Hannah responded to Charles's insincere words and returned to the villa. In the living room, a nervous Michelle exclaimed, "Hannah, where were you last night? Your father and I nearly called the police!"

"I got drunk with Susan and stayed at her house," Hannah replied. In her past life, she had been naive and harmless; in this life, she was learning adaptability, finding it acceptable to tell the occasional white lie.

"Gee, why did you get so drunk? You don't look good today," Michelle said, relieved to see Hannah safe despite her worry. "Where's Dad?" Hannah asked, changing the subject.

"He's at work," Michelle replied. "There's so much to do at the company; he can't be away all the time." Hannah nodded, already formulating a plan.

"Are you looking for him?" Michelle asked, observing Hannah's pensive expression.

"Nope," Hannah shook her head. "Speaking of which, Mum, have you seen the news today?"

"What news?"

"Haven't you watched it? Let me show you," Hannah said, quickly opening her phone. The headline read, "Low-profile Noblewoman Michelle Cooper: Reacquaint Yourself With the Real High Society." A stunning photograph of Michelle accompanied the article.

Michelle felt shy; she hadn't shown her face publicly in years. Last night's experience—the compliments, attention, and envy—had filled her with a newfound pride, her heart still pounding.

"I won't go into the article's details, just the comments," Hannah said cheerfully. She had arranged the news story herself, but the overwhelming response surprised even her. Clearing her throat, she began reading the comments:

'That's what you call a surprise. Those trophy wives who used to flaunt their wealth...don't they feel ashamed?' 'The first noblewoman in Kensbury City is none other than Michelle.' 'Who said Mrs. Cooper was born into a humble family? Let me ask those girls born into wealthy families, could they throw such a grand party?' 'Don't fool me. This woman is clearly only 30...'

"Hannah," Michelle interrupted, her eyes red.

Hannah, still reading, looked up in concern. "Mom, what's wrong?"

"I feel that you've grown up," Michelle said, smiling through tears. "You gave me a big surprise." Hannah was stunned.

"You prepared last night's banquet, right?" Michelle asked directly.

"It was Dad's idea too."

"I always thought I didn't care about fame or wealth, that I just wanted to be with you and your father. But last night...I was so happy to be the center of attention. I realized all women have vanity..."

"It was Dad and I who neglected your feelings," Hannah said, wiping her mother's tears.

"Hannah," Michelle said, "Thank you so much."

"Mom," Hannah said, holding her mother's hands, "From now on, I will make our family better! Let those who looked down on us be left behind!"

Michelle was stunned by Hannah's determination, then smiled gently. She would never again diminish herself, nor allow her daughter to burden herself so.

In the Sawyers' house, Charles was gloomy after his call with Hannah. He couldn't bring himself to work, having indulged too much the previous night. His call to Hannah had been a manipulative game.

He returned to the living room and sat down. Loretta screamed, "What do they mean, 'the first noblewoman in Kensbury City is none other than Michelle'? Then what am I?" She was furious, reading the comments on her phone.

Charles looked terrible. He was irritated by the Coopers' news, especially given his impending marriage to Hannah. The Coopers' lavish party made him fear they were pressuring him into a similarly extravagant wedding, a prospect he despised.

"Mom, I want to kill Hannah, that bitch!" Martina cried, her eyes puffy from crying since the previous night's banquet. She was mortified by her humiliation and feared future social interactions.

"What's the hurry!" Loretta snapped, equally upset. Michelle's triumph felt like a personal defeat. She'd always considered Venus Wells her only true rival. Now, Michelle, an ordinary woman, had eclipsed them all.

Remembering her bracelet gift to Michelle and the contrasting generosity of Venus's present, Loretta recalled the whispers of hypocrisy and bad taste. She looked grim, saying, "When Charles marries Hannah, I'll have thousands of ways to torture her to death!"

"Me too!" Martina agreed.

"Soft-hearted?" Charles sneered. He wanted Hannah dead the moment he was finished using her.