“Xiao Yan, what did you do?”

“Dad…” Her eyes filled with sorrow shimmered.

At this moment, Shen Yan had completely calmed down and began using her advantages to turn the situation around.

Shen Chunjiang’s heart softened a bit; after all, she was his doted-upon daughter.

Shen Wan’s gaze dimmed slightly, a touch of mockery fleeting in her eyes, but hidden beneath her lowered head.

“I don’t even know what came over me at that time. It was like being under a spell. I couldn’t control myself… Dad, please believe me, I didn’t mean to…” Shen Yan’s lips trembled, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Although… I don’t like Wan Wan, it’s also because I’m afraid that if there’s a sister, you won’t like me anymore…”

Listening, Shen Chunjiang’s heart softened completely. “Silly girl, how could Dad not like you? You can’t do things like this in the future, okay?”

Shen Yan nodded, “I understand. Will Dad still dote on Xiao Yan like before?”

Just a child lacking in security, Shen Chunjiang’s tone unconsciously eased, “Yes.”

Shen Yan’s tears turned into a smile.

Yang Lan raised an eyebrow, casting an approving glance at her daughter.

A perfect portrayal of “Filial Piety and Parental Love,” and “Joyful Harmony”.

The victim in this, Shen Wan, was completely ignored. No one asked if she was okay, and no one cared about her true thoughts.

Fortunately, she never held any hope for Shen Chunjiang from the beginning, nor did she intend to use Shen Yan for anything.

Her true goal was…

Yang Lan stepped forward, lightly patting her daughter’s back, comforting her, “It’s okay now…”

Shen Chunjiang’s improved demeanor suddenly turned serious, “Ah Lan, did you instruct the servants to clean up Wan Wan’s room yesterday?”

“Yes, why? What’s wrong?”

“There aren’t even basic toiletries prepared for Wan Wan. What kind of arrangement is that?!”

Yang Lan’s expression flickered, “Something like this happened?!”

“From the way you’re speaking, it sounds like you have no idea?” Shen Chunjiang raised an eyebrow.

Yang Lan appeared aggrieved. “If I knew, how could I allow something like this to happen?”

“Hmph! That’s better. Old Zhou—”

“What are your orders, Sir?”

“Dismiss the servant who tidied up Wan Wan’s room yesterday. The Shen family doesn’t keep dogs that bite their masters.”

The head butler, Zhou, lowered his gaze and complied.

Shen Wan’s lips curled into a faint smile, so quick that it was almost imperceptible.

Yang Lan’s expression nearly faltered. She held the position of the household matriarch and had complete authority over the household staff. However, Shen Chunjiang went directly to Zhou Qingfu to have the servant dismissed, completely disregarding her authority and dignity.

How was she going to establish herself in this household in the future?

“For such a trivial matter, is there a need for Butler Zhou to get involved? I’ll take care of it.”

“You?” Shen Chunjiang sneered, “Trying to avoid suspicion, huh!”

Yang Lan’s complexion changed slightly. “What do you mean? Do you suspect I mistreat Shen Wan?”

“You’re aware deep down whether you mistreat her or not.”

“You!”

The woman’s chest rose and fell heavily. How could Shen Chunjiang know? Was it possible that Shen Wan, that little troublemaker, went and complained?

A glimpse of the cheap toiletries spread out on the coffee table caught her eye. Yang Lan gritted her teeth. No wonder Shen Chunjiang insisted on calling her back and used their daughter as an excuse. It seemed this was what was installed for her.

Heh…

She underestimated this illegitimate daughter. Shen Wan was quite cunning!

Shen Chunjiang went on, “Given that I’ve brought Wan Wan back and Dad didn’t oppose, she’s now the rightful Third Lady of this household! I expect you to grasp this fact quickly and accord her the appropriate treatment and respect. If any similar incidents occur in the future, it will only highlight your inadequacies as a steward. Perhaps Old Zhou can assist you then, making things smoother for everyone.” .𝒎

It was a threat!

A blatant, naked threat!

Yang Lan struggled to contain her anger, yet she was helpless.

She forced a faint smile and gritted her teeth, “Alright.”

Only then was Shen Chunjiang satisfied, taking some documents and gesturing his departure.

Right before leaving, he suddenly spoke, “Don’t forget to give Wan Wan her pocket money for this month.”

Yang Lan nodded. What else could she do?

Updated from 𝑖𝘦.𝒸𝘰𝘮