“Harold White's pushing up daisies, but the Whites are pushing forward with the wedding,” Eva Miller deadpanned.

Crystal Evans, the would-be bride, was floored by the news.

Eva added, “Don't count on a fancy ceremony; weddings and funerals don't mix well.” She clicked her tongue. "Get ready. In 5, the chauffeur's taking you to the White estate. You're officially joining the White family now."

"After all, you should know very well why the Evans family brought you home."

Crystal had no choice but to bite back a retort. Of course she knew why, but the reminder stung.

There had been a marriage pact between the Evans and Whites. Gossip had it that the groom, Harold, was on his deathbed. To spare Dora Evans from a young widowhood but still reap the benefits of being married to the powerful Whites, the Evans arranged for Crystal to be brought back from the countryside. The plan was for the real Evans daughter to honor the contract, and Dora would continue to bask in luxury.

At 15, Crystal discovered she and Dora Evans were swapped at birth due to a hospital mix-up. Dora belonged to a regular family, while Crystal was the true heiress of the Evans clan!

Despite knowing they were switched, Crystal's biological parents kept the charade, fearing mistreatment of Dora if Crystal were to return home. Left in the countryside, Crystal wouldn't have returned if not for the marriage pact.

All for the benefits of marrying a dead man!

Eva checked her phone, "The White family has arrived. Let's go."

Crystal bit her lips and asked quietly, "Will my father and brother come..."

"Nope, they're swamped. Today is Dora's graduation."

Crystal sighed, disappointed. Eva rushed her. "Quit stalling and hop in the car. We can't keep them waiting."

A fleet of luxury cars lined up, creating a grand procession. Crystal glanced back at the Evans villa.

In a flash, she was ousted from her supposed family home. From that day forward, it had nothing to do with her!

Once the entourage departed, Eva's smile disappeared. "Finally, she's out of our hair."

Her assistant chimed in, "Why bother seeing her off? She's nobody to you."

Eva shook her head. "You know nothing. My actions reflect on the Evans family. Even if she's not my real daughter, I've got an image to uphold. Mistreat her, and our perks vanish."

"You don't need to understand. In any case, with Harold dead, the White household will become a battleground. I'm afraid Crystal might not last long. Even if I don't like her, I would still see her off for the last time!"

......

The White family, City W's elite, boasted a lineage rooted in centuries past. Rumor had it they were born with royal blood.

Now, the White family mansion was cloaked in solemnity. Guests, donned in dark attire, crowded the hall to pay respects.

Dressed in a simple yet stunning white dress, Crystal stood out like a sore thumb.

"Is that Master White's widow? I heard she just rolled in from the countryside. Can't believe she'd wear that to her hubby's wake."

Guests started gossiping as they noticed Crystal.

"I heard the matriarch was worried her grandson would die alone, so she rushed him into marrying this girl. Too bad she came too late. What a shame."

"Why the sighs? Master White may be gone, but this girl's still alive and kicking. If he were alive, she'd be a goner in three days!"

Ignoring the guests' snide comments, the Whites’ butler, Howard, approached Crystal.

"Welcome, Madam," Howard greeted her, leading her to the front of the room. "Please stand here and receive condolences on the family's behalf."

Without waiting for an answer, Howard left, leaving Crystal with a clear view of her deceased husband's portrait.