Chapter 89

• Charlotte's blood boils as she overhears Anastasia's venomous whispers to Karla, their words slicing through the reception's festive hum like a knife. "Look at those peasants, Mom—crying over their daughter's upgrade to our world. Pathetic," Anastasia hisses, her painted lips curling in disdain. Karla chuckles, adding, "She'll never fit in; we'll make sure of it." Hidden behind a floral centerpiece, Charlotte clenches her fists, her rebirth-fueled resolve igniting. This is her chance to strike first—no more playing the victim.
• She emerges first to her teary parents, Rita and Stevan, huddled near a fountain. "Mom, Dad, ignore their bile—you built real lives, not facades." Then, with poised fury, Charlotte strides toward Anastasia and Karla, drawing gasps from scattered guests under the starry sky. "Overheard your little chat, ladies? All you do is splash Grandpa Wendell's money on fake beauty and brands to mask your selfishness—no real contributions, just endless spending to play pretend elite."
• Anastasia's face contorts, but Charlotte unleashes, voice cutting like thorns. "And you, Anastasia—adopted into grace, yet biting the hand that saved you. Be grateful Grandpa Wendell still tolerates you here. " Karla bristles, "How dare you—," but Charlotte silences her with a triumphant smile. "I'm Mrs. Howard Carter now. My title trumps your adopted tag forever. No matter your schemes or how much the Carters indulge you, you'll always be the outsider."