Chapter 5

Isabella stood frozen, a bit stunned, and right below her, Sophia's expression stiffened too. They glanced toward Elizabeth, all wary and on edge. "Who the hell are you?" Elizabeth gave a soft, almost polite smile. "Did I not just say it loud and clear? Victor is my fiancé. So, naturally, I'm Elizabeth, his fiancée." Her tone shifted, eyes narrowing a little. "Or... don't you guys even know who his fiancée is supposed to be?" That question hung for barely a second before the crowd started murmuring like a boiling pot. "Wait, isn't she Mr. Kaiser's daughter from his first marriage?" "Oh my god, so it's really her? No wonder! She's the one engaged to Young Master Victor!" "Didn't the Kaisers and the Lanes agree on an arranged marriage like twenty years ago? I heard the old patriarchs already passed, and the ex-wife cheated and had a kid with someone else... then she disappeared." The whispers grew louder and more chaotic, but Lucas's face was nothing but a storm cloud now. His jaw clenched as he yelled up at her furiously, "It's you?! Get down from there, now!" Even after all these years, all he gave her was bitterness. It wasn't the kind of look you gave your own daughter—more like she was his biggest disgrace. Sophia and Isabella were both pale as paper, clutching their hands tight. They thought Elizabeth was long gone, out of their lives. But here she was, bold as ever. Elizabeth's gaze swept lazily to Lucas. "You think you can order me around? I'd keep that mouth shut if I were you," she said quietly, but her words cut sharp, "Push me and I won't stop at a simple slap next time." That rainy night ten years ago—yeah, it had wiped out whatever last bit of family bond they had. "You—" Lucas's finger shook as he pointed at her, his face flushed from rage. "Don't think just because you've grown up and got guts that you don't answer to me. You're still a Kaiser, and that means you're under my roof. I'll show you today what a real lesson feels like!" Elizabeth just laughed, unimpressed. "Yeah, good luck with that.""You think I took the Kaiser name for you? Please. I took Grandpa's last name. You don't even deserve to be called a Kaiser. You're an embarrassment to this family, and you still think you can lecture me?" "You brat, you've completely lost your mind!" Lucas snapped, gritting his teeth. He waved a hand and shouted to the ten bodyguards standing nearby, "Throw her out of here, now!" The bodyguards, all trained fighters, saw that Elizabeth was clearly unarmed and didn't take her seriously. Even though they moved to surround her, only two were bold enough to make the first move. Out of nowhere, Isabella rushed to stand in front of Elizabeth, arms spread wide, shouting, "Dad, don't! Please don't hurt her, it's all my fault!" Really? Using her to play the innocent angel again? Elizabeth frowned slightly, clearly annoyed. She shot her sister a cold look. "Move." Her voice was sharp as she kicked Isabella to the side, like swatting away a fly. Then, in one smooth motion, she grabbed one of the bodyguards by the arm, her palm and forearm twisting in sync. In a blink, she flung him over her shoulder. The burly man landed with a heavy thud, groaning in pain. That single move froze the others in place, eyes wide and hands unconsciously pulling back. They traded uneasy glances, then clenched their fists, clearly ready to charge. Elizabeth let out a cold snort, lips curved in a smile that didn't reach her eyes. The moment anyone came close, she kicked—swift and clean—dropping them one by one before they could even raise a hand. It was humiliating. None of them had even touched her, yet they were the ones lying on the floor. Their pride hit rock bottom. Fueled by shame and disbelief, they scrambled to their feet, more determined than ever, charging at her in unison. Less than thirty seconds later, Elizabeth had them all back on the ground, groaning and immobilized. She stood calmly on the stage, microphone in hand, letting out a lazy yawn. Her smile stayed bright and beautiful, but the mocking glint in her eyes was enough to make people's skin crawl. Murmurs rippled through the crowd—some with sarcasm, some with awe. Her gaze shifted to Isabella, who was now trembling, both hands shaking, her face drained of all color.