Kapitel 38: Chapter 38: Dazzling Castle’s Princess
Ping Wen was still surprised, despite having already suspected it. His grandnephew, Ethan, was notoriously difficult to please. Every woman handpicked by the family had been ruthlessly turned away, one after another.
Had Ethan continued rejecting potential matches, Ping Wen might have considered suggesting Ping Xiaoyue. Marriages between cousins or distant relatives were not unheard of among the elite.
Yet, something deep inside had told him it would be a mistake to push Ethan and Xiaoyue together.
And now, standing before Ethan's fiancée, he was glad he hadn't been so muddleheaded back then.
This woman, even in stillness, emanated an aura so formidable that it was impossible to ignore.
Lillie, silent and indifferent to the prying gazes around her, was unbothered by the whispers. However, there was something she could not ignore.
This feeling…
Ah, killing intent?
A smirk barely ghosted her lips.
Heh, someone actually dares to want me dead?
Well, in that case, they'd best be prepared to prove themselves worthy of such an endeavor.
"Cousin-bother's fiancée? Wow, you're really beautiful."
Ping Xiaoyue's voice was calm as she stepped forward, every movement deliberate.
Lillie raised an eyebrow. So it's you? That unmistakable wave of hostility—of hatred—came from her.
Interesting.
"I'm Ping Xiaoyue. Nice to meet you… uh…" She trailed off, feigning curiosity.
"Ana," Lillie replied smoothly, her expression unreadable.
Xiaoyue's smile remained saccharine. "Miss Ana, I believe this is our first time meeting."
"I believe so."
Of course, it was only natural. Only a very select few had ever seen Lillie Bai in person—figures of immense power and influence.
And those who had… knew better than to speak of it.
Her true identity was something no one dared to casually discuss, let alone expose.
The women hovering around Ping Xiaoyue, unable to resist their curiosity, seized the opportunity to steal glances at Ethan's fiancée.
It was a bitter pill to swallow.
Ethan Li—the man they all admired, idolized, and secretly wished to court—was engaged. And not just to anyone, but to her.
Their envy was suffocating.
Among the ordinary society, these women were considered breathtakingly beautiful. But in the cutthroat world of the elite?
They were painfully average.
And compared to the woman standing before them? They might as well be invisible.
The difference between them was like heaven and earth.
Yet, there were some among them who relieved.
At the very least, it was Lillie Bai who would marry Ethan. Not his arrogant, self-absorbed cousin.
Because no amount of plastic surgery could make Ping Xiaoyue even a fraction as beautiful as Lillie.
Unlike her, Lillie Bai's beauty was untouched, undeniable, unparalleled.
But then—
"Ana, that dress…"
One of Ping Xiaoyue's 'friends' suddenly spoke up, her voice tinged with intrigue.
"…isn't that the one Dazzling Castle posted a few days ago?"
The murmurs spread like wildfire.
A devoted fan of Madame Agathe quickly confirmed it.
Dazzling Castle's official Weibo account frequently showcased the latest designs, including the exclusive pieces Madame Agathe personally created for her family—most notably, Lillie Bai.
It was practically a tease to the elite socialites who could never get their hands on those designs.
No matter how much money they threw at it, no matter what connections they tried to exploit—Lillie Bai's personal collection was not for sale.
They could only dream.
And now, this woman—this so-called Ana—was wearing one of those dresses?
Impossible.
It could only mean one thing.
It was a fake.
"Ana, that dress… is that really from Dazzling Castle?" Ping Xiaoyue's voice was laced with feigned concern, her wide eyes masking the triumphant glint beneath.
Lillie remained silent, watching her with an amused gaze.
Inside, Xiaoyue mocked her.
That's right. Stay silent, you pathetic fraud.
"Ana, do you know what would happen if Lillie Bai found out someone imitated her dress?" she added, her voice dripping with malice.
The crowd gasped.
This was serious.
Everyone knew about the rivalry—the deep-seated hatred between Lillie Bai and Ethan Li.
The idea that someone close to Ethan Li had the audacity to imitate her exclusive design?
It would be an unforgivable offense.
Lillie Bai was notorious for her unyielding pride and unmatched influence. She was not someone to be crossed lightly. If word got out that someone associated with Ethan had dared to wear a counterfeit version of her dress…
She would destroy them.
The whispers turned into a frenzy of judgment.
"I thought she came from a prestigious background—stooping so low as to wear an imitation?"
"She must have seduced Ethan Li really well to be given such status."
"Just look at her! She's not even denying it."
"Shameless bitch."
The Li family stiffened.
Their rage simmered, threatening to boil over.
How dare these fools insult their future daughter-in-law?
And in their presence, no less?
Humiliation burned in their chests—not only was this an insult to Lillie Bai, but it was also a direct affront to the Li family's future matriarch.
As the Li's daughter-in-law, she was supposed to be untouchable, revered, and above baseless accusations. Yet here she was, being publicly slandered at a gathering hosted by their own relatives.
The sheer audacity of it.
The Li elders' expressions darkened, their disappointment and fury barely concealed behind their dignified exteriors. Ethan's grandmother's grip tightened on her cane, and his mother's eyes flashed with cold rage.
Even Ethan, the ever-composed and indifferent heir, exuded a chilling aura that sent shivers down the spines of those who had dared to whisper against his woman.
Their soon-to-be daughter-in-law—the woman who would stand at the pinnacle alongside Ethan Li—was being mocked right in front of them?
Unacceptable.
And the ones behind this foolish spectacle?
They would pay dearly.
Ping Wen clenched his fists.
He was livid.
That woman was his grandnephew's fiancée. His younger sister's grandaughter-in-law. And yet, here she was, being slandered at his event, under his nose.
Shame filled him.
He had failed to protect her dignity at his own gathering.
Just as he was about to intervene—
BANG!
The grand doors of the party hall burst open.
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
Because stepping inside, with all the grace of royalty and the unshakable presence of titans—
Was the Bai family.
Their entrance was nothing short of commanding.
They moved as one, their clothes—a seamless extension of Lillie's—crafted by Madame Agathe herself.
Their mere presence shattered the tension in the room.
And in that instant, the tables turned.
Ping Xiaoyue's heart soared.
Yes! The heavens had blessed her tonight!
Now, she could personally report Lillie's shameful imitation to the Bai family.
Let them witness this fraud for themselves.
Let them deal with her.
Let's see you escape now, Ana.
Geschenke
-- Geschenk
erhalten Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein