After Anthea left, Audrey took a bath. When she came out, her phone was bombarded with a series of messages.
Linda: Audrey, what happened? Why did you suddenly change your mind?
Linda: We planned this for so long! It's such a rare opportunity. If we miss this chance, we won't get it again.
...
There were more messages from Linda, all questioning why she changed her mind and urging her to reconsider.
The original plan for this incident wasn't just about promoting her identity to the outside world; it was also about establishing a positive image in the entertainment industry. The persona she had designed for herself was that of a wealthy heiress.
In the original book, she had indeed succeeded. However, because she had deliberately created a persona, she had provoked the actual female lead in the book, Elena.
Elena was actually the daughter of a wealthy family. The original host of this body had no way of fighting back against Elena. In the end, she ended up losing her place in the entertainment industry.
Audrey: Linda, the plan is canceled. My agent said that creating an image in the entertainment industry isn't reliable. It's better to focus on acting seriously.
On the other side, Linda repeatedly read Audrey's message and felt that Audrey's mind had been affected by the recent car accident. The new plan was easier said than done. Audrey would need to have the acting skills.
Linda persuaded Audrey for a long time, but Audrey's attitude was firm.
Frustrated, she threw her phone down. After calming down for a while, she suppressed her anger and composed a new message.
Linda: Alright, since you've made up your mind, then go ahead. But I heard that during the time you were in the hospital, the luxury brand that collaborates with the Lance family's industry sent new products for you and your sisters. You weren't there, so your sister probably took all the good stuff.
Audrey looked at the message on her phone and thought to herself: This truly is a skilled manipulator trying to sow discord. With such friends around, it's no wonder the original host did those outrageous things.
Before she could reply, another message from Linda came in.
Linda: Your stepfather gave you pocket money today, right? I'll go shopping with you tomorrow and spend all that money. Otherwise, you'd be losing out.
Audrey struggled to suppress a burst of laughter upon reading these words. They seemed tailor-made to deceive children—such ludicrous notions. Using the allowance provided by her stepfather as a form of retaliation against her sister? The concept was utterly absurd.
Linda, a child born out of wedlock within the esteemed Rofus family, stood as the younger sister in the hierarchy. She had consistently been overshadowed by her sister and endured a more challenging existence compared to Audrey, a step daughter of the Lance Family. Nevertheless, Linda possessed a shrewdness that consistently maneuvered the original host into indulging her material desires.
Fine, let's shop to your heart's content. You will regret it.
Audrey agreed to Linda's request and the two of them agreed on a time and place.
The next day, after having lunch at home, Audrey got a ride to the agreed-upon shopping mall.
As soon as they met, Linda warmly greeted her, engaging in some small talk.
Audrey pretended to engage in the conversation briefly.
Linda was direct in her approach, heading straight for the luxury goods section.
This was a familiar place for them; Audrey used to come here almost every time she received her allowance.
With a strong sense of vanity, the original host always wanted to appear as a spendthrift heiress in public. So, whatever Linda bought, she would foot the bill.
The store attendants respectfully welcomed the two inside, ready to introduce them to the latest seasonal items.
Audrey waved her hand and said, "We'll just look around ourselves."
After dismissing the store attendants, Audrey leisurely followed behind Linda.
As Linda walked through the store, she practically found something she wanted at every counter, and in no time, she had piled up a bunch of items.
Audrey quickly estimated that those items would probably consume over half of her allowance.
Linda must really think that she's a pushover!
Linda had selected everything she wanted and turned around to find Audrey empty-handed. She looked puzzled and asked, "Audrey, where are the things you chose?"
Audrey smiled naturally, with a hint of regret, and said, "Oh, there's nothing I want to buy. Have you finished picking out your items? If so, you can go pay. I'll wait here for you."
As she spoke, she even tilted her chin slightly, pointing in the direction of the cash register.
Linda was a bit dumbfounded. In the past, Audrey would usually pay for her items as well without needing her to say anything. What's happening this time?
Unlike Audrey, who had a substantial allowance every month, Linda didn't have that much extra money. Even if she did, she had to save it for the future. This way, she wouldn't starve to death when she left the Rofus Family in the future.
"Audrey, I don't have that much money with me. Can you lend me the money for now?" Linda reluctantly asked, still trying her luck.
Audrey inwardly sneered and thought to herself, "Nice words, 'lend me the money for now.' Will you ever repay it later?
Audrey appeared genuinely apologetic and said, "I'm sorry, Linda. I didn't bring any money with me either."
Her acting was flawless.
Audrey quietly awarded herself a high score, unaware that everything that just transpired had been noticed by two people not far away.