Luna blinked innocently and looked up at Autumn in confusion.

"Autumn, what’s wrong?"

Autumn smiled at her. "Nothing."

Luna had probably decided Autumn wouldn’t cause a scene, which was why she dared to play her games so openly.

After all, Autumn’s relationship with the rest of the Lewis family was tense.

Every time she came back, it was only to keep her grandmother company, and she barely spoke to anyone else.

But Luna had miscalculated.

No matter what Julian did now, Autumn no longer cared.

With that thought, she held the scissors, pulled the tag into view, and was just about to snip it off when a woman’s sharp voice screamed from the doorway.

"Autumn, what are you doing?"

Susan Rivers rushed forward and slammed the luxury shopping bag in her hand right into Autumn’s face.

Startled, Autumn’s hand slipped, and the scissors jabbed into Luna’s back.

Blood immediately began to seep through the fabric.

"Ah..."

Luna let out a soft cry of pain.

Susan panicked, quickly checking Luna from head to toe.

When she saw the blood staining the back of Luna’s white dress, her face went pale.

Tears welled in her eyes. "Blood? Luna, are you okay? Let me see where you’re hurt."

Autumn raised her hand to block the shopping bag, her eyes turning cold.

In that moment, she fully understood Luna’s intention.

Just then, her second brother, Hector, walked in, carrying several shopping bags.

Dressed in black casualwear, tall and broad-shouldered, he bore a clear resemblance to Autumn.

He placed the bags on the coffee table and looked at Susan. "What happened, Susan?”

Since Susan married into the family when the Lewis brothers were already seven or eight, they had always called her by her first name.

Susan had calmed down by now.

Her eyes were still teary as she looked at Autumn and pleaded, "Autumn, if you’re upset, take it out on me. Please don’t hurt Luna, okay?"

She knew perfectly well that as a stepmother, the only way to survive in this household was to stay small and submissive.

Everything she did was so Luna could depend on the Lewis family, find a good husband, and ensure her own future comfort.

She had no choice but to swallow her anger and play the role of the dutiful daughter-in-law in front of the Lewis family.

Hector frowned, his eyes filled with reproach as he looked at Autumn.

"Autumn, how could you hurt Luna like that? You’ve gone too far. Apologize to her now. Every time you come home, it turns into a scene. Can’t you just behave for once?"

Looking at her second brother, whose features mirrored her own, Autumn froze for a second.

She remembered when their mother was sick, how he had pounded his chest and promised her he’d take care of his sister.

But only a few years had passed, and Hector became someone else entirely.

She didn’t know when it had started, but now, all she saw in his eyes was disappointment and contempt.

Whenever Luna was involved, he would side with her without question and limits.

Autumn’s expression turned cold as she looked at them.

"Ms. Rivers, if your eyesight’s failing, you should see a doctor. Which eye of yours saw me hurting Luna?

"And you, barking without even asking what actually happened. Is being Luna’s lapdog really that rewarding?"

Hector’s face turned red with anger, veins bulging at his neck.

He pointed at her. "You…"

Just then, Ginny walked in, her silver hair neat, leaning on a cane and supported by the driver.

She held a delicate gift bag in one hand.

She tapped her cane sharply against the floor, her tone commanding.

"I was the one who asked Autumn to come home. And every time she does, you people manage to stir up some drama.

“What is it? Do none of you respect this old woman anymore?"

The moment Autumn saw her grandmother, she hurried forward to help her.

"Grandma, I’m fine. Don’t be upset. It’s not worth affecting your health over this."

Every time she came home, it turned into chaos.

She had grown used to it.

If it weren’t for her grandmother, she wouldn’t step foot in this house again.

Hector pursed his lips in defiance and muttered, "Grandma, we weren’t making a scene. Autumn was trying to hurt Luna. I was just upset and scolded her a little."

Ginny shot him a sharp look. "Did you see it with your own eyes?"

Hector fell silent.

She sighed, her tone filled with meaning.

"Hector, Autumn is your sister by blood. Both of you are born from the same father and mother. You can’t let a few words from someone else turn your heart cold toward your own sister."

Hector lowered his eyes, a flicker of guilt flashing across his face.

He opened his mouth, as if to say something, but in the end, said nothing.

Though Ginny’s words unsettled him, he quickly buried the feeling.

