The Hills

As they drove into the sprawling estate compound and finally stopped at the entrance to the main house, Nathan angrily stepped out of the car, slamming the door, and ventured into the main house with fury in his stride.

Great! Nara had successfully managed to make him upset with her insane attitude. At least now he wasn't nervous anymore.

Nara slowly alighted from the car and leisurely walked towards the entrance of the main house.

She maintained an expressionless face as she glided through the hallways, finally arriving at the grand hall where all the members of the Hill family were gathered.

Now, of course, the Hills weren't an ordinary family. They were incredibly prominent and powerful, well-known both in the country and abroad.

Their estate, an architectural marvel of grandeur and opulence, sprawled over acres of meticulously manicured gardens, with fountains gushing and statues adorning the pathways. The main house itself stood as a testament to wealth and heritage, with its imposing façade and intricately designed interiors.

The Hills held sway over various industries, firms, and companies, with extensive investments in shares, stocks, and assets. They were truly one of the wealthiest and most influential families in the city.

For some reason, Nara thought only a few family members would be present for the reading of the will, but she was mistaken.

Gathered in the hall were all the extended family members, both those she had met before and those she didn't even know existed. Basically, anyone whose last name was Hill was present, along with a few family friends. At least a hundred and something people were gathered in the hall—staff not included.

Nara scanned the hall for Nathan, but she couldn't spot him. So she decided to find a corner to stay where she wouldn't be noticed or bothered by anyone.

She actually didn't mean what she had said earlier about being on her worst behavior tonight. She had just wanted to get under Nathan's nerves. Truthfully, she just wanted to remain unseen until the night was over.

She grabbed a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and proceeded to find a corner where she could get a nice view and still remain unnoticed. However, a familiar voice stopped her in her tracks.

"Well, look who it is? Nara Smith."

Nara slowly turned around to face Alicia, a woman you could describe with just two words: entitled brat.

"I love your dress," Alicia said with a smile. "Are you on your way to the slut awards?" She added.

"I am indeed. Wanna tag along?" Nara replied sarcastically. Words could not describe how much she hated Alicia, but maybe a knife to her throat could.

"What a way to scream disrespectful daughter-in-law. You have no class or shame, but that's so expected from someone of your status," Alicia sneered.

Both Nara and Alicia were daughters-in-law of the family. Alicia was married to Nathan's cousin Mason, who was the first grandson of the family.

"Thanks, I'll take notes on how to change. Step one: look, act, and sound stupid. Do you want me to take down more? I'm just dying to be a good daughter-in-law," Nara responded with even more sarcasm that angered Alicia.

"You think you're funny, Nara, but truth is, you're just not important. Everyone here sees you as Rebecca's replacement, but I honestly think you can't even replace her shadow. It's just sad, really. You're nobody."

"And you're a bitch," Nara replied angrily, her temper starting to rise.

"Language, Nara. Civilized people don't curse. Now, if you'd excuse me, I'd like to go find my loving husband who actually loves me and not some dead ex-wife who looks like me," Alicia said with a chuckle, and her last statement actually hurt Nara. Badly.

"Enjoy yourself," Alicia added before finally leaving Nara alone. She had gotten the reaction she wanted.