Search party at a dress shop.

As Audrey emerged from the carriage, a surge of vengeance washed over her. This was all rightfully hers - everything they owned. She would snatch it all right from under their noses. But for now, she would revel in the joy of playing their little games.

Silently, she strolled along the path towards the main entrance of the mansion. Compared to Benjamin's extravagant castle, the Morriston mansion appeared modest, but it would do. The servants standing by the door didn't even spare her a glance, refusing to open the doors for her.

With a determined push, Audrey swung the doors open.

"Where are they?" She questioned the butler, wanting to know where the family was, only to be met with a cold reply. "Mr. Morriston went to work, while Madam and Young Miss were out getting new dresses stitched," he replied and walked away.

Disappointment weighed heavily on Audrey's shoulders. Her grand entrance was not as dramatic as she had hoped...

"I'm certain you'll adore the tea from Arcasia. It's the epitome of luxury," Genevieve's voice sounded outside, laced with coquettishness. Audrey smirked, swiftly concealing the mischievous gleam in her eyes with an innocent expression as Genevieve and her entourage entered.

The servants obediently opened the door, presenting a stunning young lady adorned in opulent silk and jewelry. Her notorious stepmother stood proudly beside her, leading a group of affluent young ladies into the mansion.

Ah... she had tempted fate too soon! This moment was just the spark needed to ignite a blazing inferno! Audrey couldn't help but smirk inwardly as she kept her hands hidden behind her back.

"Oh sister, you're finally back! We were so worried about you. Where on earth did you disappear to last night?" Genevieve exclaimed, rushing towards Audrey. In her previous life, Audrey had mistaken this kind of melodrama for sisterly affection. How foolish she had been not to see through her sister's words...

"Yes, Audrey, where have you been? We were just about to assemble a search party for you," her stepmother, Rosalind, chimed in, drawing closer as well.

What was it with these actresses and their knack for crossing boundaries? Audrey took a step back, wrinkling her nose in disgust.

As expected, the young misses began whispering amongst themselves, their eyes filled with disdain. "Where did you find this stunning dress? I don't recall buying it for you," Rosalind continued.

Audrey fought the urge to sneer, instead maintaining an innocent expression as she replied, "I've been right here all along. I understand if my stepmother and stepsister fail to notice me. But stepmother, you mentioned organizing a search party... what stopped you? Or did you decide to take matters into your own hands at the dress shop?"

Rosalind's cheeks flushed crimson as she glanced at the group of ladies behind her...

This sharp-tongued wrench! "Oh, no, no, no! I've always adored both you and your sister equally," she desperately tried to make amends for Audrey's embarrassing behavior.

"I've heard Lady Rosalind spoils Audrey more than Lady Genevieve. She's just so ungrateful..."

"Audrey has always been a handful..."

"If I had an ungrateful daughter like her, I'd drink a potion of self-destruction!"

The ladies whispered amongst themselves, their words,only they could hear. But Audrey couldn't care less and decided to walk away without a word. Just as she was about to leave, Genevieve offered, "Dear sister, let's have a lovely tea together... It's from..." Her words trailed off as Audrey interrupted.

"Arcasia. Your voice carried it all the way to my ears," Audrey interjected. "Of course, I wouldn't miss the chance to sip tea with my delightful younger sister." Audrey had to restrain herself from sounding too sarcastic.

With that, the group made their way to the gazebo in the garden, a perfect spot for their gathering.

"Audrey, why don't you be our tea server?" Rosalind suggested though a servantstood nearby, her face beaming as if she had just won the lottery.

All eyes turned to Audrey. "Sure," she agreed, standing up and gracefully serving tea to each person at the table. She made her way towards Genevieve, a smile on her face, but her grip on the teacup tightened. Oh, how she wished she could pour that scalding tea right onto Genevieve's face, just like how she had scarred her with acid in the past.

"Sister?" Genevieve called out.

"Apologies," Audrey murmured, about to pour the tea when Genevieve subtly shifted the cup, placing her hand closer to it. It was clear that Genevieve was trying to set her up. In her previous life, Audrey might not have been vigilant, but she had become more cautious. Audrey smirked inwardly. If her stepsister wanted to play the victim, she would gladly assist her!