Chapter 3 The Art of Deception
As Milly contemplated the situation, a look of innocence graced her features. “Alright, you’re correct. I will leave now so as not to upset Mom.” It’s just acting. I’m an award-winning actress. Like hell, this little b*tch can win. Upon hearing Milly’s agreement, Stephanie smiled and gracefully excused herself, heading towards the main hall without noticing the change in expression on her sister’s face. As Stephanie walked away, holding up her skirt, Milly smirked to herself. The show’s about to start. Instead of following Stephanie’s directions, Milly turned in the opposite direction, recalling from the book she had read that at this very banquet, Andrew had suffered a fatal heart attack in the backyard, leading to the downfall of the Burnetts.
The Tates were a prestigious clan, and the patriarch, a former general who had defended the nation with valour, was later appointed as the Grand General. A man whose very presence could shake the nation. However, he was a recluse who preferred solitude, which was why he was alone in the backyard. Judging by the time, it was almost time. True to her expectations, as she approached the backyard, she spotted an elderly man with white hair clutching his chest in pain, emitting a distressing sound. Hurrying forward, Milly patted the man’s chest with one hand while inquiring, “Sir, where is your medication?” Struggling, Andrew pointed weakly to his pocket, his complexion growing paler by the moment. Quickly retrieving a small bottle from his pocket, Milly administered two pills into the old man’s mouth. However, his consciousness was fading, and he made no effort to swallow. Observing a water tap nearby, Milly plucked a large leaf without hesitation, fetched some water, and gently helped the old man swallow the pills. With the aid of water, the pills went down smoothly, and Andrew looked more comfortable. Gazing at the elderly man’s dignified face, Milly marvelled at his majestic presence, truly befitting the title of a great general. Upon regaining consciousness, instead of expressing gratitude, Andrew noticed the leaf and water tap, furrowing his brow as he scolded sternly, “How dare you offer me water there?” Milly was taken aback. The book had indeed mentioned Andrew’s peculiar temperament, and it seemed accurate. Even in this critical moment, his focus remained on the water.
“Given the choice between saving a life and drinking rainwater from a puddle, I would choose the latter without hesitation!” She held her head high, her eyes exuding a calm and wise light. In that moment, even in the depths of darkness, she shone brightly. Upon hearing her words, Andrew trembled, as if transported back to his youthful days on the battlefield. He was on an expanse of prairie, and his squad leader gave the whole squad the same look. “We’ll eat shoes and tree bark if it means we can stay alive.” In a voice filled with emotion, he spoke. “Girl, what is your name?” Milly replied calmly, “I am Milly.” Upon hearing her name, Andrew paused, then exclaimed, “Ah, you are the girl from the Burnetts!” Milly was puzzled. I just returned to the family. Why does Andrew know me? “Good child, good child.” Andrew’s fondness for Milly grew as he gazed at her. “Why are you not in the hall but here?” Milly blinked and softly explained, “My sister asked me to retrieve our mother’s redwood box, but I … don’t know the way.” She handled the awkward situation gracefully. Andrew already held a positive opinion of her, and upon seeing her embarrassed expression, his sense of justice flared up, scolding, “This is preposterous. You’ve just returned, and you’re already being ordered around.” “I’ll come with you. I’ve visited the Burnetts a few times, so I’m somewhat familiar.” With her objective accomplished, Milly smiled gratefully and said, “Thank you, sir.” … On the journey back, Andrew carried the redwood box, while Milly assisted by pushing the wheelchair.
They appeared to share a sense of familiarity, as if they had known each other for a long time. Upon reaching the entrance of the hall, the bustling noise from inside reached her ears, along with faint calls of Milly’s name. A cold glint flashed in Milly’s eyes hidden beneath her bangs, and the corner of her lips involuntarily curled up. The scheming has begun? However, outwardly, she remained remarkably composed, leaning down to whisper to Andrew, “Sir, please wait here. It seems like Mom and my sister are calling for me, I’ll go check.” Before Andrew could respond, she swiftly grabbed a box and lifted her skirt as she hurried off. Just as in the storybook, Stephanie anxiously stood beside Olivia. “Mom, don’t worry. She should be here soon.” The woman beside Stephanie wore a light-coloured bodycon dress, her hair elegantly tied up. Milly stood frozen, her eyes fixed on the woman before her, trembling uncontrollably …
She looked just like Milly’s mother in real life. Alas, her mother died of cancer before they could meet for the last time. “Mom … ” Milly stood rooted to the spot, afraid to approach, fearing this sight was a mirage. Olivia gazed at her tearful daughter, feeling a pang in her heart. After all, she was her own flesh and blood. She gently waved her hand and softly said, “Milly, you’re here. Come to me.” Milly bit her lip, holding back the urge to embrace her and weep, and slowly made her way towards her. It’s Mom … it’s truly Mom …
Stephanie narrowed her eyes, her red nails digging into her palm. I warned her not to call Mom that. What is going on? Mom only shows no affection for her because she won’t call her Mom. Now that she’s doing that, Mom’s getting soft. No! The plan has come this far, it can’t fail now! With that in mind, she took a deep breath and adopted an innocent expression. “Milly, you’ve arrived just in time. I was so frightened earlier, and it’s my fault for not looking out for you. Don’t get lost in the residence right after your arrival.” The way she phrased it, she was clearly indicating that Milly was an outsider? “Oh, and Milly, where’s the hairpin you were getting Mom?” Stephanie inquired. Milly took a deep breath, suppressing all emotions within her, knowing that the show must go on.