The Conqueror's Vindicated Darling

I tilted my head, looking at him. "And what kind of person is that?"

Before I could finish, a ripple of muffled laughter spread through the crowd.

"Scarlett, you're nothing but the woman he left."

"Abandoned by your family, forced to flee to Europe. What are you doing back? Do you really think you're still that high-and-mighty socialite?"

I glanced at the man who was sneering at me. I had personally bailed out his company when it was on the verge of collapse.

A flash of triumph lit Felicity's eyes. She glided forward to block my path, her voice dripping with fake sympathy, "Everyone, please. Scarlett must have had a rough time to come all the way back. Let's not be cruel. We should all welcome her home!"

With that, she took my hand, her voice thick with feigned sincerity. "Scarlett, come back. You don't have to be embarrassed. This will always be your home."

Seeing the counterfeit sincerity in her eyes, I coldly snatched my hand away. "I'm not coming back."

At my refusal, Felicity’s face immediately crumpled into a mask of hurt, her eyes welling with tears. "Scarlett, are you still angry with me? But you can't force love..."

Her fragile, pitiful act tore at Griffin's heart. He quickly pulled her into his arms, murmuring, "You're just too kind. That's why she always bullies you."

Then Griffin turned, glaring at me. "Europe didn't want you, and our world has no place for you either!"

Felicity pressed a hand to her chest, her expression theatrically heartbroken. "Scarlett, back then, you tried to use leaving as a threat to force Griffin to accept you. But you know he only loves me, so your threats were useless. No matter what, you'll always be my sister. Showing up here just proves you weren't doing well in Europe. If you want to come back to New York, I can let bygones be bygones."

Hearing Felicity's aggrieved performance, Griffin roared, "If you had any backbone, you would have stayed away! Now you're shamelessly trying to crawl back to New York and take what belongs to Felicity!"

Griffin’s words instantly drew all eyes to me.

"I thought she came back to support her sister, but it turns out she's here to ruin her sister's happiness."

"It's a good thing Mr. Lancaster loves Felicity."

The surrounding chatter made Felicity's eyes grow even redder. She stepped in front of me again, playing the part of the magnanimous sister. "Please, everyone, don't say that about Scarlett. She is my sister, after all." Then she looked at Griffin with pleading eyes. "Griffin, it's okay. As long as you love me, Scarlett's return won't really change anything..."

Griffin stroked Felicity's hair dotingly, then shot a scornful glare at me. "For Felicity's sake, I can offer you a job. As her personal assistant."