After an hour of chatting, Arianna and Rienne were prepared to leave. Angelina went out with them to send them off, giving Beatrice and Evelina a moment alone.

As soon as the servants had dispersed, Evelina turned to the duchess and scoffed, "Thanks for helping me out earlier, mother! You were so helpful..." Evelina had a long spar of words with Arianna and Rienne, and yet Beatrice merely sat there with her head lowered! Not even saying anything!

"Eve, I..." Beatrice hesitated. She had always wanted to tell Evelina something, but as soon as she opened her mouth to speak, all the words she had prepared in her mind disappeared to nothing.

"Alright mother, I'll be going now!" Evelina smiled and turned to leave.

"Evelina," The duchess called, eyes red. She hesitated before adding, "I'm sorry..."

Evelina sneered, "Sorry for what? If it's about that... I'm afraid it's too late!" Then she left without looking back, leaving Beatrice standing there. She clutched her hands and wept silently. She didn't want to always cry, but she didn't know what else to do. She really didn't have a choice back then! And even to this day...

"Mother, why are you crying?" Angelina's voice sounded behind her. Beatrice slowly turned around and pulled Angelina in for an embrace. Angelina wasn't surprised and patted the duchess's back gently, "What's wrong mother?"

"Lina, I'm a useless mother, aren't I? It's my fault they turned out this way. If only I..." She sighed, "Lina, thank you. Your the only person I can talk to. My, I feel so pathetic at times. Shouldn't I, as your mother, be the one to comfort you? Haha, instead it's the other way around. I'm sorry if I trouble you"

"Mother, it's alright. I don't blame you for anything." Angelina assured but she couldn't help but wonder, what is it? What's the matter that has been haunting the duchess? Everytime she asked, the duchess would either get scared and stop talking, or change the topic.

But she'll find out sooner or later.

******

The ballroom was filled with aristocrats in beautiful gowns and suits chatting in groups. Some were even discussing business, while others were merely gossiping. The imperial family had not arrived, they were all just killing time and waiting.

The Skyler family entered and everyone averted their attention to them. Gasps sounded as people's eyes were attracted to Evelina.

"What is she wearing!?"

"Hahahaha! When did Lady Evelina's style become so corrupted?"

"She has taken 'humbling' to a whole nother level..."

"That gown is the ugliest thing I have ever seen..."

" ... " Evelina stood behind the rest of the Skyler family with her head down. She had never been so humiliated! It's all because of this hideous dress!

Marchioness Casspan looked at Evelina and frowned. She turned to her son and whispered, "Chase, that girl is really... Unsuitable. What dress is that? Does she think his majesty's birthday is a joke? When you dance to her, tell her to never do this again. Not only will it damage her family reputation, but also our's"

"I will, mother." Chase nodded, his expression cold. He could tell this was the result of a scheme a certain someone had made but strangely... He didn't feel pity or anger like he used to. He knew Evelina deserved this. Everytime his mind would wander off to the time where she looked at him with such disgust, hatred filled his heart and he had the urge to strangle her. He really did love her before. He actually thought her feelings for him were sincere! But turns all he was in her eyes was a tool!

While Evelina was being completely engulfed in stares of disapproval, Angelina was placed under the spotlight. She took great care to make sure she looked flawless. After all, this day would be a life-changing event for her.

One could say she was being arrogant or overconfident, but she's sure things would go as planned. And even if it didn't, that's alright. Everything has been set in place to make sure she wouldn't suffer a major loss even if things didn't go according to what she had hoped.

She made her way over to her usual group of ladies and toasted together with them.

"Honestly, what is lady Evelina thinking? Has her brain turned to mush!?" One of the ladies mocked.

"The humiliation from the recent accident that occured on her birthday must have gone to her head and made her lose her mind!" Another one followed. They were always the minority. They were the only ones who didn't believe in Evelina's act but no matter how much they spoke out, no one listened to their 'nonsense'. Every other member of the nobility would simply think of this group of ladies as 'jealous'.

"This is our time ladies!"

"Hah! I literally couldn't stop laughing when I saw her arrive! I thought I was gonna suffocate to death with the endless laughter coming from me!" Rienne held her chess and let out a few chuckles.

"There's no doubt that she will be deemed the worst dressed today!" Alice joined in the excitement.

Arianna didn't say anything but she sneakily glanced at Angelina and the two young ladies locked eyes. Arianna smirked and nodded in approval.

