Chapter 3 Loved Unequally

There was a subtle shift in Regina's and Andrew's expressions. They questioned silently whether those gifts could be counterfeit. Suspicion and uncertainty intertwined in their gazes. Still, given that Nancy had been raised by ordinary folk, it was only natural she might fail to recognize a forgery. Gradually, their features softened, settling into a composed, indifferent calm. "No matter what, these gifts carry Nancy's heartfelt intentions. Lunch is ready. We should eat first," Regina said lightly. Nancy caught the flicker of their reactions and roughly grasped the thoughts swirling behind their eyes, yet she held back from explaining. Even if she tried, she doubted they would believe her. Fergus eyed the items with disdain. He never imagined those were counterfeit, and he was relieved that Nancy hadn't given him a gift. The group gathered around the dining table, greeted by a generous spread of salmon tartare and other luxurious dishes, including king crab. Regina paused, surprised by the lavish fare. She didn't think she had asked the kitchen to put together such a spread. Smiling, Raine placed a king crab on Nancy's plate. "Mom and Dad specifically asked them to prepare plenty of delicious food to welcome you back. Nancy's gaze fell on the unfamiliar tools beside her plate. "How do I use these?" The air around her suddenly grew perceptibly chillier. "I'll show you," Raine said, smiling as she demonstrated how to crack the crab's shell. Nancy picked it up quickly but found the process a bit bothersome. After all, at the Moore household, they never had to deal with removing the crab shell themselves. Out of her deep care for Nancy, Freya refused to let her handle any of these things. Regina and the others were overwhelmed by a deep sense of disappointment. They'd known Nancy came from a rural background, yet the chasm between her and Raine was far greater than they had imagined. Should the truth of Nancy's parentage within the Lidell family come to light, they worried the family name would be irreparably tarnished. "You should try this, Nancy," Raine urged, eagerly piling more food onto Nancy's plate. Fergus frowned. "She has her own hands, Raine. You don't need to do that." "It's fine, Fergie. Nancy just came back, and I want to help her settle into the family quickly," Raine responded thoughtfully. Fergus's gaze softened immediately, sympathy shining through. She truly was considerate. Yet, Nancy quietly pushed the food away. Tears welled in Raine's eyes as she asked, "Do you hate me, Nancy?" "I just had seafood. I could go into shock if I eat these," Nancy explained evenly. Regina was somewhat startled by Nancy's reply. It was clear Nancy wasn't as clueless as they had thought. Raine looked down, her voice tinged with apology. "I'm sorry, Nancy. I didn't mean it. I should've been more careful. I was just too happy and failed to notice. Please don't be mad at me." Fergus snapped, "Nancy, if you can't eat it, then don't. Must you speak to Raine that way? She didn't do it on purpose!" "Is being honest wrong?" Nancy retorted, her frustration apparent. "What's with that attitude?" Fergus shot back, displeasure flashing in his eyes. "Enough!" Andrew slammed his hand on the table. "Nancy just got home. Stop arguing and eat your food!" Only then did the room finally ease into silence. When the meal was finally over, Raine spoke gently. "Nancy, let me show you around the house." Nancy cast a glance at Regina before nodding in agreement. The Lidell residence sprawled before them, a collection of villas each framed by gardens in front and behind. As Raine guided the tour, pride colored her words. At the doorstep, Raine offered a knowing smile. "Nancy, it must've taken great effort for you to find us. You've been raised among commoners for so long. "Now that you've returned home, you should leave their bad habits behind." With no one else nearby, she crossed her arms and scrutinized Nancy from head to toe, her eyes blazing with contempt and arrogance. Nancy remained unruffled. Her voice was steady as she replied, "Commoners are good people. At least they aren't two-faced." A quiet confidence shone in her gaze as she stared Raine down in return. A sudden, overwhelming pressure pressed down on Raine, her expression flickering with surprise. How could Nancy possess such a commanding presence? And her face was so stunningly beautiful. It was nothing like what Raine had built in her mind. "Nancy," she said, reaching out to touch Nancy's hand. "Say what you will, but don't ever think you can come home." The moment Raine's skin met Nancy's, it was like an unseen force erupted, hurling Raine violently to the ground. She collapsed and broke into loud, uncontrolled sobs.