Just then, Luna stepped forward, eyes red as she spoke to Ginny.

"Grandma, it’s my fault. I only asked Autumn to help me cut off the tag. I didn’t expect it to cause such a misunderstanding.

"Mom, Hector, you both misunderstood her. Autumn wasn’t trying to hurt me. This was all my fault."

Ginny gave Luna a cold glance.

"Then why didn’t you speak up earlier? You stood there watching Autumn get blamed and looked quite pleased with yourself."

Luna’s voice trembled with emotion. "No, Grandma, you’ve misunderstood. I really didn’t want her to be scolded. I was just… too scared…"

Before she could finish, Ginny cut her off.

"You were scared, so you let Autumn take the fall? Let her get scolded by her own brother? What exactly were you hoping to achieve?"

Seeing Luna crying harder, Susan quickly stepped forward to defend her.

"Mom, Luna didn’t mean it that way. She really was just scared. It’s my fault. I jumped to conclusions and blamed Autumn without asking first.

"Autumn, I’m sorry. This was my fault. I promise, it won’t happen again."

Autumn’s lips curved into a faint, mocking smile.

She didn’t hold back as she tore through the lie.

"Ms. Rivers, last time when Luna fell into the pool, you said the same thing. How many times have you made a vow by now? You repeat the same mistake every time. At this point, your credibility with me is zero."

"Autumn, is that any way to speak to your stepmother?"

A voice came from the doorway, followed by a middle-aged man stepping into the room, dressed in a sharp suit.

He wasn’t particularly tall, but his demeanor was gentle and refined, giving off the air of a cultured gentleman.

It was Richard Lewis, Autumn’s father in name only.

Autumn pressed her lips together, her eyes meeting his with the indifference one might show a stranger.

"Then why don’t you tell me, Mr. Lewis, which part of what I said was wrong?"

She had left this house with her mother when she was just five years old.

There was no real bond between her and Richard, only resentment.

Having watched her mother struggle after the divorce, Autumn had learned to be self-reliant from a young age.

Over the years, aside from her two older brothers who occasionally kept in touch, the rest of the Lewis family had treated her and her mother as if they didn’t exist.

Richard’s expression darkened. "Autumn, I’m your father."

Autumn curved her lips into a cold smile.

"Oh, right. I almost forgot I had such a wealthy father. Though your wealth doesn’t seem to have anything to do with me, does it?

"Or did you forget how you kicked my mother and me out with nothing? Left us to fend for ourselves?"

If it hadn’t been for two uncles’ help, she and her mother would’ve starved on the street.

Back when they needed him most, Richard turned his back on them.

And now he dared to stand here and remind her he was her father?

What a joke.

Richard's temper flared, and he snapped, "Who says I didn’t care? Every month I…"

Susan quickly stepped in to cut him off. "Let’s not drag up the past, alright? What’s done is done. Autumn, I bought you a dress. Why don’t you try it on and see if it fits?"

She bent down to pick up the shopping bag and pulled out the dress.

It was the same one Luna was already wearing.

Autumn didn’t reach for it.

Her tone was flat. "I don’t like white dresses. You can let Luna have it."

Hearing that, Susan looked a little embarrassed, a flicker of displeasure passing through her eyes, but she still said gently, "I’m sorry. I didn’t know what kind of dresses you liked.

"How about this—we go shopping together this afternoon, and you pick one you like yourself, alright?"

Looking at her fake, smiling face, Autumn pressed her lips together and stayed silent.

Beside her, Hector couldn’t take it anymore.

His face darkened as he snapped, "Autumn, it’s just a damn dress. If you don’t like it, exchange it. What’s with the attitude?

"Susan is already humbling herself just to talk to you. If you had a shred of decency, you wouldn’t still be sulking here."

Richard sighed and tried to persuade her in a softer tone.

"Autumn, your stepmother genuinely likes you. She really wants to get along. Please stop being difficult, alright?

"I know you’ve had issues with her because of your mother, but what’s done is done. Your mother is gone now. What’s the point of holding on to this resentment, don’t you think?"

At the mention of her mother, Autumn’s body visibly trembled.

Her eyes reddened in an instant.

Her expression darkened, her gaze bloodshot as she said coldly, "You don’t have the right to mention my mom. If you hadn’t cheated and had a child with your mistress, Luna wouldn’t even exist.

