Chapter 283

"Tessa?" Wendy's internal alarms blared as her expression darkened. She strode forward, heels clicking sharply against the marble floor. "What are you doing here?" Seated elegantly on the couch, Tessa lifted her gaze slowly. A mocking smile played on her lips. "Well, well. If it isn't my doppelgänger. For a moment there, I thought some long-lost sister had appeared. Since when did you start playing the 'substitute' game?" Wendy's face drained of color. Tessa had noticed? Recovering quickly, she forced a scoff. "Copying you? Don't flatter yourself. Why would I need to imitate you?" Tessa examined Wendy from head to toe. Then, she burst out laughing. "What's so funny?" Wendy sneered. "Just remembered an old tale." Tessa tilted her head, eyes glinting with malice. "Ever heard of it? Some knockoffs only highlight the original's superiority." Wendy's manicured nails dug into her palms. Of course she knew the parable—the ugly peasant girl whose clumsy imitation of a beautiful woman be