Chapter 4Bound to the Green Tea Upgrade System

I looked at Audrey’s malicious eyes and inwardly cursed, you sanctimonious fraud.

However, my past history of pestering Arthur was undeniable. Even if I denied it today, if the Caldwell family found out later, my affinity scores would plummet.

Arthur pointed at me.

“Scarlett Davies, you tell them yourself, what I just said, do you admit it or not!”

Vivian shielded me.

“Scarlett, don’t be afraid. If he’s slandering you, Sister will protect you.”

I looked at Vivian, then swept my gaze across the Caldwell parents, whose expressions had subtly darkened.

Taking a deep breath, I said,

“Mr. Caldwell is right. I did pester him for a long time.”

Vivian instinctively released her grip. Disappointment flickered across the Caldwell family’s faces.

Arthur finally looked triumphant.

“Hear that? She admitted it! This ill-intentioned person, hurry up and kick her out!”

“But!”

I sharply cut him off, my voice even more choked with sobs, yet I forced myself to stand tall.

“I grew up without anyone to care for me. Mr. Caldwell was the first person to ever be kind to me, and I wanted so desperately to hold onto that kindness.”

I covered my face, my shoulders trembling slightly.

“I had already made up my mind, planning to quietly leave and put an end to my past mistakes.”

“But then I met Vivian, who protected me. I met Auntie, who loved me like a daughter. I met Uncle…”

“I was too greedy. Greedy for this warmth, which is why I didn’t dare to reveal the truth.”

I took a step back.

“I’m sorry, I was too despicable. I’ll leave now.”

I turned to walk away, but inwardly, I was counting down.

Three, two, one.

“Wait,”

Almost as soon as I counted to one, Vivian’s voice rang out.

She pulled me tightly into her embrace.

“I’m sorry, Scarlett. Sister didn’t know you were carrying so much pain. It’s my fault.”

She turned to her parents, her tone firm.

“Dad, Mom, Scarlett is just too starved for love; she took a wrong path.”

Arthur was practically insane with rage.

“Vivian Caldwell, are you blind?! Can’t you see she’s acting?!”

Mrs. Caldwell also spoke now.

“Scarlett is a guest of our Caldwell family.”

She looked at me.

“Scarlett, don’t listen to him. Stay with us.”

Mr. Caldwell naturally followed his wife’s lead.

“Ms. Davies, it’s good to admit mistakes and correct them. I believe Arthur will forgive you too.”

Seeing the situation reverse, Audrey stepped forward, her voice rising.

“With all due respect, doing something wrong is doing something wrong. There’s no excuse for forgiveness.”

“A woman so morally bankrupt, even attempting to reform, is still rotten to the core! Their very being is tainted!”

The words were extremely harsh and grating.

Mrs. Caldwell’s face completely darkened.

“Can you guarantee that you will never make a mistake in your entire life?”

Audrey raised her chin, like an aloof, pure white snow lotus unafraid of authority.

“Of course! My actions are always open and above board. I despise your elite family’s twisted games the most.”

“And I utterly despise those who scheme and manipulate to climb the social ladder!”

Arthur’s eyes were shining brightly.

“Mom and Dad, Audrey is right. This is the woman I love. She’s different from other women. Look how real and pure she is!”

The entire Caldwell family’s faces turned grim. They looked at Arthur as if he were the foolish son of a rich landlord.

Mrs. Caldwell finally lost patience.

“Butler, show them out.”

“Mom!” Arthur panicked. “Audrey is my guest!”

I spoke softly at the opportune moment.

“Oh, I wonder if Sister Audrey knew she was coming to a family gala today?”

“Why is she wearing all white? It looks so solemn, like she’s attending a funeral.”

Everyone’s gazes instantly focused on Audrey. She was indeed wearing a pure white dress.

The Caldwell parents’ faces grew even darker.

Audrey’s face flushed then paled. She bit her lower lip tightly.

“You Caldwells just look down on people! I refuse to stay in this place!”

With that, she turned and ran.

“Audrey!” Arthur chased after her without hesitation.

After this turn of events, the Caldwell family’s affinity scores for me had changed again.

【Mrs. Caldwell affinity score: 75】

【Vivian Caldwell affinity score: 90】

【Mr. Caldwell affinity score: 60】

I was formally invited to stay for the Caldwell family gala. Vivian told me that the Caldwell Grand Matriarch would also be attending today. My heart stirred; she was one of my targets.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the hall. Several black-suited bodyguards secured the banquet hall’s exits. The guests exchanged puzzled glances. Vivian’s face changed drastically, and she stood up.

“What’s going on?”

Just then, Arthur Caldwell and Audrey Windsor reappeared. Arthur’s gaze swept across the room, finally landing on me, a cold smirk on his lips.

He raised his voice.

“I apologize for interrupting your enjoyment. Just now, the Phoenix and Dragon jade pendant, most cherished by our Caldwell Grand Matriarch, was stolen. The thief is very likely among us.”

A gasp rippled through the crowd.

I had a bad feeling. I instinctively looked down.

Sure enough, a jade pendant was hidden beneath my chair.

Before I could react, Arthur, sharp-eyed, rushed over. The moment he saw the jade pendant, his face filled with triumph.

“Caught red-handed! Guards, seize this thief!”