Violet woke up later than usual thanks to having been very busy the night before.
After getting up, he sneaked to the servants' bathroom to wash and prepared to leave.
—Violet.
When he went down to the first floor, he saw Godfrey talking to his mother.
He was supposed to have spent the night in his office, but it seemed like he had returned early in the morning.
Violet looked at Godfrey without saying anything.
Godfrey frowned.
—How lazy.
He looks like his humble mother.
Marigold already had breakfast and went for a walk.
Violet's eyes turned fierce at Godfrey's words.
Don't make me laugh.
My mother was a descendant of a prestigious family.
How dare you insult her?
At that moment…
—Daddy!
—Marigold said cheerfully as she approached.
Seeing Marigold, Godfrey's mouth softened and his eyes shone with affection.
—My beautiful daughter, did you enjoy your walk?
—Yes, the flowers are very pretty.
I thought I'd cut some out to decorate your studio.
—You are as beautiful inside as out.
With that sweetness, you will be very loved when you get married.
—Speaking of today's festival, the letters from young people from prestigious families to go with her keep coming.
—said Paula, who until a moment ago was in a bad mood.
—The festival?
—You know.
It is one of the few opportunities that high society allows for singles to meet each other.
It's like a countdown to marriage proposals.
—Ah, I see.
—The letters I receive are obvious.
They are always from people I know.
But the invitation letter my sister received is much more surprising.
Do you remember what I told you at breakfast?
—Marigold spoke innocently.
Just the mention of Violet's name brought disgust back to Godfrey's face.
—Yes, I wonder how he behaves.
Did you receive a letter from an important man?
said Godfrey with contempt.
"It seems Marigold told you about the letter I received," Violet said calmly.
In any case, he had no intention of accepting the invitation.
But seeing the anxiety of Marigold, who obviously wanted Ash's attention, Violet changed her mind.
—Hmm.
After listening to you and Marigold, I realized that I have been too lenient.
-Indulgent?
You with me, father?
—Violet almost laughed at Godfrey's words.
-Yeah!
What would people say if the bastard walked around alone with a man without a chaperone?
Violet remembered something that had happened, something that was completely indifferent to her.
Violet always looked forward to the big festivals that were held once or twice a year.
I had no money or anyone to go with.
But on this night, they went out and she liked that she could just be Violet, not the bastard.
How good it was.
I didn't even go out without my family's permission.
Godfrey only looked at Violet directly when he took something from her.
He knew Violet liked festivals.
—Violet, I can't allow you to walk around irresponsibly.
From this moment on, you are prohibited from leaving.
said Godfrey.
—But, father, how are you going to stand him up?
—said Marigold, with a happy smile.
-It's true.
Our family has a reputation to uphold.
Marigold, go instead and tell young Ash that Violet can't go out.
Offer him a cup of tea so he doesn't get angry…” Paula said, as if she were encouraging her.
I knew it.
Marigold, yesterday you said you would give up without a problem.
Violet silently watched the scene.
He was curious to see how far they would go.
—Marigold, how thoughtful you are.
There is no other option.
"You'll have to go in his place," Godfrey said in an exaggerated tone.
—But my sister might be upset.
Yesterday he got angry with me.
As if he was worried that it would take away Ash's attention.
—How dare you say that to my daughter!
—Paula clicked her tongue.
—Violet, ask Marigold to go in your place.
You are my daughter, even if you are not perfect, so I hope you understand.
Godfrey lowered his voice and suddenly spoke kindly.
I know what they're doing.
Violet thought.
They always bully her and scold her, and then for a moment they pretend to be nice.
They only do it when they want something from her, to manipulate her.
-No.
-That?
—Godfrey was silent for a moment, as if he couldn't believe his ears.
—The letter is mine.
Whether I reject it or accept it, I will tell Ash directly.
"You, right now..." Godfrey said, his voice shaking with anger.
—Besides, I have something to tell you, father.
And also you, Marigold, and you, stepmother.
—What is that insolent look?
You look like your mother.
—Paula looked at her furiously.
—Oh, yes?
If I look like my mother, then I behave like the descendant of a noble family.
"I'm not the daughter of a waitress," Violet said, looking at Paula.
—What nonsense are you talking about!
—Paula's expression was immediately distorted.
His eyes trembled.
"You thought I'd never find out, right?" Who does or does not have an origin, and who you really are.
—Mo-husband!
—Paula was startled.
The waiting servants became agitated.
Godfrey was pale too.
—This girl went crazy.
Everyone, stand down!
Go to your rooms!
—Godfrey screamed desperately and the servants left.
—What did you say?
"Say it again," Godfrey demanded.
-I don't know.
What would I say?
For example, that my biological father's family were fallen nobles?
And about the scams he pulled in his hometown?
That everything he boasted about being rich by birth was a lie.
And my stepmother, although she claimed to be from a noble family, was actually a bar waitress, something like that?
—Sister, you really went crazy!
Marigold shouted.
—Dad, what's wrong with sister?
How can you invent something like that, no matter how much you envy me?
-…
-Dad?
"It's not a lie," Violet looked at Marigold calmly.
—The truth is that you are the bastard and I am the legitimate daughter.
And I am the legal heir to my mother's fortune.
Isn't that right, father?
Godfrey remained silent and Paula clutched his trembling hands.
—Do you have proof?
—Godfrey spoke.
-…That?
—Do you have proof?
No, you don't have them.
Violet gasped for a moment.
But he didn't flinch.
It was Godfrey's specialty to deceive people and give fallacious arguments.
He did the same with the employees of his company.
—Do you think not?
The whole world will know it.
Although it was 18 years ago, it was not something that did not exist.
Do you think I can't reveal this to the world?
-You…!
Godfrey's face twisted.
Marigold was pale as a corpse.
—What do you say, mom and dad?
I'm not a bastard, am I?
I can't be the same as my sister, right?
—…
—It's not true, mom.
TRUE?
—Marigold's voice trembled.
…To be continued