Perry looked at his father with piercing seriousness, speaking word by word. "Dad, stop blaming others for the crimes we've committed. With her or without her, we both know that one day all the sins we've piled up will surely come back to haunt us. So please—don't touch her!"
Then, with a flare of anger, he stomped out of the kitchen.
Morgan Jerome was livid. He didn't know who to blame. He refused to admit Perry was right, so he redirected his fury, placing all the blame squarely on Lilian Asienwegher. His determination to destroy her grew stronger—especially if she refused to give birth to Perry's child.
---
Meanwhile, in Avaldos City, at the Kimberly family mansion, Avery Macdonald walked gracefully to the deck carrying two glasses and a jar of milk. Old Mr. Kimberly sat there, reading the newspaper. Avery's voice rang sweetly.
"Grandpa, you're here."
She placed the glasses and milk on the table, poured for him, then for herself. Sitting opposite him with a charming smile, she said, "Grandpa, can you tell me more about Grandma and my dad, please?"
Avery had been living in the Kimberly house for over four months. She had learned what made Old Mr. Kimberly happiest—talking about his late wife and his son. Though disappointed in his son, nostalgia always softened him when speaking of him. Avery used this knowledge to win his heart, hoping to secure a large share of the Kimberly family's business.
Already, she had become Old Mr. Kimberly's favorite in the house. Bryan, however, seemed not to like her much. She didn't like him either, but she continued acting cutely to gain attention.
---
Old Mr. Kimberly nodded, smiling dotingly as nostalgia filled his heart. "Your grandmother always wished for a daughter. When she couldn't have one, she placed all her hope on your father to give her a granddaughter. If she were still alive, you would have been her favorite in this house. I'm certain you would have been the most spoiled princess here."
Avery hugged herself cutely. "Ah, why did I miss this luxury? Why didn't I meet my sweet grandma?"
Old Mr. Kimberly laughed heartily. He took a deep breath, then looked at Avery. "Yes, that reminds me, Lilian… Your grandmother gave Lonnie the Roose—" He paused. This was family history he had never planned to share, not now. He sighed deeply, then asked, "Didn't your mother leave a pure gold bangle decorated with fourteen-carats red diamonds?"
---
Avery's heart trembled violently. Of course she knew it. She had once stolen it from Lilian Asienwegher's safe box when Lilian opened it and wasn't paying attention.
She had taken it to one of the best accessory stores. The manager told her the item was of immense value—worth more than everything in his shop. At the time, desperate for money to repay Perry Jerome, she begged the manager to keep it and give her $500,000. Instead, he called the police, accusing her of theft.
When Lilian arrived at the station, she claimed the bangle had belonged to her late mother. Asked to provide a receipt, she did so, and the item was returned to her. The police advised her to deposit it in a bank for safekeeping. One officer remarked, "She must come from a very noble or wealthy family."
Since then, Avery's jealousy toward Lilian had flared uncontrollably.
---
Now, Avery concocted a perfect lie. Sniffing a sob, she said, "I told you before how my cousin Avery stole all my mom's jewelry and sold them cheaply."
Old Mr. Kimberly fumed, his hatred toward Avery Macdonald skyrocketing. Through gritted teeth, he said, "She's lucky she died before I found her."
He then explained, "That gold bangle represents our origin. It's the only thing that signifies us—we are royalty. But something happened back home, and my father left our lineage to settle here. If one day we return and present that bangle, royalty will automatically be restored to us. We must find it."
Avery was shocked—and jealous. Lilian was such a noble young lady. But Avery believed Lilian was already dead.
---
Avery resolved to undergo real plastic surgery, to completely become Lilian Asienwegher—or rather, Lilian Kimberly. In her mind, Lilian Asienwegher was dead, and she was the new Lilian.
She believed even the heavens were helping her, removing obstacles from her path. When the Kimberly family wavered at news of another Lilian's death, with photos of someone resembling her, Avery seized the chance. She lied, making Old Mr. Kimberly hate Lilian even more.
She claimed, "Since childhood, Avery was envious of me. She always wanted to snatch whatever I had. She wanted Perry Jerome to marry her, since he liked her. So she went to great lengths, even undergoing plastic surgery to look like me."
This lie ensured the Kimberly family would never tolerate Lilian Asienwegher—even if she appeared.
---
Avery sighed in relief. "Grandpa, I heard Brother Bryan mention you want to hold a welcome party for me?"
Old Mr. Kimberly was taken aback, then nodded. "That's right. We need to introduce you to the upper class. I'm even thinking of announcing it the same day I celebrate my success in obtaining the presidency. You could meet good men who might marry you…"
"That's not necessary, Grandpa," Bryan interrupted, walking toward them. He sat beside Avery, scrutinizing her as if he could see through her. "I've already sent announcements across social media, TV channels, radio stations, and newspapers. The Kimberly family's princess has returned."
Old Mr. Kimberly looked at his capable grandson in surprise. "You did that already?"
Bryan nodded. "So on the celebration day, people will already recognize her. She just needs to be by my side."
Avery, giddy with excitement, hugged Bryan. "Brother, you're the best!"
Bryan's body stiffened. He suppressed the urge to push her away. No matter how much he tried to accept this "sister," he often felt repulsed. Worse, all her attempts to please Old Mr. Kimberly and earn approval never escaped Bryan's sharp eyes.