“Trying my best, trying my best. You know I’m used to life abroad—staying here for long is a bit much for me...”

As I exchanged affectionate pleasantries with my mother-in-law, Rossa, standing to the side without a title or status, was so envious that her mouth twisted in frustration.

After all, I still held the title of the Walter Family’s eldest daughter-in-law, while she remained nameless and unacknowledged.

A year ago, I divorced William—or so we claimed. In reality, we were merely separated; the paperwork was never finalized.

Though Rossa had moved into William’s villa and posed as the new young madam of the Walter Family, the truth was that they hadn’t registered their marriage. Legally, they had no ties.

This was one of William’s struggles. Any official change in marital status would immediately expose him to his mother.

And if his mother found out he had kicked me out to bring in a mistress, she would break his legs.

So, although everyone in the room knew the tangled relationships among me, Rossa and William, not a single person dared to bring it up.

As I chatted with my mother-in-law, our conversation grew lively. At one point, she reached into her bag and pulled out an enormous emerald pendant, pressing it into my hand.

“Dana, I got this at the royal auction in France—a flawless emerald once part of their royal collection. Not too expensive, just a little over a hundred million Dollar. Consider it a homecoming gift from me to you.”

Her birthday banquet hadn’t even started and she was already giving me a gift. It was clear how much she valued and liked me.

That gesture alone was enough to make everyone else burn with jealousy.

I accepted the pendant happily.

“Thank you, Mom. I’ve prepared a gift for you too—I promise it’s something you don’t already have!”

Out of the corner of my eye, I glanced at Rossa. Her face was already contorted with jealousy and she was biting her lip so hard it was about to bleed.

I couldn’t help but feel a surge of smug satisfaction.

Before I could present my gift, Rossa couldn’t hold back any longer. She stepped forward eagerly, addressing my mother-in-law.

“Madam—oh, I mean, Mother Walter! I wish you boundless happiness and longevity. I’ve also prepared a gift for you and I’m sure you’ll love it.”

With that, she turned and brought out a painting, unfurling it with a flourish before my mother-in-law.

“Madam, look! This is Tranquility of Bamboo and Feathered Pair, a rare masterpiece I acquired at great cost from a private collector!”

It seemed Rossa had done her homework, knowing my mother-in-law loved antiques and traditional art.

As expected, my mother-in-law’s face lit up with delight. She reached out to touch the painting, her expression one of pure joy.

“This painting is a priceless treasure. How much did you pay for it?”

“One hundred million.”

As she said this, Rossa glanced smugly around the room, as if challenging everyone: Who here can give a gift more precious or thoughtful than mine?

She had a point. From what I could see, the pile of birthday gifts by my mother-in-law’s side had already grown into a small mountain, undoubtedly from other family members who had arrived before me.

So far, it seemed none of those gifts could surpass Rossa’s in value or appeal. It was unlikely anyone would outdo her today.

Her intentions were clear.

First, she wanted to curry favor with my mother-in-law, laying the groundwork for the day she revealed her relationship with William.

Second, she wanted to impress the Walter Family, proving she had the qualifications and ability to replace me as the young madam.

But here’s the thing: my family had been dealing in antiques and art for generations. The moment I saw the painting, I could tell it was a fake.

Though it was a decent imitation, it completely lacked the texture and spirit of the original. At best, it was the work of a third-rate artist and worth no more than a few thousand dollar.

I knew this because I had been present at the auction where the original painting was sold. I even knew which collector currently owned it.

At least for now, I haven’t heard of that collector selling this painting. Rossa didn’t even bother to investigate before passing off a fake. Ridiculous.

I turned to Rossa and smiled.

“I wonder, Miss Rossa, which collector did you purchase this painting from?”

Rossa’s eyes darted nervously.

“Well… that collector is very discreet and specifically asked me not to reveal their name. My apologies.”

“No need to apologize. I actually know who the collector is. I was having tea with him just last night and asked about purchasing this painting. He said he’d never part with it in his lifetime. I’m curious—when exactly did you convince him to sell? Should I… give him a quick call to confirm?”

James Ross, with his sharp tongue and charming smirk, didn’t hold back. His words left Rossa utterly flustered.

“That… that won’t be necessary… Since I’ve already acquired it, naturally—”

James Ross wasn’t about to let her off the hook. He dialed the collector’s number right in front of everyone and put the call on speaker.

“Hello, Mr. Robert? It’s me, James Ross. You’re something else, huh? Didn’t you just say last night you wouldn’t part with the Tranquility of Bamboo and Feathered Pair painting? How come it’s in the hands of a lady named Rossa?”

“What? Nonsense, James! That painting is still hanging in my studio. That Miss Rossa must be peddling a forgery!”

Hanging up, James Ross gave Rossa a sly smile, spread his hands and didn’t say another word.

The realization dawned on my mother-in-law, who immediately shoved the painting back into Rossa’s hands, her displeasure evident.

“Cheap or expensive, I don’t care. But I absolutely detest forgeries being passed off as genuine. It’s an insult to art!”

Rossa’s face turned beet red. She slinked back to her seat, humiliated.

William, ever the knight for his mistress, awkwardly patted her shoulder in consolation. Their nameless, title-less relationship meant even a simple gesture like that was all they dared to do in front of my mother-in-law. Pathetic.

At that moment, my mother-in-law turned to me with expectant eyes and held my hand warmly.

“Didn’t you say you prepared a gift I definitely don’t have? Come on, let me see it!”

I pulled out the Heart of Asia Emerald Bead I’d carefully prepared for her and gently placed it in her hand.

Sure enough, her eyes widened in shock as she stared at the bead, disbelief written all over her face.

“How is this possible? There are only two in the world. One is owned by the famous Monastery in Asia, its value already exceeding one billion. The other has been missing for years, rumored to be worth over five billion dollars. Could this really be it?”

“Yes, it is. I spent a year searching the globe, just to prepare this birthday gift for you!”

My mother-in-law couldn’t put it down, turning it over in her hands repeatedly before finally asking me to help her wear it around her neck. Her joy was palpable.

“Oh, Dana, you always know me best. I’ve been looking for this bead for years without success. You must have spent a fortune on it, didn’t you?”

“Money is a small matter, as long as you like it, Mom. Of course, the most important thing is that this bead and you were destined for each other!”

My mother-in-law and I chatted happily, while off to the side, Rossa was green with envy. In a sour tone, she sneered.

“The only other bead in existence is the sacred treasure of Biggest Asian Monastery. How could you possibly get your hands on it? Who would believe such nonsense!”

That one comment ignited my fury. I turned to her, my voice icy.

“And if it’s real?”

“Humph! If it’s real, I’ll get down on my knees and bark like a dog!”

Without hesitation, I played a video on my phone. It showed me personally visiting one of the biggest Monastery in Asia, offering prayers and incense for my mother-in-law, being gifted the Heart of Asia Emerald Beat and donating five billion for the temple’s upkeep.