“My mom wouldn’t have chosen to leave with nothing just to get away from you.

"You ruined our lives. And now you think a few words can cover up everything? You people really are shameless."

She still remembered how, during their worst days, she used to wonder—how wonderful it would’ve been if her father hadn’t changed, if their family of five could’ve just stayed happy together.

But there was no ‘what if.’

Her mom had to raise her alone, waking up before dawn and staying out late just to make ends meet.

After finally putting her through college, she never got a chance to enjoy a peaceful life.

Her body broke down from the years of exhaustion.

Even on her deathbed, she never got to see her two sons again.

She left with regret.

How could Autumn not hold a grudge?

"Autumn!"

Richard’s face turned livid with rage. "What kind of talk is that? You don’t understand anything. Your mother and I already had problems long before.

"Even if Susan hadn’t come along, your mother and I would’ve ended up divorced anyway. Why can’t you let this go?"

Autumn let out a bitter laugh. "Oh? So that’s your excuse for cheating? If you didn’t love her anymore, you could’ve just said so.

“Why sneak around and have a child with another woman? Let’s be real—you’re all just shameless.

“If my mom hadn’t walked away, she and her daughter would still be nothing but the hidden mistress and illegitimate child."

They might think it was all in the past, but for Autumn, it would never be over.

Richard had betrayed her mother, forcing her to leave with nothing.

For years, he never once reached out to them.

And now he dared to stand there and lecture her like this?

How did he not choke on the hypocrisy?

Furious, Richard’s chest rose and fell sharply.

He raised a hand, about to strike her, but Ginny grabbed his arm.

Her tone was cold. "Have you all had enough? If you want to fight, take it outside. Do you enjoy turning this house into chaos?"

She cast a sharp glance at Susan. "You’ve been Mrs. Lewis for years and still haven’t learned restraint.

"If this dress was meant as a gift for Autumn, why would you buy the exact same style Luna’s wearing? Who were you trying to provoke?"

She had never liked Susan and her daughter.

They were always playing innocent and fishing for sympathy from the family, especially every time Autumn came home, all they ever did was maintain a fragile peace on the surface.

However, behind her back, they were always scheming and trying to set her up.

Ginny knew this well.

But she also knew Autumn wasn’t the type to suffer in silence.

There was no way she’d let herself be bullied.

Now that Ginny had spoken, Richard could only awkwardly rub his chin and clear his throat.

"Alright, enough. Everyone just go do what you need to do. Stop with all this nonsense.”

"Autumn doesn’t come home often. Look at the scene you’re all making. Honestly, what does it look like?"

After getting scolded, Susan’s expression soured, but she could only nod.

"Mom, I really didn’t know Autumn wouldn’t like that style of dress.

"She and Luna are about the same age. I assumed they had similar tastes, so I didn’t think much of it and just bought the same one."

Ginny let out a cold snort. "You know perfectly well what your intentions were."

With that, she took Autumn’s hand and led her toward her room so the two of them could talk in private.

By lunchtime, Autumn’s eldest brother, Simon Lewis had returned.

He was dressed in a sharp black suit, his features defined and composed, with the calculating edge of a seasoned businessman in his eyes.

During the meal, Ginny personally picked food for Autumn.

Since she had spoken to the kitchen in advance, nearly half the dishes on the table were Autumn’s favorites.

Luna glanced at the spread and immediately lost her appetite, though she had no choice but to stay and eat.

After a few half-hearted bites, she set down her utensils and pulled out the necklace resting at her collarbone.

She smiled sweetly and said, "I have some good news. I’m in a relationship. This necklace was a birthday gift from him!"

Autumn’s hand paused mid-air, eyes flicking briefly to the necklace Luna was proudly showing off.

Her brow creased ever so slightly, but she quickly returned to eating, expression calm.

What a blatant provocation.

But Autumn no longer cared.

She didn’t even care about Julian anymore.

If he wanted to give gifts to someone else, it had nothing to do with her.

Susan’s eyes lit up as she stared at the necklace around Luna’s neck.

"That’s the limited-edition True Heart, isn’t it? There are only two in the entire country. It’s practically impossible to get, even if you have the money.

"Our Luna really is a lucky girl. What a wonderful boyfriend. I’m so happy for you."

Hector, who didn’t know much about jewelry, still chimed in with enthusiasm after hearing Susan’s words.

