The intricate ironwork sparkled under the morning light.
Through the towering gates, they could see an immaculate front courtyard that practically smelled of old money, and in the distance, the stunning silhouette of a European-style manor.
"Is... is this really Serena's house?" Lydia's voice shook as her fingers nervously gripped the hem of Caleb's jacket. "Caleb, if I'm reading that crest right... this is the Lancaster estate."
The Lancasters.
The wealthiest family in Vaelion City.
Caleb pushed his glasses up his nose, utterly paralyzed by shock.
"Do you think... the driver took us to the wrong place?" Lydia swallowed hard, her heart hammering in her chest.
Even though Serena’s last name was Lancaster.
Could she really belong to the Lancaster family?
They remembered clearly...
Isabella was the one who was universally known as the Lancaster heiress on campus.
If Serena was also a Lancaster.
Why did it seem like the two of them lived on completely different planets at school?
They stood frozen at the gates.
Too terrified to move forward, too awkward to run away.
The sheer, overwhelming opulence of the estate triggered a deep, instinctual sense of inferiority in them.
They tugged at their worn-out clothes, desperately trying to hide the frayed edges of their sleeves.
As they stood there in a panic.
The massive iron gates began to swing open.
An older man dressed in a flawless tailored suit walked out, his posture impeccable.
The moment Alfred saw the two students, a warm, welcoming smile spread across his face, and he hurried over.
It was a literal palace.
Walking into the grand foyer, the sheer scale of the wealth was suffocating.
It was too much!
The crystal chandelier overhead looked like a glowing sun. The carpets were so plush it felt like walking on clouds. They had no idea who painted the art on the walls, but it was obvious each piece cost millions of dollars.
They kept their heads down, terrified of tracking dirt onto the pristine rugs.
"Oh, you must be Serena's friends!" a warm, melodic voice called out.
A stunning, elegant woman walked toward them.
Clearly trying to make them feel comfortable, Catherine Vinton wore a simple, soft sweater, a bright smile lighting up her face.
She immediately took Lydia's hands in hers. "Oh, you are just precious! Goodness, why are your hands so cold? Mary, please bring a warm towel!"
Behind her, Old Mr. Lancaster rolled forward in his wheelchair, beaming at the two teenagers. "And this young man looks incredibly sharp. I hear you're the class president? Wonderful! Please, keep an eye out for our Serena at school."

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