"His and her majesty, the Emperor and Empress have arrived!" The shout of a male servant alerted the originally relaxed aristocrats. They quickly moved to adjust their postures and bowed in the direction of the opening big grand doors.

"We greet the sun and moon of the empire! May your majesty live forever!" They all hailed together.

The light shined on the gorgeous and luxuriously dressed imperial family. They gracefully walked down the long stairs with the Emperor and Empress in front, and their children behind. Angelina chuckled inwardly after secretly stealing a glance. At least the rebellious Elizabeth was gracious enough to behave properly during her father's birthday. But after spending many days with her, Angelina could see that she's feeling uncomfortable at this moment.

Just as she was about to withdraw her gaze, she caught sight of Elizabeth and Leon sneakily waved at her. She cast them a meaningful smile and nodded.

After the usual formalities, the ball started. As the musicians began to play, everyone went over to their partners to dance the first dance together. It has always been tradition for engagement and marriage partners to dance the first dance with the Emperor and Empress. Those who were unmarried stood at the side and watched. This includes Angelina.

Evelina initially planned to go over to Chase and take the chance to curry favor with him, but after actually arriving and seeing him, she didn't feel as confident. Marchioness Casspan has been shooting her glares the whole time! And Chase didn't even cast her a glance!

After a moment of hesitation, Evelina was prepared to approach him but saw Chase walk to Angelina instead!

The people around her who saw this let out gasps and looked at Evelina with ridicule as if they've seen a funny joke. Evelina's face reddened and her hands trembled with anger.

"Wait isn't that..." Rienne's eyes widened when she saw Chase approach Angelina from behind. Angelina turned around and met Chase's eyes. Her lips curled into a sweet smile as she asked him,

"Brother in-law, what's wrong? Shouldn't you be with my older sister? What are you doing here? I'm not your fiancee..."

Chase stiffened to her words. He took a breath before asking, "Lina, I wanted to ask you for a dance."

His words stunned the few nobles around them but he didn't seem to care. Angelina maintained her smile and was just about to say something when Chase's hand that was reaching out to her was abruptly grabbed.

"Sir, It's improper for you to do this. The first dance is meant for couples. Your fiancee is most likely waiting for you." Charles said coldly.

Chase immediately pulled his hand back and glared at Charles. He cast Angelina a glance before walking away in the direction of Evelina.

Evelina was elected but also irritated when she saw him approach her. She's already been made a fool of by wearing such a monstrosity and now this!? She secretly glared at Angelina, wishing to tear her into pieces! Recently, she felt like a mouse running around in circles in a cage Angelina had placed her in! It's like everything she does is meaningless! She hated this feeling of being trapped, vulnerable, and powerless. Just like those dark days...

"Chase! Why did you leave me here waiting?" Evelina pouted cutely with a trace of sadness in her eyes. But her acts failed to charm anyone as, with such a gown, she doesn't look pitiful or cute at all.

Chase shot her a disgusted look as he took her hands to dance the first dance together. He actually felt quite bad for being so cruel to her at one point. But as soon as he remembered how different her behavior was towards him after he became a disfigured man, all the slightest feeling of pity disappeared and instead was replaced with deep hatred.

"O-ow! Chase, you're hurting me...!" Evelina complained. Is he not aware of how roughly he took her hands!? Evelina almost cursed out loud!

As they danced, Evelina's temper was being teased by a certain sister of her's, who was standing at the side, giving her smirks containing ridicule and arrogance. But when a person turned to look at the silver haired beauty, the smirk would disappear instantly and be replaced with a polite smile.

' That b*tch! ' She cursed silently but pretended to be happy while dancing with Chase.

Unknown to most, covered by the loud elegant music, a small faint sound of a tear began to sound from Evelina's gown. No one seemed to notice.

It was approaching the end of the first dance and all the women twirled gracefully. That seemed to be the last a certain poorly made dress could take.

"...?" Evelina felt something soft lightly stroke down the skin of her hips to her legs as it fell. Cold air rushed to her bare legs and she shivered. Only after a few seconds did she realize what had happened. The stitches that were supposed to attach the skirt of her gown to the bodice had become undone.

Because there was no skirt to cover her legs, a part of her chemise was exposed for everyone to see. Gasps sounded throughout the ballroom as everyone laid their eyes upon Evelina. They almost couldn't believe their eyes.

