Superfluous, Needing Her Own Man to Cooperate

Serena Feng walked in with her aura at full force. The deliberately upturned eyeliner made her sharp, commanding presence utterly unmistakable.

Ninth Royal Uncle's eyes sparkled with unconcealed admiration. He had known all along—his Serena would look stunning dressed like this.

Princess Vivian of Southlyn, by contrast, felt threatened the moment she saw Serena's dazzling entrance. Faced with Serena's bold, domineering aura, Vivian was completely stunned, unable to react.

This woman's presence was even stronger than the Empress Dowager's—she was clearly no ordinary person.

The young eunuch beside Princess Vivian reacted quickly. Before Vivian could recover, he stepped forward and barked, "How dare you! Who are you to trespass in the Royal Country Villa?"

Serena glanced at the young eunuch but didn't answer. Instead, she walked up to Ninth Royal Uncle and Princess Vivian, bent slightly, and said, "Serena Feng pays her respects to Ninth Royal Uncle."

After speaking, Serena stood up without waiting for Ninth Royal Uncle to reply. As for Princess Vivian? Serena completely ignored her.

"Serena Feng, you're really Serena Feng?" Princess Vivian was initially angry at Serena's rudeness, but upon learning this was the infamous Serena, she was too unsettled to care about etiquette.

Serena's entrance was simply too overwhelming, making Vivian feel stifled and uncomfortable.

A dignified princess losing out in sheer presence to an orphaned noblewoman—how humiliating.

Serena turned to Princess Vivian and nodded slightly. "This commoner pays her respects to Your Highness."

That counted as a greeting. Princess Vivian was always graceful and composed; even if she was displeased, she never showed it. She simply waved her hand generously: "No need to be so formal, Miss Feng. What brings you to Southlyn? Why did I not receive word of your arrival?"

Princess Vivian worked hard to suppress her shock and dissatisfaction, maintaining a gentle and courteous demeanor.

"I arrived yesterday. Prince Nolan didn't tell Your Highness?" Serena raised her brows, looking at Prince Nolan in surprise, as if blaming him for the oversight.

Prince Nolan had already moved past the joy of reunion. Sensing Serena's displeasure, he smiled with his eyes but replied coolly, "I forgot."

Princess Vivian knew they were lying but couldn't expose them. She could only play along and graciously invite Serena to sit.

Serena didn't stand on ceremony and sat down beside Prince Nolan. Seeing two cups on the table, she turned to him and said, "Perfect timing—I'm thirsty."

With her back to Princess Vivian, Serena stopped hiding her displeasure and glared fiercely at Prince Nolan. He kept a straight face and said nothing, just picked up the teapot and poured Serena a cup, handing it to her.

That cup was the one Prince Nolan had just used.

Serena didn't take the cup and, deliberately picking a fight, said, "I don't drink tea."

"Go, bring a pot of warm water." Prince Nolan immediately ordered the nearby eunuch, who, perhaps flustered, ran off at once to fetch it.

Princess Vivian stared in shock at the two of them. The proud and aloof Prince Nolan, acting so humble before Serena—was this really the man she knew?

Wait, were these two forgetting whose villa this was? Why were they acting more at ease than the actual hostess?

Serena, though talking to Prince Nolan, kept an eye on Princess Vivian. Seeing Vivian's change of expression, Serena felt very satisfied.

With rivals like Princess Vivian, arguing or reasoning is pointless. The best way is to let her see how differently Prince Nolan treats the two of them—only then will she truly feel defeated.

Of course, that only works if the man is truly on your side and willing to cooperate. Luckily, Prince Nolan was more than willing.

The warm water arrived quickly. The eunuch, quick-witted, brought out a fresh cup and was about to pour for Serena when Prince Nolan shot him a cold look. The eunuch, terrified, backed away.

Under Princess Vivian's incredulous gaze, Prince Nolan personally poured Serena a cup of water. When she finished, he refilled it for her.

Watching Serena drink so roughly, Princess Vivian's eyes flashed with disdain: just as expected, an orphan with no upbringing. She looked noble and cold, but in truth was coarse and uncouth.

Both Prince Nolan and Serena were shrewd. Princess Vivian thought she hid it well, but they saw right through her—and simply didn't bother to comment.

With his goal accomplished and seeing Serena's obvious displeasure, Prince Nolan was about to take her away, but Serena spoke first: "Your Highness, I've heard there's a lotus pond at the Royal Garden Villa, famed for its endless green leaves. May I have the honor of seeing it?"

Serena, you have come at the wrong time—it's past lotus season. But if you want to see it, I'll take you now." Princess Vivian smiled warmly, calling Serena by name as if they were close. Her calm, gentle smile made it impossible to dislike her.

Serena thanked her and motioned for Princess Vivian to lead the way, falling a step behind.

Prince Nolan and Serena walked side by side, deliberately slowing their pace to widen the distance between themselves and Princess Vivian.

When they were three steps apart, Prince Nolan finally asked, "Why are you here?" His tone made it sound like he had no idea Serena would come.

What, did I ruin your plans?" Serena turned her head, smiling, but her eyes held no warmth.

If they're ruined, so be it," Prince Nolan replied ambiguously, his inscrutable expression making it hard for Serena to guess what he meant.

Serena wanted to ask for clarification, but Princess Vivian interrupted: "Serena, are you all right? Have you been traveling so long you're exhausted? Shall I have a sedan chair brought for you?"

It sounded considerate, but in reality, she was implying Serena was clinging too closely to Prince Nolan.

Serena pretended not to understand, lowered her head shyly, and said, "Please don't tease me, Princess Vivian. I'm not some pampered noble—this walk is nothing. It's just that I haven't seen Prince Nolan in a long time, and he's asking me some things."

While speaking, Serena didn't forget to glance shyly at Prince Nolan—a look full of sweetness and joy after their long-awaited reunion.

Serena had no qualms about showing affection in public.

Princess Vivian found the scene unbearable, but Prince Nolan added, "Princess Vivian, go on ahead. Serena and I will join you soon."

Prince Nolan clearly thought Princess Vivian was a third wheel, ruining his time alone with Serena. If Vivian weren't so self-controlled, she'd probably be fuming.

Princess Vivian lowered her gaze and smiled faintly. "How forgetful of me. Prince Nolan and Serena have much to catch up on—I won't disturb you. I'll go ahead and get things ready."

Prince Nolan responded with a nod, his expression all but saying: At least you know your place.

Princess Vivian was so angry her veins stood out, but she kept smiling. Only her clenched fists betrayed her true feelings.