Her Gilded Revenge For Stolen Fate novel Chapter 36

Chapter 36

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Vivian had to admit, even after snatching back one of the Golden Plumes, Celia was still ridiculously lucky.

Sure, Celia couldn’t prove her devotion by offering her own flesh anymore, but she still had tricks up her sleeve.

With the Manual of Agriculture in her hands, she basically held the key to making the Silvermoon Twinbloom bloom.

If she could get that century–old flower to bloom on the Festival of Fortune, everyone would believe she was blessed, just like last time. Winning the Queen Mother’s favor would be a breeze.

Not a chance I’m letting her have it all.‘ Vivian thought to herself.

“Mart, since you don’t want it, I’ll just keep it,” Vivian said breezily.

Her words hit Gelia like a punch to the gut, leaving her breathless. Clenching her fists, Celia shot Sylvia a pleading look, praying her mom would step in and make Vivian hand over the Manual of Agriculture.

Deep doweri, Celia just knew this book was special. Missing out on it would somehow haunt her forever.

Sylvia’s heart ached. For years, she had never been able to tell anyone Celia was her daughter, and the guilt weighed on her heavily Seeing Celia so upset only made it worse.

“Vivian Sylvia said gently. “Celia has been studying with a well–respected scholar. She truly values books and would never damage one. She only wants to borrow the manual to learn. Just give it to her. Why let something like this come between you Two

Sylvia looked every bit the tender, concerned mother, her voice soft and warm.

But to Vivian, Celia was the one who had ruined her life, and Sylvia was the one who paved the way. In her previous life, Sylvia had played the devoted mother while keeping Vivian in the dark.

Now that Vivian knew the truth, she wasn’t falling for it again.

“Mom, may I ask you a question?” Vivian said, her voice rising.

Her sharp stare made Sylvia suddenly nervous. “What is it?”

“Is Celia the only one who matters to you?” Vivian pressed on. “Am I just a tool to please her?”

Sylvia felt the weight of everyone’s stares and forced a tight laugh. “What are you talking about? When have I ever tried to please Lady Celia?”

You always put the blame on me, no matter what happens,” Vivian shot back, “while Celia gets treated like some flawless, untouchable heiress.”

She remembered how Sylvia always played the fragile, innocent victim. She acted so harmless, just to help Celia get whatever she wanted.

Back then, Vivian was young and stubborn, never one to back down. Yet even when she was right, she always ended up the

wrong one.

Sylvia’s schemes were usually subtle. But with all the recent family drama and her constant defense of Celia, anyone could see right through Sylvia.

“The other day, Mother took me to visit Consort Daphne,” Vivian went on. “When we got back, you didn’t ask what happened or even hear my side of things. You just blamed yourself for not raising me right. Why? Did I upset you?”

11:23 Wed, Jan 14 000

Chapter 36

She lowered her head, her handkerchief masking the joy in her eyes.

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Sylvia wanted to argue but didn’t know where to start. Flustered, she couldn’t bring herself to look at Beatrice or Flora, afraid they might see the truth

“Mart already made it clear he doesn’t want the Agricultural Manual, so why are you so set on taking it?” Vivian shot back, her voice sharp with sarcasm. “Is this just to please Celia?

“Seriously, anyone would think she’s your real daughter and I’m just some stranger you let live here.”

Sylvia was shaking with rage. Enough, she snapped, her voice icy. She glared at Vivian with pure, cold hatred, the kind reserved for a worn enemy

Who looks at their own child that way? Flora thought, unsettled. Still, she did not take Vivian’s accusation seriously.

She remembered the day her daughter was born with perfect clarity. She had checked every detail. The baby had a vivid red birthmark on her palm, bright as fresh blood. It could not possibly be faked.

Vivian’s just lashing out, saying whatever came to mind to cause pain,‘ she thought.

But Sylvia is overdoing it, Flora continued. ‘I am the official wife, but I have never believed in making life difficult for the concubines. Men are unreliable enough without adding more drama. As long as she shows proper respect, that is enough.

There is no need for her to grovel, and certainly no reason to treat her own daughter so coldly. If word of this gets out, people will just assume I am the villain: the cruel wife bullying a meek concubine and her child.

Celia and Vivian are sisters. Vivian shouldn’t always have to back down.” Flora patted Vivian’s shoulder reassuringly and pressed the manual into her hands. “If Consort Daphne gave it to you, it belongs to you. Keep it.”

“Thank you, Mother, Vivian murmured, offering a quick curtsy. She kept her head down, but she could feel Sylvia’s glare burning into her back.

“Sylvia.” Flora said with a sigh. “Vivian may be officially my daughter now, but you’re her real mom. You can’t keep putting Celia first and expect Vivian to simply accept it.”

Sylvia bit back the urge to point out that Vivian wasn’t even in the same league as Celia. Even without the doting–mother act, she still had a part to play, and breaking character now would only raise questions.

“Lady Flora. I was wrong.” Sylvia said, letting her voice waver just enough. “Vivian has suffered all these years. From now on, I’ll look after her properly and do what I can to make up for it.”

Celia no longer dared to ask for the Manual of Agriculture outright, but she could not let it go. To everyone else, it was just a plain, unremarkable book, but to her, it was a golden opportunity she could not afford to miss.

I have to get it, by all means,’ she thought fiercely. ‘Whatever it takes, that book is mine.

The group from the main house dispersed. Nina looked back, her face a picture of disbelief. “Sylvia is seriously messed up. Mothers pamper their own children, but she spoils Celia over Vivian. It’s just not right.”

“Stay out of it,” Dorothy snapped. “We’ve got enough problems thanks to your father. Worry about our own mess, not theirs.”

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The mere thought of her useless husband made Dorothy’s expression turn stormy. ‘What did I ever do to deserve this?‘ she fumed inwardly. I ended up with a deadbeat gambler who blew through our family’s savings. What a pathetic excuse for a

man.

Nina pressed her lips together, her mood plummeting. If she had any backbone, or if her father wasn’t such a mess, she wouldn’t have to follow Celia around every day, never able to look anyone in the eye.

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Chapter 36

“The Festival of Fortune is in a few days. I heard the Queen Mother and all the consorts will be going to the Sanctuary of Peace,” Dorothy said. “If I can secure a good match for you then, I might finally get some peace of mind.”

“But I’m only third in line,” Nina mumbled quietly. “Celia’s not even engaged yet. I’m way down the list.”

“You and Celia are worlds apart,” Dorothy said firmly. “Even if her family did nothing, Prince Xavier would still come for her himself. She does not have to lift a finger because the world comes to her.

“Just you wait. At the festival, someone like Celia will steal the spotlight and have everyone watching her.”