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.