Chapter 7 Everett closed his eyes for a few seconds , then opened them again before turning and stepping into the adjacent guest room . As per Yvette's instructions , Raymond had asked the servants to move all of Serena's belongings - including her bedding - into this room , which had once been used to host guests . The guest room was alright , with its own en suite bathroom and bathtub . But it was smaller than Yvette's bedroom , with a narrower balcony and a more limited view . A trace of unwillingness flashed across Serena's face before she quickly lowered her head to conceal it . Everett sighed , a wave of nostalgia in his voice . " I used to stay in this room . " Clifford immediately retorted with a grin , " What are you talking about ? This was my old room , OK ? I used to live here for years . " It was the closest room to Yvette's . When they were children , whenever she heard anything sound from here , she'd come running to stay by his side . She had been so gentle , so considerate , always seeming as if her warm embrace was meant for him alone . She had been so gentle , so considerate , always seeming as if her warm embrace was meant for him alone . But ... The grin was still plastered on Clifford's face , but his eyes had gone utterly dark and cold . Serena bit her lip , a bit surprised . Shouldn't they be furious that she had just been essentially evicted to this room ? Why were they suddenly reminiscing about the past instead ? There were larger , more luxurious guest rooms available , yet Yvette had specifically arranged for her to stay in this one . It was difficult to believe Yvette wasn't targeting her But after hearing Everett and Clifford's remarks , she understood - she couldn't afford to show even a hint of displeasure . " Really ? What a lovely coincidence . To think all three of us have stayed in this very room ! " Soon , Raymond knocked on the door and invited Serena downstairs , saying that the cake was ready . 06:41 Chapter 7 289 / Voucher She turned to Everett and asked softly , " Rett , would you come down and cut the cake with me ? " She sounded noticeably nervous . After a brief pause , she added by way of explanation . " You're the most important friend to me , so I was hoping ... " Everett's gaze falling upon her softened a bit as he nodded . " Let's go . " Downstairs , Raymond had instructed the servants to wheel the massive five - tier birthday cake into the center of the room . Everyone had gathered around , waiting eagerly for Serena's arrival . When Serena appeared , flanked by Everett and Clifford , the crowd broke into warm smiles and cheerful greetings . " Rena , Mr. Schmitt , Mr. Lester - we've been waiting for you ! " Most of Serena's classmates came from wealthy families , and many had initially looked down on her for her humble origins in a remote village . Yet , through her charisma , she had gradually won over them , becoming the most popular in class . Still , a small clique of wealthy girls had continued to mock her , insisting that no matter how she dressed or acted , she would always be a poor girl at heart . They had pushed for this birthday party , hoping to see her humiliated - expecting she would never be able to host them in a true luxury villa . To their astonishment , she did exactly that . The villa spanned hundreds of square meters and was staffed with dozens of servants . The sight left them slack - jawed . On top of that , she managed to invite Everett and Clifford , one the school hunk and the other the A - list celebrity . Also , they seemed so intimate . Clearly , they were close friends After today , no one would dare question Serena's place in the Duckworth family To them , she was the very daughter of the Duckworth family ! " Rena , come cut the cake ! " someone called out , their tone noticeably more enthusiastic than before . Basking in the spotlight , Serena glanced back at Everett and Clifford , who stood behind her , flanking her on either side , feeling a deep surge of satisfaction With a graceful smile , she delivered a brief speech under the eager encouragement of the 06.41 Chapter 7 : 288 Vouchers crowd , her poised demeanor leaving no doubt in anyone's mind that she was every bit the heiress of a wealthy family . After she made a wish , blew out the candles , and cut the cake , a sharp voice cut through the atmosphere . " Rena , where is that relative of yours ? Why hasn't she joined us ? " It was Janelle Townsend . Her family was well - established in finance , and she was known for her willful and arrogant nature .
