Seraphina Sterling's voice was still soft, her tone as gentle as could be. However, for her to use this attitude to expose the truth about Shelby Fenton's identity was what Shelby found most unbearable. It was more humiliating than any arrogant sneer.
Shelby Fenton was strikingly beautiful, quick-witted, and intelligent—a daughter of the Fenton Family. Though she had many faults, they were the common failings of a pampered heiress from high society, so those in her circle didn't think much of them. The only thing that was an indelible stain on her record was her identity. Her mother was the illegitimate daughter of the Hale Family, and she, in turn, was the illegitimate daughter of the Fenton Family. Legally speaking, the Fenton Family had only one son: Leo Fenton.
High society cared about two things above all else: bloodline and legitimate birth. This meant that no matter how exceptional Shelby Fenton was, she could never overcome the deficiency of her status.
