C7 The Abandoned Daughter of a Rich Family(7)

"Dad, you keep insisting I apologize, but do you even know what for?" Lingling stood up and walked over to Yuan Lin.

Everyone suddenly noticed—she wasn't some plain girl at all! She was a stunning beauty! Tall with a graceful figure, wearing a light gray dress, her makeup was flawless, and her sun-kissed skin added a touch of allure.

Yuan Lin was momentarily taken aback, just about to speak when Lingling interrupted, "You're forcing me without knowing the reason, just because of Yiyi's tears?"

"You made Yiyi cry and still argue!" Yuan Lin would never admit he was wrong; Yiyi couldn't be wronged.

Lingling pulled out her phone and glanced at the call log with a smirk. "You invited me to the party, but your whole family went in without me. I was left outside, calling you, but no one answered. I texted, but no one replied."

Suddenly, Lingling's eyes reddened, and her voice softened, "I finally got in with the help of a kind stranger, and you still say I'm at fault. I didn't know my sister would come looking for me; she didn't say a word."

Yiyi felt a deep pang of regret; she shouldn't have ignored the messages in her rush, and now it was being used against her.

"Sis, I'm sorry. I was just in such a hurry and didn't want you to wait too long, so I forgot to reply. You won't hold it against me, will you?" Tears started streaming down her face.

"Well, sis, you should have made it clear. Your friends care about you so much; how could you let them be misunderstood?" Lingling's eyes glistened with unshed tears, but she refused to let them fall.

"Sis, it's my fault. You're living on your own, and we just didn't think of it."

Lingling chuckled coldly, thinking they might dig their own grave if they weren't careful.

"It's not like Dad hasn't thrown a teacup at me, and neither you nor Mom spoke up for me. If I hadn't moved out, who knows..."

"Alright, if there's nothing else, just behave. Come with me," Yuan Lin quickly interrupted, afraid Lingling might reveal more family secrets.

The people around suddenly felt embarrassed, realizing they might have gone too far. Their gazes toward Yiyi shifted, suspecting she was playing mind games with them. Only a few clueless guys still thought their goddess was being wronged.

Yuan Lin was busy introducing Yiyi to the guests at the party, while Lingling stood off to the side, almost invisible. After a few minutes, she quietly returned to the sofa in the corner. She didn't feel like eating anymore; it wasn't safe, and dealing with any mishaps would just waste time.

As she played a game on her phone, a spotlight suddenly shone on her. Lingling knew trouble was brewing again. The host on stage excitedly announced, "Please welcome Miss Yuan Lingling to the stage to perform a talent for the matriarch's birthday. Let's give her a round of applause!"

Yiyi smiled, eager to see Lingling make a fool of herself. Inside, Lingling was exasperated. Such a cliché scenario—no one even writes novels like this anymore! Resigned, she walked up to the stage, glancing at the elderly woman in the distance, who seemed kind and gentle.

With a smile and graceful steps, the young woman made her way to the stage. Lingling approached the piano, sat down, and placed her fingers on the keys. Instantly, enchanting and ethereal music filled the banquet hall. The spotlight illuminated her as her fingers danced elegantly across the keys, her demeanor poised and beautiful, like a fairy untouched by the world.

One pair of eyes watched Lingling intently, with a hint of intensity in their gaze.