(A/N: for those who don't know, historically, a chemise is used by women and men next to their skin and under their clothes to protect clothing from sweat and body oils. Women use chemises under their gown or dress, sometimes under their corset. It can also be used as a nightgown)

"Ahhhhh!!!" Evelina screamed loudly. She fell to her knees and grabbed the fallen skirt to cover herself. But it was too late. She raised her head and saw Chase had backed away from her with detestation written all over his face. She looked around and saw that everyone was watching her.

Some felt disgusted. Some mocked happily. But they were all appalled.

"To think such a thing happened on his majesty's own birthday..."

"It's all because lady Evelina chose a cheap gown to wear! How embarrassing!"

"I pity the Casspan family and the young master. They have to put up with such an impudent young lady."

"Lady Evelina is completely ruined..."

"Hahahaha! She has brought shame to the Skyler family!"

"Perhaps she did this purposely... I have always suspected she was a sl*t. She must've loved being surrounded by all those men."

"Which 'brother' is she going to seduce to save her now?"

Evelina's face paled. It happened again. Just like that day... It's happening again!

Elizabeth looked on from the side and couldn't help but laugh. "That happened! That actually happened! Oh... Poor fool."

Alistair had already looked away from the dirty sight and sighed, "Mother is going to go mad."

"At least we don't have to just watch people dance anymore." Leon joked. He didn't really take what happened seriously at all.

Duke Skyler, Alex, Beatrice, and Angelina had surrounded Evelina, trying to calm her. Well Angelina didn't really try. She just stood there with a panicked and concerned expression. Alex had draped his coat over her. Evelina was completely distraught. Everyone was whispering while looking at her...

"Duke, I believe your daughter should leave and return to your Skyler estate. I don't want this matter to ruin his majesty's birthday celebration. If you don't, you and your daughter will be held accountable." The empress walked up to them with the emperor and threatened. She spent weeks planning for this day and she was not about to let some girl ruin it!

"But your majesty... It's not my daughter's fault! It must have been purposely planned by someone!" The duke desperately defended Evelina. The duchess wanted to help but she was too frightened by the empress's dark expression to even move.

"I do not want to hear it! First, you let your daughter turn up here, the imperial palace, in this cheap disaster dress, as if my husband's birthday is some type of joke! Now your daughter has caused such a ruckus for wearing something so poorly made!" The empress couldn't hold herself back anymore. Her berating echoed around the ballroom, causing the aristocrats to tremble with fright.

"But your majesty..." The duke looked at the empress anxiously. Then he turned to Angelina and pointed at her. "Your majesty, she's the one who gave my daughter this dress and forced Eve to wear it! I would never allow my daughter to wear such a thing to his Majesty's birthday. It's all because Angelina threatened us after being too spoiled in the palace!"

"What...!? Father, I would never do that! I never threatened you! I never expected for this to happen! Do you really blame me...?" Angelina held her chest and looked at the duke in horror. Her body trembled as she shed tears.

The emperor and empress stared at the two with disbelief. The duke actually blamed this on his own youngest daughter? They've gotten to know Angelina and she is such a sweet child. She would never do this in their eyes! It seems the duke really does treat her poorly...

"Don't play innocent, Angelina! I'm tired of you acting above us all! You always scheme against Eve and do nothing but cause trouble for your own family! I really do regret having you as a daughter! I have endured you for far too long! Thus..." The duke paused.

Everyone held their breath as they anticipated what he would say.

The duke raised his voice slightly as he declared, "I hereby disown you, Angelina. You will no longer be a part of the Skyler family!"

This naturally shocked the hearts of many. Even the empress was stunned. The aristocrats broke into a discussion with the people around them.

"Did Duke Skyler just say what I think he said...?"

"He actually disowned lady Angelina!"

"But is it true? Did lady Angelina really scheme against lady Evelina?"

"I do not believe it! Look how shocked and sad lady Angelina is! The duke has gone way too far!"

Rienne and Alice was just about to object and defend their dear friend but was stopped by Arianna. She nodded to them and reassured their shaken hearts.

Charles frowned. He wanted to step in but he knew this was all planned carefully by Angelina. Therefore he can't ruin it.

The duke looked at the tearful Angelina coldly and said, "Angelina, you are no longer my daughter."

Unexpectedly, a voice sounded from behind the duke that caused an even bigger uproar.

"Then you can be my daughter." The emperor held the empress's waist and announced, "The imperial family will happily take Angelina in!"