Yunice instinctively took a step back, putting distance between herself and Lily; her eyes clear and unwavering.

“I won’t forget about what happened. Unless you can make Elsie return my identity to me, only then can I truly call you family.”

The shock on Lily’s face was the only answer Yunice needed. She let out a faint, self-mocking laugh. “You don’t need to waste your efforts comforting me anymore. I won’t blame you.”

And I’ll never expect anything from you again.

Perhaps realizing she was in the wrong, Lily opened her mouth but found herself unable to utter a word. But no matter how guilty she felt, she could not ask Elsie to give Yunice her identity back. Elsie had long secured her place in the Saunders family using that name. If she returned it now, wouldn’t all her years of effort be in vain?

“Yunny, do you know how much your words cut into my heart like a knife?” Lily’s voice trembled, torn and anguished. “Do you think I’m trying to comfort you with empty words? I want to be close to you. We’re mother and daughter, not enemies. Are you really willing to sever ties with me forever over a mere household registration paper?”

“You and Elsie are both my precious daughters. If I could only choose one, what would you have me do?” Lily wiped her tears, her voice choked with emotion. “Elsie may have taken your name, but she’ll marry out one day. Everything in the Saunders family will still be yours. Your two brothers will look out for you; you’ll be able to sleep in as late as you like, with no need to serve in-laws, no need to support a husband, or raise children. What more could you possibly want?”

Lily was more distraught than Yunice. She simply could not understand what Yunice was fighting for.

Why couldn’t our family just live in harmony?

Yunice watched her mother weep and lament, but her expression remained indifferent. She did not even hand her a tissue.

Harmony, harmony. She only ever spoke of harmony. Never once did she speak of fairness.

In a family where balance was already lost, where one person bore all the losses while another reaped all the benefits, there could never truly be harmony. And the moment Yunice refused to keep losing, she became the villain who destroyed that fragile peace.

Lily, exhausted from crying, lashed out again. “It’s your own fault for failing to keep a man. The Powell family didn’t want you. It’s not like Elsie snatched anything from you. What’s the point of sulking and giving us the cold shoulder all day?”

It could only take a true mother to say anything as sharp, straight to the heart with every word. As if her grievances only counted if she could make Yunice feel even worse.

Yunice could only sigh. Lily’s brand of dramatics, it seemed, she only dared to unleash on her.

Lily waited for Yunice to explode; to shout, to cry, and to lose control. But none of that happened. Instead, Lily grew more agitated, like a petty villain throwing a tantrum with no one left to fight. She shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her whole body bristling with frustration.

“Madam Lily, someone from the Powell family is here again!” Giana practically skipped into the room, her steps light like a bird bringing good news.

Lily’s heart skipped when she saw the man following behind Giana and immediately recognized him. It was the Powell family’s steward, Luke. He had come before when the Powell family sent engagement gifts. Lily quickly adjusted her expression, wiping away her tears as her attitude shifted completely.

Yunice, get up quickly, she said, pulling Yunice along to greet their guest.

Behind Luke stood a woman carrying a suitcase.

Luke nodded politely. “Madam Lily.”

After the brief exchange, he turned to Yunice with a rare smile. “Looks like we arrived just in time. Ms. Saunders is home.”

This instantly reminded Lily of something. She fumbled for her phone, saying quickly, “I’ll call Elsie right now and have her come back.”

“No need,” Luke interrupted her, gesturing toward the woman beside him. “This is the tailor. She’s here to take Ms. Saunders’ measurements for her wedding dress.”

No need? Lily did not quite process it. She forced a smile. “If it’s for measurements, then Elsie should definitely be here. A wedding dress has to be perfect.”

Luke gave her a strange look. “Of course, a wedding dress must be tailored to the bride.” Then he turned, his tone polite but firm. “Please take Ms. Yunice Saunders’ measurements.”

The words struck like thunder. Lily stood frozen. Yunice herself was momentarily stunned.

It was Lily who recovered first, forcing a laugh. “Elsie will be back soon. It won’t take long…”

But Luke could no longer hold back his irritation. “We’re taking measurements for Ms. Yunice Saunders. It doesn’t matter if Ms. Elsie is here or not.”

“Yunice?” Lily’s mind went blank. She turned her bewildered gaze to Yunice.

Yunice frowned slightly, her voice calm. “Are you certain it’s me you’re here for?”

She had grown up running in and out of the Powell mansion. Luke would never mistake her for Elsie.

As if suddenly realizing something, Lily quickly added, “Right, right, Mr. Luke, perhaps there’s been some confusion. Elsie also uses the name Yunice,”

But Luke’s patience had run out. His tone was sharp. “Madam Lily, you as a mother, don’t you know who exactly is Yunice Saunders?”