"I'm not going." Nicole pursed her lips to smile and answered decisively.

Linda let out a sigh of relief while Tammy immediately stepped forward, held Linda's arm, and teased prettily, "Mom, you forgot? Charlie is back. How would Nicole have the time for the banquet?"

She meant to bind Nicole and Charlie together.

Nicole arched her eyebrow and snorted. Disinclined to lay it bare, she walked to her bedroom.

A box appeared at the door and blocked her way. Jonas looked serious and spoke gently, "Miss Young, you can't make it hard for us employees. This is your evening dress."

"I've made it clear enough. I'm not from the Baker Family. My surname is Young."

Had anyone in the house ever regarded her as a family?

Nicole stretched out her arm and shoved the box away with the back of her hand.

"Nicole, it's okay. Since Charlie is back, you'd better go change your clothes! I also like that kid." Linda couldn't help clasping Tammy's hand. They both fixed their eyes on Nicole.

Nicole's eyes turned cold. She pushed open the door and got in.

Jonas coughed slightly and gazed at Nicole, which sent a shiver down her spine.

When she was about to close the door, Jonas suddenly laughed.

He sighed solemnly, "I didn't expect that the young mistress couldn't tolerate her step-sister. Our young master was so lucky that the young mistress was in a good mood to save him!"

How would someone who couldn't even tolerate her sister be a kind-hearted person?

Seemingly understanding Jonas's implication, Tammy changed countenance and forced a smile, "Nicole, join us!"

"It's my marriage, and you should go with us!"

Linda's eyes froze. She hesitatingly walked over, took the box, and pushed Nicole into the room, "Nicole, I'll help your change your clothes."

When the door was closed, two worlds seemed separated.

It had been quite a long time since her mother gave her a gentle smile and a gaze of concern last time.

At the moment, Linda was so terrified and lost. What was she afraid of?

Was she afraid that Nicole's presence would arouse Hugh's suspicion?

Or was she afraid that after Nicole got her happiness, the family she had painstakingly maintained for a decade would break up...

"Nicole, you..."

"I'll leave by climbing over the wall."

Her simple words showed her obedience to her mother.

"No, no." Linda's eyes just lit up but soon became confused, "That will make Tammy a narrow-minded person."

Was she not?

Nicole tittered, "How about I hide in the garden when we reach the Edwards's house and come back with you when the banquet is over?"

Nicole made a random joke, which somehow instantly ignited Linda's hope.

Linda nodded hurriedly, "Don't do it too obviously. After Jonas leaves, you will excuse using the bathroom. Since Tammy is the heroine tonight, no one would notice a person missing.

"Mom." Nicole raised her head, looked Linda in the eyes, and smiled dully, "I'm so obedient. Do you remember who I am now?"

Linda stiffened abruptly, and a flash of shame crossed her face.

"Nonsense, certainly you are my daughter. Come on, change your clothes!" Awkwardly Linda shied away from Nicole's eyes, opened the door, and went out in a panic.

"Then why do you treat me like this?"

Nicole's question was deflected by the closed door. With a bitter smile, she opened the exquisite gift box and took out a fine evening dress.

The Edwards Family!

If she didn't go there, how would she know if Tammy deserved the reward of her rescue!