I forced a smile, my eyes reddening. My aunt leaned over and whispered something. My mother-in-law’s face darkened as she saw Alexander and Charlotte walking arm in arm. Charlotte wore the baby’s breath necklace, freshly put on. Alexander guided her toward me, giving me a warning look. Charlotte stepped forward and handed me a gift box.

"Happy birthday, Auntie! This is my gift for you. I made a bracelet myself, blessed at a temple to bring you health. It’s not pretty, so please don’t mind."

I opened the box. Inside was a simple red bracelet. Ordinarily, cheap—three for ten dollars at a street stall would have been prettier.

Someone nearby burst out laughing. "She’s probably watched too many idol dramas, thinking a slum girl can impress a wealthy mother-in-law with a handmade bracelet."

Another sneered, "I’ve never seen anything like this. If you’re not in our circle, don’t try to get close."

I suppressed my laughter, eyes fixed on Charlotte, filled with contempt. Yes—contempt. A little green tea girl hoping to climb into the Worthington family over me had no chance. With her lowly background, even tolerating her would be degrading, let alone letting her rise. Even without my words, society would teach her the lesson naturally.

Alexander spoke up, "Mom, Charlotte is young and doesn’t understand. This is her gift, so please accept it."

My mother-in-law glanced at her, and the servants immediately reached out to take the bracelet, handing over a red envelope. I smiled faintly. The red envelope came from the plate my mother-in-law had given to the servants that day—a small gesture of mockery, if subtle.

Charlotte accepted the red envelope happily. "Thank you, Auntie."

Then she turned to me. "Elizabeth, what gift did you give Auntie today? I see you don’t have one. You didn’t forget, did you?"

I looked at her with sharp disgust, then shot Alexander the same glare. Since she came to my house, I wouldn’t hold back. Alexander, knowing my temper, was about to intervene, but I spoke first. I took my mother-in-law’s arm. "Mom, I bought you a sapphire—your favorite. Let me show you a picture."

I pulled up photos from my phone, including the ones from the auction house. My mother-in-law’s face lit up. "Oh, Elizabeth, you’re wonderful. You always make me happy."

I pursed my lips. "But today I discovered Alexander took the jewel without my knowledge, saying he wanted to give it away."