Not Even On The Same Level

When Elena was forced into breaking off her engagement, she didn't feel much about it, but now, eavesdropping like this was a bit too much!

Especially since...

Right across from her, Shaun was crouching as well.

Elena's hand was still covering his mouth.

She could faintly feel the warm breath he exhaled against her palm.

Elena couldn't help but tremble slightly.

This was beyond awkward.

Shaun gave Elena a deep look but didn't say anything.

After what felt like an eternity, the couple they were watching finally finished their intimate moment and left the garden hand in hand.

Elena let out a sigh of relief and quickly jumped to her feet.

She was somewhat thankful that the couple had only kissed and hadn't done anything more intense.

Otherwise, she might have died of embarrassment.

Shaun stood up slowly and then looked at her. "Do you have anything to say?"

"Mr. Hayes, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to offend you," Elena said, lowering her head and admitting her mistake honestly.

Shaun frowned. "I meant, do you have anything to say about what you just saw?"

Ah, that’s it.

Elena suddenly understood, her mind racing with thoughts.

She had long been aware of what Williams and Rosalie were discussing, and it didn’t affect her much. After all, she had always known she was just a replacement, so she never invested her feelings into it.

But this was probably the first time Shaun found out.

Rumor had it that the head of the Hayes Family was ruthless and cold-hearted in his actions.

Although Williams was engaged to her, it was clear he wanted to break off the engagement. If this news got out, it would certainly tarnish the Hayes Family's reputation.

Williams was his nephew, so naturally, he wouldn’t do anything to him.

But what about her? Wouldn’t she be in great danger?

Thinking of Shaun’s reputation, Elena even felt she might be silenced for good.

In a flash of inspiration, Elena looked up, her eyes slightly red. "Mr. Hayes, I’ve always been a replacement. Now that the real one is back, it’s only natural that Williams doesn’t want me anymore. Don’t worry, whether it’s breaking off the engagement or anything else, I will fully cooperate with whatever he wants. I promise I won’t cause any trouble for the Hayes Family."

Elena's appearance was delicate yet resilient.

Given her current state, she hoped she could at least save her own life.

Elena thought that compared to three years ago, her biggest improvement was learning how to show vulnerability.

She wondered if Shaun would fall for it.

Shaun narrowed his eyes, his pupils darkening.

Previously, when Rosalie had teared up, he found it overly dramatic and felt nothing but disdain.

But now, seeing Elena's eyes well up... inexplicably, he reached out his hand.

Elena was crying earnestly when she suddenly felt someone wiping her tears away.

She looked up, bewildered.

Shaun calmly withdrew his hand and said in a deep voice, "The Hayes Family will give you an explanation."

With that, he turned around, leaving Elena with a cold, indifferent back.

Elena was left speechless.

An explanation? What kind of explanation?

She didn't want any explanation.

She didn't even like Williams. A smooth breakup was just fine with her.

Of course, Elena didn't dare say that out loud.

She let out a bitter laugh, deciding she didn't want to stay in the garden any longer. Taking advantage of the fact that no one was watching, she quietly sneaked back to her room.

The hall was still bustling with activity.

Downstairs, Rosalie's birthday party was in full swing.

She and Rosalie shared the same birthday, born on the same day of the same month in the same year. Today was supposed to be her birthday too.

But then, the real daughter had returned.

Who would remember her now?

Elena shut her door, cutting off the noises from outside.

She took out a small cake she had prepared in advance and ate it carefully.

Then, she earnestly said to herself, "Happy birthday, Elena Miller."

Even if others forgot, she had to remember.

Elena had no intention of going out to be a nuisance. After finishing the small cake, she stayed in her room.

Bored, she took out a mathematics test paper and started working on it.

What began as a way to pass the time soon engrossed her.

She had just finished one test paper when suddenly, there was a knock on the door.

Her thoughts were abruptly interrupted. She rubbed her temples and went to open the door.

"Miss," a servant stood at the door, showing a perfectly polite smile. "Master Richard and Madam Veronica request your presence downstairs."

Elena was taken aback for a moment. "Is there something they need?"

"The Master and Madam didn't say," the servant replied.

"Alright. Give me a moment."

Elena didn't think much of it and casually changed into a more appropriate outfit before heading out.

"Miss, you can't go without wearing any jewelry," the servant said, presenting a white jade bracelet. "Madam Veronica instructed me to give this to you to wear."

Elena wanted to refuse.

The servant added, "Madam said if you don't wear it, it means you're not part of the family."

Hearing this, Elena hesitated for a moment and then allowed the servant to help her put on the bracelet. It was a bit small and took some effort to slip on.

Her sleeve fell, covering most of the bracelet, leaving only a small part visible.

The servant glanced at the bracelet with a faint smile, then led Elena downstairs.

The party was still in full swing.

Rosalie was the center of attention, surrounded by Richard and Veronica, along with Williams, making her look like a princess.

Elena had no idea why they had called her here. She didn't want to disturb the happy family scene and just wanted to find a quiet place to stay.

"Sis!" Rosalie spotted her through the crowd and called out sweetly.

Elena let out an almost unnoticeable sigh and resignedly walked over. "Rosalie."

Rosalie, feeling a bit guilty, took her hand. "I'm sorry, sis. I just found out that we share the same birthday. I should have called you down sooner. Please don't be mad at me. Mom, Dad, help me out here."

As she spoke, Rosalie playfully stuck out her tongue.

Richard frowned slightly and said calmly, "Elena, your sister has been through a lot to come back home. It's only right that we pay her a bit more attention these days. You're so understanding; surely you won't be upset, right?"

Elena lowered her eyes and replied calmly, "I won't."

"That's good to hear," Veronica said with a smile, pulling both Elena and Rosalie closer. "You two are both my daughters. Elena, as the older sister, remember to take good care of Rosalie. After all, while you were enjoying the comforts of home, your sister was out there suffering."

A slight pang of pain pricked Elena's heart.

Everyone said she was living a life of luxury.

But even if she was, what did Rosalie's suffering have to do with her? It wasn't her fault that she went missing.

Their words made it seem like she owed Rosalie something.

But Elena didn't say anything. She just obediently replied, "I understand."

"You're the best, sis," Rosalie beamed, her smile radiant and playful.

All this time, Rosalie clung to Elena, making the two of them inseparable, as if they shared an unbreakable bond.

Rosalie's delicate features and ethereal outfit made her look like a fairy straight out of a painting, especially with her cute and playful accessories.

Elena, on the other hand, was slightly taller than Rosalie. However, her wardrobe was filled with clothes chosen according to Rosalie's tastes and measurements. Combined with her strikingly beautiful appearance, the childish styling only made her look even more out of place.

As they walked around together, whispers began to surface.

"You see, blood really matters, doesn't it? A replacement will always be just that. Standing next to the real heiress, she just seems to lack something."

"Rosalie looks perfect in that white dress. But Elena, trying to imitate her, just looks awkward and out of place."

"Their vibes are completely different."

"Feels like a poor imitation."

"That Elena used to copy Rosalie on purpose. Now that Rosalie's back, she's still acting like her. It's shameless."

"Exactly."

These words, though faint, made their way into Elena's ears.

Elena's expression remained unchanged.

Rosalie's smile, however, grew even brighter.

Veronica had a vague sense of what her daughter was thinking, but she just watched with a smile, not even considering stopping the gossip.

Elena was nothing more than a replacement.

Now that her precious daughter was back, who needed a substitute?