"Luna’s amazing, after all. She’s the little princess of the Lewis family. Only someone exceptional would be good enough for her."

Simon raised an eyebrow and placed a piece of fish on Luna’s plate.

"Luna, dating is great, but you two should plan a time to have him drop by for dinner. Let us meet him and see what he’s like."

Richard also looked pleased. "Your brother’s right. You young people can date, but it’s important to let the family get to know him too."

Watching everyone at the table, so full of joy, exchanging cheerful remarks, Autumn bit down on her lip and unconsciously tightened her grip on her fork.

They had no idea she was already married.

And even less of a clue that the man Luna was talking about was the same man she had married.

So here they were, beaming with excitement and chatting about that man, completely unaware of the storm brewing behind her calm facade.

The only one feeling out of place was Autumn.

Luna glanced at her, feigning cautious concern. "Sis, why aren’t you saying anything? Are you upset that I’m in a relationship?"

Autumn stayed silent.

Her hand clenched around her fork as she slowly lifted her gaze.

So, Luna cheated with her husband and now had the nerve to flaunt it in her face.

Did she expect Autumn to smile, clap, and maybe even light a firecracker in celebration?

Was she trying to drive her insane?

If it weren’t for the thirty-day cooling-off period before the divorce could be finalized, Autumn would’ve flipped the damn table.

She might’ve failed at being a decent person, but when it came to being shameless, she was a natural.

With that thought, Autumn slammed her plate and fork onto the table with a loud clack.

"I’m done."

Hector frowned in irritation. "Autumn, Luna’s talking to you. What kind of attitude is that?"

Autumn stood up, dragging her chair back loudly. "So, what, Luna gets a boyfriend, and I’m supposed to respond on cue?

"Fine, then. I wish them a lifetime of undying love, so they’ll be too busy ruining each other’s lives to hurt anyone else."

Luna had succeeded in getting under her skin.

Just because she’d kept quiet, they thought she was easy to push around.

But Luna knew exactly where to twist the knife, and now Autumn could feel the rage burning through her chest.

With a loud smack, Simon slammed his fork onto the table, his face darkening as he snapped, "Autumn, haven’t you caused enough trouble?"

Autumn stared at her eldest brother, the one she’d always looked up to.

A memory flashed in her mind—when their parents had just divorced, he used to take his allowance to buy her candy, gently brushing the dirt from her cheek as he promised he’d always see her as his only sister.

But that was long gone.

Now, he stood firmly on Luna’s side every time something happened.

"Not yet," Autumn said faintly, then gave a cold, mocking smile.

"I would always get blamed for speaking up. If I don’t say anything, I’m still the one at fault. You people are exhausting."

Simon went silent.

Right then, Ginny slammed her own fork down and stood up, her tone icy as she turned to Luna.

"Will you shut that mouth already? Can’t even eat a meal without stirring up drama.

"If you want to eat, then eat. If not, get out. No one here is interested in your little performances."

Tears spilled down Luna’s cheeks as she rushed to explain.

"Grandma, you misunderstood. I was just really happy and thought I’d share the joy while Sis is home... I didn’t know my relationship would upset her so much. I just..."

Hector quickly stepped in front of Luna, glaring coldly at Autumn.

"Autumn, just because Grandma always sides with you, you think you can bully Luna every time you come home? How can you be so cruel?

"She’s just in a relationship. What’s it got to do with you? Why the sour face?"

Smack!

Ginny slapped Hector across the face.

Everyone turned to her in shock.

Ginny’s voice was low but firm as she said, "Hector, you’re defending your half-sister and turning on your biological sister. You think that makes you noble?

"I really don’t get it. Luna’s only your half-sister. Why are you always so eager to protect her?"

Simon’s expression turned grim as he snapped at Autumn, "Autumn, Hector just got slapped because of you. Don’t you feel the slightest bit ashamed?"

He had come home for lunch only because Autumn was visiting, despite his packed schedule.

But now, faced with this mess, all he saw was a sister growing more disrespectful by the day, throwing tantrums over the smallest things.

Autumn let out a short, cold laugh. "Maybe he got slapped because he couldn’t keep his mouth shut.

"Brother, if you’ve got time, you should get your eyes checked. Clearly, your vision’s gone bad. You can’t even see what’s right in front of you."