Brian's voice cracked with shock. "Aaaah! Serena, that lamp behind you... is that a custom piece from overseas? And those curtains... damn! That furniture!"
He craned his neck, trying to see more through the camera, and gasped again. "The painting on your wall... and all that decor! Nothing in there costs less than a million dollars!"
The level of wealth was something even he, a young master from the Foster family, one of the top three families in Vaelion City, couldn't compare to.
"Damn, Serena! You didn't just leave those idiots, you ascended to a whole new level!"
Although, Serena's own identity alone was enough to crush a thousand families like the Wynns.
But the thought of those fools seeing Serena's transformation, with a biological family a thousand times more powerful than theirs, was just so satisfying.
"Serena, spill it! Who are your real parents? They must be some kind of gods!"
"What did you want?" Serena asked lazily, ignoring his question.
"Nothing major," Brian said with a grin. "Obsidian Palace opened a new wing. A few of the guys heard you left the Wynns and want to celebrate with you. Celebrate your escape from hell, no more cleaning up those idiots' messes."
Serena thought for a moment. "Alright."
"You got it! Send me your address, I'll pick you up tonight!" Brian hung up happily.
Just then, there was a knock on the door.
Serena opened it to find Isabella standing there, holding a diamond-encrusted jewelry box, a saccharine smile on her face. "Serena, I hope I'm not disturbing your rest?"
Serena narrowed her cool eyes, crossing her arms and looking at her lazily. "If you have something to say, say it."
Her distant, impatient tone made Isabella's expression stiffen for a second, but she maintained her
smile "You just got back, so as your older sister, should give you elishould
welcome gift."
She held out the jewelry box. "These are all gifts that Mom, Dad, and my brothers specially picked out for me damy birthdays over the years 1 thought they were very meaningful, so... chose a few pieces that would suit you."
She smiled sweetly. "This way, you can also have birthday gifts from Mom, Dad, and our brothers. I hope you like them."
On the surface, it sounded like a genuine attempt from an older sister to build a good relationship.
But underneath, the message was clear: "Look how much the family loves me. I have all these things, and you have nothing."
"Thanks," Serena said, not wanting to waste any more time with her. "But no thanks."
She turned to go back into her room.
Isabella's smile froze again, her fingers tightening around the box. As Serena was about to close the door, she rushed forward, her eyes instantly welling with tears Serena did do something wrong to upset you? I... I just really want to get along with you. I don't want... to become an outsider in this family."
Her tearful voice made her sound especially pitiful.
Serena gave her a cool, indifferent look, her voice chilling. "You know exactly what you're thinking. I have no obligation to play along with your act."
The cold, blunt words sparked a flash of anger in Isabella's heart. She clenched her fists but kept up her facade. "Serena, how could you say that about me..."
"Isabella," Serena's cool voice cut her off.