... it couldn't be... that old lady?
Mrs. Song stepped forward with a bright smile. "Mrs. Fu, I've brought a few friends with me today. I hope we're not intruding."
Mrs. Fu?
Rosalie's jaw dropped in disbelief.
That woman—she was Mrs. Fu?