Lady Song’s eyes were piercing as thorns, causing Song Yiren to calm down. She lowered her head and spoke softly, "At last night’s banquet, Kang Jinxian wanted to disgrace you through He An. She exploited our relationship and made me desperately ply you with drink, hoping that He An would take advantage of you while you were drunk. But wrongdoings eventually meet their retribution, and in the end, she was the one violated by He An. After going back home and reflecting over and over, my conscience wouldn’t give me peace. No matter what, I had to tell the truth, hoping to receive your forgiveness." Yun Ya’s eyes widened in shock, and she patted her chest still trembling with residual fear. Zhuang Xiyue stood in front of Yun Ya, looking coldly down at Song Yiren from her superior position, "Yiren, knowing your mistake and correcting it is what makes you a good child, but you should never have thought to harm Yun Ya. Aunt Zhuang won’t forgive you, and Yun Ya won’t forgive you either. When you decided to do this, you should have considered the consequences." Lady Song watched her beloved daughter bow and scrape in such a demeaning manner; it left a bad taste in the depths of her heart, but she had no choice but to resort to such a scheme. Seeing that Zhuang Xiyue remained utterly unmoved, she became anxious in a moment. Zhuang Xiyue sighed, "Nianci, don’t blame me for being heartless. Yiren really went too far this time. Yun Ya was lucky, but what if she hadn’t been? What fate would she face now? A girl in the flower of her youth, her life utterly ruined. Just because it didn’t happen doesn’t erase your evil intentions and actions." Zhuang Xiyue waved her hand dismissively, "You all should go back, there is no discussing this matter." Lady Song hadn’t expected Zhuang Xiyue to deny her even a shred of dignity. Her eyes involuntarily turned to the girl standing at Zhuang Xiyue’s side, dressed in a white chiffon dress—beautiful, elegant, gentle, and quiet. Upon catching Lady Song’s glance, the girl lifted her eyes and gently smiled at her with pursed lips. Lady Song was taken aback for a moment, then her eyes narrowed slightly. If Yiren had to be defeated by this girl, it wouldn’t be a loss. Surprised that her humility had still not loosened Zhuang Xiyue’s stance, Song Yiren couldn’t fathom what was so good about Ji Yunya that everyone sided with her one after another? Before her return, even though Brother Yan ignored her, she could still see him from time to time and even Aunt Zhuang treated her with a cheerful demeanor. But now, Ji Yunya had taken all that away from her, standing there at Zhuang Xiyue’s side, mocking her debacle... Profound humiliation caused her fingertips to tremble, wishing she could storm out, but she couldn’t—she had to remain calm... Just then, Uncle Yan’s cheerful voice came from the doorway, "Eldest young master, second young master, you’re back." Song Yiren caught a glimpse of two tall figures entering one after the other. She bowed her head deeply, thinking that Brother Yan, seeing her , would surely be deeply disappointed. What was she still begging for? Wasn’t this morning’s warning enough? Song Yiren, you should wake up and face reality. Yan Song walked into the living room with his schoolbag, his gaze first falling on Yun Ya. Yun Ya pursed her lips and smiled at him. Yan Song arched an eyebrow, handed his schoolbag to Yan Ke who was behind him, and stepped toward the group. "Auntie Song, you’re here," Yan Song greeted politely. Lady Song nodded. This child, Yan Song, was truly outstanding. She always regarded him with the eyes of an prospective mother-in-law, but today, there was a hint of shadow in her gaze. Song Yiren wished she could vanish into thin air, her head hanging lower and lower. "Since you’re here, why not stay for a simple meal before leaving?" Yan Song spoke with the authority of the host. Zhuang Xiyue glared at Yan Song, what was this child thinking? But with Yan Song having spoken so, she could only reluctantly extend the invitation. Lady Song hesitated briefly before agreeably accepting, thinking it a good opportunity to mend her relationship with Zhuang Xiyue. Nobody noticed the trace of derision in the youth’s eyes. Whenever his brother wore such a smile, it foreshadowed someone’s misfortune. Discover more novels at Nov3lFɪre.ɴet Yan Ke dashed upstairs to drop off his schoolbag and then hurried back down, afraid of missing even a second of the impending drama. With Zhuang Xiyue unyielding, the apology came to nothing. They couldn’t press her too hard since their attitude was already clear—it was up to Zhuang Xiyue what she decided in her heart. With some time before the meal, Lady Song busied herself trying to repair relations with Zhuang Xiyue, whose expression remained indifferent, devoid of her past warmth. Upon receiving a look from Yan Song, Yan Ke ran up to Yun Ya with a cheerful smile, "Sister Yun Ya, it’s stuffy inside. Let’s go play in the courtyard."