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When I asked about Emily, he seemed indifferent.
"She has Mom, Dad, and the Ashtons."
"She doesn't need me."
"I just need to look after my biological sister."
"I failed you, letting you get kidnapped."
"This is my responsibility."
I stayed silent, following him to the banquet hall.
To erase the last engagement's fiasco, the Harpers and Ashtons spared no expense.
Every prominent figure in the capital got an invitation.
The engagement felt grander than most weddings.
I was aware of my parents' insistence on my attendance—to validate their" twins" story.
No one would believe I'd stand calmly otherwise.
Emily, basking in my parents'favor, ensured no one dared speak to me for half an hour.
Relishing my isolation, she gloated.
"So what if you're the legitimate heiress?"
"Mom, Dad, and Daniel all chose me."
"Even Nathan will prefer me eventually."
"Five years of bonds outweigh your childhood scraps."
I swirled my wine glass, saying," You and Daniel won't last."
Emily bristled, but a servant urged her to prepare—the banquet was starting.
She left with a parting shot.
"Claire Harper, who do you think you are?"
"Daniel and I will be happy forever!"
To prevent trouble, black-suited guards surrounded me as the banquet began.
Onstage, both families delivered speeches. Daniel and Emily beamed with joy and shyness.
The emcee smiled.
"Mr. Ashton and Miss Harper's love is inspiring."
"Let's congratulate them!"
Crash!
A shattering wine glass cut through the cheers.
All eyes turned to me.
"They can't marry."
My mother rushed down, scolding," Claire, what are you doing?"
Even Nathan softened his tone.
"Claire, didn't you agree to the engagement?"
"Let's not make a scene."
I looked up, surprised.
"When did I agree?"
"Besides, I'm saving them."
"How can half-siblings marry?"
The crowd gasped.
Behind Daniel and Emily, the screen lit up with photos of Mr. Ashton with a woman, her holding a child, and DNA test results.
"See clearly?" I asked, smiling, then turned to Emily.
"As for truth, Emily—no, Lydia Crane—you know I'm right."
"Crane, Crane—who were you trying to'save'with that surname?"
"Your mother loved deeply, but couldn't outweigh profit."
"She was cast out, gave birth to you, and became my nanny at the Harpers."
"Harper rules kept you indoors."
"Playful as you were, you snuck out and met the Ashton heir."
"You told your mother, thrilled, but she panicked, insisting you leave."
"You refused, kneeling, begging me."
"I convinced your mother to stay."
"But why, when you learned of the Harper-Ashton marriage talks, did you lure kidnappers?"
The screen played photos and videos, corroborating my words.
Emily, unhinged, grabbed a fruit knife and lunged at me.
I kicked the knife away, knocking her down.
"Lydia Crane, I was kind to you."
"Why repay kindness with betrayal?"
"You deserved to die!"
Emily glared, then turned to my parents.
"Think you're safe without me?"
"I couldn't have lured kidnappers alone—your parents wanted you dead!"
Gasps echoed. Nathan roared," What nonsense!"
"Nonsense?"
Emily laughed maniacally, pointing at Nathan.
"Nathan, why play innocent?"
"Ever wonder why, born frail, predicted to die by eighteen, you got better after Claire was born, while healthy Claire weakened?"
"She was born for you!"
"Your parents swapped your fates."
"They hid her to keep it secret."
"All for you."
